326 incidents of violence against women and children in May as rape cases rise: MSF

Incidents of violence against women and children in the country increased in May, according to a report by the Human Rights Culture Foundation (MSF). The findings were published in the organisation's gender-based violence monitoring report on Sunday, May 31.

According to the report, there were 312 incidents of violence against women and children in April, which rose to 326 in May .

Rape cases increased from 54 to 78 in one month, a rise of approximately 44 per cent. Gang rape incidents rose from 14 to 16, while murders after rape increased from 2 to 6. Sexual harassment also saw a slight rise .

MSF said the upward trend in sexual violence against women and children raises concerns over social security, impunity and the effectiveness of law enforcement. It also indicates the vulnerable position of women and children in society .

Online gambling and drug-related crimes have emerged as new risks. In May, one person died and five were arrested in online gambling incidents . During the same period, four people were killed, 19 injured and 15 arrested in drug-related incidents .

The nature of violence against women and children is becoming increasingly complex and multidimensional. While some forms of public violence have declined, sexual violence, digital crimes and various indicators of social decay are rising at an alarming rate, the organisation said .