Oro reports rise in abuse

THERE is an increase in the number of battered women in Northern, the Oro family and sexual violence action committee has reported.
The committee said the number of women being physically and sexually abused by their husbands had increased.
However, it was concerned that the law enforcement agencies like the police were turning a blind eye on their dilemma.
In a statement released by the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council last week, the Oro committee revealed alarming statistics of violence against women which also included sexual harassment and rapes.
It reported that 58 women were subjected to physical assaults between last month and Sept 2, while 43 were verbally threatened or insulted and seven were sexually harassed and six became victims of rape.
“The alarming rate of wife beatings reported to the authorities in August must not be allowed to escalate in September,” the committee said in the statement.
“The cases reported to police do not draw much attention as the hierarchy in the establishment could not see the seriousness of these issues affecting women, especially when it involves mothers and children.”
The Oro FSVAC reported that many women had given up going to police because they were of no help, citing logistical problems like transport to bring in the perpetrators.
“It is clear that the authorities are not doing enough and, therefore, issues affecting the rights and freedom of women and children are at risk,” the committee stated.
The Oro FSVAC had called on the police hierarchy to establish a family and sexual violence unit in Popondetta.