When it comes to barbarity, women often find themselves on the receiving end in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The coronavirus lockdown has made the sufferings rise that women experience in this country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-records-2145-new-cases-total-tally-reaches-257914-313688">Pakistan's records 2,145 new cases; total tally reaches 257,914</a>

"Many families realise too late that a divorced daughter is better than a dead daughter," Khadija Siddiqi, a victim of gender-based violence, said, reported DW.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2-stories-that-expose-patriarchy-in-pakistan-312420#:~:text=Your%20video%20will%20be%20available,Zahra%20Shah%20%26%20Sadaf%20Zahra%20Naqvi./embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-consular-access-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-in-pakistan-313675#:~:text=India%20has%20got%20consular%20access,and%20wife%20to%20meet%20him.">India gets consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan</a>

Siddiqi, a lawyer herself, says that domestic violence has increased greatly during the coronavirus pandemic as the women were forced to compromise even more due to financial difficulties.&nbsp;

Right organisations believe women who are involved in the informal sector suffered the most because of domestic violence as many became unemployed which forced them to stay longer in their small homes, thereby facing the wrath of abusive family members.&nbsp;

"Recently, a woman was beaten up by her husband because she needed money for sanitary napkins. Before COVID-19, she could go out to purchase second-hand clothes to use them as pads but now she can't leave home," Arya Indirias Patras, a researcher on gender studies, said.&nbsp;

There was a 25 per cent rise in domestic violence incidents in Pakistan during the lockdown across the eastern Punjab province, with officials registering 3,217 cases between March and May, as per government figures.&nbsp;

Pakistan ranks sixth in the list of world's most dangerous nations for women.

Various media reports said over 51,241 cases of violence against women were registered between January 2011 and June 2017. Despite a high number of such incidents, the conviction rates remain low as only 2.5 per cent of cases end up in conviction.&nbsp;

Government measures to tackle these incidents generally fail and by and large only rights organisations are able to provide the necessary help to the victims.&nbsp;

Sabahat Riaz, a rights lawyer for women working at the Dastak shelter, said the helpline number calls have nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic, adding that earlier calls were basically from young women, but now even elderly complain of violence.&nbsp;

She also said government-run organisations are not adequately trained to deal with such cases and police discourage victims to register cases.&nbsp;

"Police officials are generally not gender-sensitized. They also view domestic abuse as a private dispute and discourage victims to report," she said.

Not just the adult women, even children experienced domestic violence during the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

"There is a hierarchy of violence in frustrated families. The in-laws and husband are violent with the wife, who takes out her anger on children," Ruhi Ghani, a psychologist, said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

When it comes to barbarity, women often find themselves on the receiving end in Pakistan. The coronavirus lockdown has made the sufferings rise that women experience in this country.

When it comes to barbarity, women often find themselves on the receiving end in Pakistan. The coronavirus lockdown has made the sufferings rise that women experience in this country. Also read | Pakistan's records 2,145 new cases; total tally reaches 257,914 "Many families realise too late that a divorced daughter is better than a dead daughter," Khadija Siddiqi, a victim of gender-based violence, said, reported DW. Watch | Also read | India gets consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan Siddiqi, a lawyer herself, says that domestic violence has increased greatly during the coronavirus pandemic as the women were forced to compromise even more due to financial difficulties. Right organisations believe women who are involved in the informal sector suffered the most because of domestic violence as many became unemployed which forced them to stay longer in their small homes, thereby facing the wrath of abusive family members. "Recently, a woman was beaten up by her husband because she needed money for sanitary napkins. Before COVID-19, she could go out to purchase second-hand clothes to use them as pads but now she can't leave home," Arya Indirias Patras, a researcher on gender studies, said. There was a 25 per cent rise in domestic violence incidents in Pakistan during the lockdown across the eastern Punjab province, with officials registering 3,217 cases between March and May, as per government figures. Pakistan ranks sixth in the list of world's most dangerous nations for women. Various media reports said over 51,241 cases of violence against women were registered between January 2011 and June 2017. Despite a high number of such incidents, the conviction rates remain low as only 2.5 per cent of cases end up in conviction. Government measures to tackle these incidents generally fail and by and large only rights organisations are able to provide the necessary help to the victims. Sabahat Riaz, a rights lawyer for women working at the Dastak shelter, said the helpline number calls have nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic, adding that earlier calls were basically from young women, but now even elderly complain of violence. She also said government-run organisations are not adequately trained to deal with such cases and police discourage victims to register cases. "Police officials are generally not gender-sensitized. They also view domestic abuse as a private dispute and discourage victims to report," she said. Not just the adult women, even children experienced domestic violence during the coronavirus crisis. "There is a hierarchy of violence in frustrated families. The in-laws and husband are violent with the wife, who takes out her anger on children," Ruhi Ghani, a psychologist, said.

