Violence Against Women on the Rise in Punjab, Pakistan

Rising violence against women in Punjab, Pakistan has become a pressing concern, with 2,802 incidents reported between July and December 2010, according to the Aurat Foundation. The bi-annual report reveals a disturbing trend in urban areas, where the ratio of incidents involving abduction, killing for honour, murder, sexual assault, and domestic violence has seen an upward pattern. The report highlights the severity of the issue, stating that five women were kidnapped, two raped, and one committed suicide per day during this period.

Key Takeaways:

2,802 incidents of violence against women were reported in Punjab between July and December 2010.
The ratio of incidents involving abduction, killing for honour, murder, sexual assault, and domestic violence has seen an upward pattern in urban areas.
3,227 individuals were victimised, of which 3,037 were women and 190 men.
1,704 victims were unmarried, 1,156 were married, 38 were divorced, 60 were widows, while 269 victims' marital status could not be ascertained.
436 women and 45 men were murdered in 385 murder incidents.
134 women and 23 men were victimised in 122 incidents of honour killing.
373 women were victimised in 364 incidents of rape/gang rape.
81 incidents of sexual assault were reported, in which 7 incidents involved close relatives assaulting women in their families.
128 incidents of suicide resulted from domestic violence.
31 incidents of burning and acid throwing were recorded.
The ratio of incidents of violence against women had reached alarming proportions in urban areas, with 1,433 incidents recorded in urban areas and 1,327 in rural areas.

Statistics:

88% of crimes were reported through FIRs, 9% remained unreported, and 3% without any solid information.
436 women and 45 men were murdered in 385 murder incidents.
134 women and 23 men were victimised in 122 incidents of honour killing.
373 women were victimised in 364 incidents of rape/gang rape.
81 incidents of sexual assault were reported.
128 incidents of suicide resulted from domestic violence.
31 incidents of burning and acid throwing were recorded.

Sources:

Aurat Foundation's bi-annual report 2010

Hindustan Times, Lahore, Jan. 19, 2011