Domestic violence: Coronavirus, not the only battle being fought by women in Pakistan

China witnessed a spike in domestic violence during the pandemic. But, its anti-domestic violence law proved ineffective. So, a Chinese city is creating a domestic violence database. Authorities say this will help a woman know what kind of man she is going to marry. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese city creates a domestic violence database

A city in China’s eastern Zhejiang province has established the country’s first database allowing engaged couples to check if their partner has a history of domestic violence.

The city of Yiwu is set to unveil the database at&nbsp;marriage registration offices on July 1.&nbsp;

Six government departments including the municipal court, the police and a local branch of the All-China Women’s Federation and Yiwu’s information office have joined forces in the initiative.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-covid-19-lockdown-turns-into-captivity-for-many-women-290213">Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women</a>

“It’s common that married couples find out their spouse has violence tendencies only after getting married,” Zhou Danying, vice chairman of Yiwu Women’s Federation told state media The Paper, explaining the rationale behind the reform.

&nbsp;The database includes data from nationwide offences and includes offenders ho are not from Yiwu.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mandatory-divorce-cooling-off-period-meets-with-outrage-in-china-301628">Mandatory divorce 'cooling-off' period meets with outrage in China</a>

At first it was designed only to include histories of abuse against romantic partners, but it has now expanded to encompass abuse of parents and&nbsp;siblings.

The platform, which is updated in real-time,&nbsp;holds&nbsp;information on offences since 2017.&nbsp;

To prevent users abusing the database and protect people’s privacy, individuals who want to access the service needs to show proof their romantic relationship is genuine.

Individuals are limited to use the system up to twice a year and searching no more two partners in the year.

Domestic violence has received more attention in China recently. The country passed its first law against domestic violence in 2016 and more women have since exposed their abusive partners and shared their stories on social media.

A city in China’s eastern Zhejiang province has established the country’s first database allowing engaged couples to check if their partner has a history of domestic violence.

A city in China’s eastern Zhejiang province has established the country’s first database allowing engaged couples to check if their partner has a history of domestic violence. The city of Yiwu is set to unveil the database at marriage registration offices on July 1. Six government departments including the municipal court, the police and a local branch of the All-China Women’s Federation and Yiwu’s information office have joined forces in the initiative. Also read: Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women “It’s common that married couples find out their spouse has violence tendencies only after getting married,” Zhou Danying, vice chairman of Yiwu Women’s Federation told state media The Paper, explaining the rationale behind the reform. The database includes data from nationwide offences and includes offenders ho are not from Yiwu. Also read: Mandatory divorce 'cooling-off' period meets with outrage in China At first it was designed only to include histories of abuse against romantic partners, but it has now expanded to encompass abuse of parents and siblings. The platform, which is updated in real-time, holds information on offences since 2017. To prevent users abusing the database and protect people’s privacy, individuals who want to access the service needs to show proof their romantic relationship is genuine. Individuals are limited to use the system up to twice a year and searching no more two partners in the year. Domestic violence has received more attention in China recently. The country passed its first law against domestic violence in 2016 and more women have since exposed their abusive partners and shared their stories on social media.

Chinese city launches domestic violence database for couples considering marriage

As the reported cases of domestic violence against women continue to rise globally, microblogging platform Twitter has launched a dedicated search prompt that will direct people looking for domestic violence-related keywords towards relevant information and sources of help on Twitter.

According to the company statement, this feature will be available on iOS, Android, and on mobile.twitter.com in India in English and Hindi languages.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sufficient-measures-present-to-safeguard-domestic-violence-victims-during-lockdown-aap-govt-to-hc-293292">Also Read: Sufficient measures present to safeguard domestic violence victims: AAP govt to HC</a>

With this initiative, Twitter has expanded #ThereIsHelp prompt, which was started to provide credible information on critical issues.

Data shows that since the coronavirus outbreak, violence against women and girls has intensified across the globe. The lockdown may help keep women safe from the coronavirus, but it has pushed thousands of them into something equally grievous. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-covid-19-lockdown-turns-into-captivity-for-many-women-290213">Also Read: Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women</a> 
 
According to a recent report by UN Women, 243 million women and girls aged 15-49 globally have been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence perpetrated by an intimate partner in the past 12 months.

Twitter said the National Commission for Women (NCW)&nbsp;has recorded more than two-fold rise in gender-based violence in the lockdown period in India.

 
(With inputs from PTI)

As the reported cases of domestic violence against women continue to rise globally, microblogging platform Twitter has launched a dedicated search prompt that will direct people looking for domestic violence-related keywords towards relevant information and sources of help on Twitter.

As the reported cases of domestic violence against women continue to rise globally, microblogging platform Twitter has launched a dedicated search prompt that will direct people looking for domestic violence-related keywords towards relevant information and sources of help on Twitter. According to the company statement, this feature will be available on iOS, Android, and on mobile.twitter.com in India in English and Hindi languages. Also Read: Sufficient measures present to safeguard domestic violence victims: AAP govt to HC With this initiative, Twitter has expanded #ThereIsHelp prompt, which was started to provide credible information on critical issues. Data shows that since the coronavirus outbreak, violence against women and girls has intensified across the globe. The lockdown may help keep women safe from the coronavirus, but it has pushed thousands of them into something equally grievous. Also Read: Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women According to a recent report by UN Women, 243 million women and girls aged 15-49 globally have been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence perpetrated by an intimate partner in the past 12 months. Twitter said the National Commission for Women (NCW) has recorded more than two-fold rise in gender-based violence in the lockdown period in India. (With inputs from PTI)

As cases of domestic violence shoot up amid COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter launches dedicated tool to help people combat the menace

The domestic violence spikes in Latin America amid the lockdown due to pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Fineprint: Domestic violence spikes in Latin America amid COVID-19 lockdown

The AAP government and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) have told the Delhi High Court that there are sufficient measures in place to safeguard victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown in the country.

The submission was made before a bench of justices JR Midha and Jyoti Singh which was hearing via video conferencing an NGO's plea claiming that there was an increasing in number of domestic violence incidents since the nation was put under lockdown and sought an urgent intervention by the court.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/switzerland-mountain-lights-up-indian-flag-to-express-solidarity-in-fight-against-coronavirus-293286">Switzerland mountain lights up Indian flag to express solidarity in fight against coronavirus</a>

The NGO -- All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice (AICHLS) -- in its plea has sought safeguarding measures for the victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has infected 14,378 people and claimed 480 lives in India.

The Women and Child Development Department, represented by Delhi government's additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose and advocate Urvi Mohan, told the court that sufficient facilities were available to house victims of domestic violence and children in need of care and protection.

The department also said there are 24x7 helplines in place and when a complaint is received, rescue of the victim(s) is carried out immediately.

The DCW, represented by advocate Rajshekhar Rao, told the court that the volume of calls on its helpline - 181 - has gone down after April 1.

However, there was a spike in call volume between March 26 and March 31, but it was largely for seeking clarity in relation to the imposition of the lockdown.

Normally, on an average, the DCW receives around 1500-1800 calls, it told the court.

The submissions were made on notes placed before the bench by the department and the DCW on Friday.

The court, thereafter, listed the matter for further hearing on Saturday afternoon.

The DCW, in its note, has also said that analysis of the calls received on its helpline during the lockdown indicated no rising trend in domestic violence cases.

"On the contrary, the number of cases reported to the helpline has decreased. While no definite conclusion can be drawn, this is probably due to the circumspection on the part of victims in reporting such incidents due to the presence of the perpetrators in the house and the fear of further violence if such attempts to report were made known to the perpetrator," the commission said.

It has also said in its note that the cases of molestation, sexual assault and stalking, etc. have decreased manifold presumably since a large number of these incidents take place outside the domestic setting and by third parties".

"The reported cases of rapes have also decreased by 71 per cent (approx.) again presumably due to the perpetrators being third parties and the location of the attacks being outside the household. Kidnapping cases reported to the helpline has also seen a fall of more than 90 per cent," the commission said in its note.

The NGO, in its plea, has contended that incidents of domestic violence and child abuse have gripped not only India, but countries such as Australia, the UK and the US, and the reports suggest that countries are witnessing a horrific surge in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns.

The plea has claimed that the helpline numbers across the country have received about 92,000 calls based on domestic abuse and violence in the first 11 days of the lockdown alone, and sought to appoint nodal officers to attend such distress calls.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The AAP government and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) have told the Delhi High Court that there are sufficient measures in place to safeguard victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown in the country.

The AAP government and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) have told the Delhi High Court that there are sufficient measures in place to safeguard victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown in the country. The submission was made before a bench of justices JR Midha and Jyoti Singh which was hearing via video conferencing an NGO's plea claiming that there was an increasing in number of domestic violence incidents since the nation was put under lockdown and sought an urgent intervention by the court. Also read | Switzerland mountain lights up Indian flag to express solidarity in fight against coronavirus The NGO -- All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice (AICHLS) -- in its plea has sought safeguarding measures for the victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has infected 14,378 people and claimed 480 lives in India. The Women and Child Development Department, represented by Delhi government's additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose and advocate Urvi Mohan, told the court that sufficient facilities were available to house victims of domestic violence and children in need of care and protection. The department also said there are 24x7 helplines in place and when a complaint is received, rescue of the victim(s) is carried out immediately. The DCW, represented by advocate Rajshekhar Rao, told the court that the volume of calls on its helpline - 181 - has gone down after April 1. However, there was a spike in call volume between March 26 and March 31, but it was largely for seeking clarity in relation to the imposition of the lockdown. Normally, on an average, the DCW receives around 1500-1800 calls, it told the court. The submissions were made on notes placed before the bench by the department and the DCW on Friday. The court, thereafter, listed the matter for further hearing on Saturday afternoon. The DCW, in its note, has also said that analysis of the calls received on its helpline during the lockdown indicated no rising trend in domestic violence cases. "On the contrary, the number of cases reported to the helpline has decreased. While no definite conclusion can be drawn, this is probably due to the circumspection on the part of victims in reporting such incidents due to the presence of the perpetrators in the house and the fear of further violence if such attempts to report were made known to the perpetrator," the commission said. It has also said in its note that the cases of molestation, sexual assault and stalking, etc. have decreased manifold presumably since a large number of these incidents take place outside the domestic setting and by third parties". "The reported cases of rapes have also decreased by 71 per cent (approx.) again presumably due to the perpetrators being third parties and the location of the attacks being outside the household. Kidnapping cases reported to the helpline has also seen a fall of more than 90 per cent," the commission said in its note. The NGO, in its plea, has contended that incidents of domestic violence and child abuse have gripped not only India, but countries such as Australia, the UK and the US, and the reports suggest that countries are witnessing a horrific surge in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns. The plea has claimed that the helpline numbers across the country have received about 92,000 calls based on domestic abuse and violence in the first 11 days of the lockdown alone, and sought to appoint nodal officers to attend such distress calls.

Sufficient measures present to safeguard domestic violence victims during lockdown: AAP govt to HC

A woman in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district allegedly threw her five children into the Ganga following a tiff with her husband.

The bodies of Aarti and Saraswati, aged 12 and 10, were fished out by divers and efforts are on to trace Maateshwari, Shivshankar and Keshav Prasad.

Manju and her husband Mridul Yadav often quarrelled but this time she threw her children into the river in Jahangirabad village here, Superintendent of Police Ram Badan Singh said.

After throwing her children, she sat at the ghat until morning and informed the villagers about the incident.

It's believed when the woman came to the ghat on Saturday evening, her children raised an alarm but the fishermen there fled believing her to be a witch.

The district magistrate denied reports that the woman threw the children into the river because she could not find food during the ongoing lockdown.

A woman in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district allegedly threw her five children into the Ganga following a tiff with her husband. The bodies of Aarti and Saraswati, aged 12 and 10, were fished out by divers and efforts are on to trace Maateshwari, Shivshankar and Keshav Prasad.

A woman in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district allegedly threw her five children into the Ganga following a tiff with her husband. The bodies of Aarti and Saraswati, aged 12 and 10, were fished out by divers and efforts are on to trace Maateshwari, Shivshankar and Keshav Prasad. Manju and her husband Mridul Yadav often quarrelled but this time she threw her children into the river in Jahangirabad village here, Superintendent of Police Ram Badan Singh said. After throwing her children, she sat at the ghat until morning and informed the villagers about the incident. It's believed when the woman came to the ghat on Saturday evening, her children raised an alarm but the fishermen there fled believing her to be a witch. The district magistrate denied reports that the woman threw the children into the river because she could not find food during the ongoing lockdown.

Woman in UP throws five children into river Ganga after argument with husband

The number of victims of domestic violence is rising amid a global lockdown. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the world must reach out to those susceptible to physical abuse.

Gravitas: Global rise in violence against women during lockdown

On March 8 thousands of women marched through the streets of Paris. They called for greater equality between men and women in France. A week later — the entire country went into lockdown.&nbsp;

These women were confined to their homes to save them from a deadly virus. But they are dealing with a bigger threat behind closed doors. Physical and sexual abuse by their partners and family members.

The French interior ministry has reported a &nbsp;30% jump in cases of domestic violence. In Paris alone — the cases have risen by 36%.

The women say — that financial instability amid the lockdown is making things worse for them.&nbsp;

The French govt has sprung into action. It is bearing the cost of 20,000 hotel bookings for victims of abuse. And has set aside 1 million Euros for organizations that fight domestic violence. The situation in France has put into spotlight stories of horror from around the world.

In Catalonia — the regional government says that emergency calls to its women helplines rose by 20% within a few days of confinement.

In Spain — chilling reports of femicide have emerged. A 35-year-old mother of two was murdered by her partner last week. In Italy, activists say they are receiving desperate texts and emails for help by women who can't step out. In Brazil — women's rights councils have confirmed a 40% surge in cases of domestic abuse in the last month.&nbsp;

In Australia — the prime minister himself has confirmed a 75% rise in Google searches for help amid the lockdown.

In China, rights organisations have reported a threefold increase in domestic violence since the lockdown began.&nbsp;

And in India — 257 cases of domestic abuse have been reported online between 23rd march and 1st april. The lockdown may help keep women safe from the coronavirus. But it has pushed thousands of them into something equally grievous.

During this global health crisis — let's take the responsibility to reach out to our friends and loved ones who you think could be susceptible to abuse at their homes.

On March 8 thousands of women marched through the streets of Paris. They called for greater equality between men and women in France. A week later — the entire country went into lockdown.

On March 8 thousands of women marched through the streets of Paris. They called for greater equality between men and women in France. A week later — the entire country went into lockdown. These women were confined to their homes to save them from a deadly virus. But they are dealing with a bigger threat behind closed doors. Physical and sexual abuse by their partners and family members. The French interior ministry has reported a 30% jump in cases of domestic violence. In Paris alone — the cases have risen by 36%. The women say — that financial instability amid the lockdown is making things worse for them. The French govt has sprung into action. It is bearing the cost of 20,000 hotel bookings for victims of abuse. And has set aside 1 million Euros for organizations that fight domestic violence. The situation in France has put into spotlight stories of horror from around the world. In Catalonia — the regional government says that emergency calls to its women helplines rose by 20% within a few days of confinement. In Spain — chilling reports of femicide have emerged. A 35-year-old mother of two was murdered by her partner last week. In Italy, activists say they are receiving desperate texts and emails for help by women who can't step out. In Brazil — women's rights councils have confirmed a 40% surge in cases of domestic abuse in the last month. In Australia — the prime minister himself has confirmed a 75% rise in Google searches for help amid the lockdown. In China, rights organisations have reported a threefold increase in domestic violence since the lockdown began. And in India — 257 cases of domestic abuse have been reported online between 23rd march and 1st april. The lockdown may help keep women safe from the coronavirus. But it has pushed thousands of them into something equally grievous. During this global health crisis — let's take the responsibility to reach out to our friends and loved ones who you think could be susceptible to abuse at their homes.

Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women

In Pakistan, which has become a hell for women's freedom in the world, there is a clamour for the 'Women's March'. Often women who have been victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment and forced marriage have started protest.

Pakistan: Hearing on case against the 'Aurat March' at Islamabad High Court

From 'Agni Sakshi' to 'Thappad', films that have dealt with domestic violence

The first law on domestic violence was passed just 40 years back. Domestic violence is something that can also impact a country's economy.

A new World Bank report on domestic violence throws light on some startling facts.

The World Bank's group project 'Women, Business and the Law' has analysed five decades of data to track the global progress in the enactment of domestic violence legislation.

What began with Ireland in 1981, 155 countries have now introduced domestic violence legislation.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/75-of-children-die-in-mass-shootings-in-us-were-victims-of-domestic-violence-report-263699">75% of children died in mass shootings in US were victims of domestic violence</a>

Over the past two years, eight countries including the UAE, Armenia, Burkina Faso and Morocco have adopted laws on domestic violence for the first time.

While 80 per cent of countries provide legal protection to women, 35 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime by an intimate partner.&nbsp;

137 women across the world are murdered by a member of their family every day.&nbsp;

According to the report titled 'Pointing the finger at domestic violence', women suffering domestic violence are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-650000-sign-russia-petition-to-boost-domestic-violence-law-239456">Over 650,000 sign Russia petition to boost domestic violence law</a>

Their daughters are more likely to be abused by their partners and their sons more likely to become abusers themselves.

Interestingly, women's safety is as crucial to the economy as it is to women themselves.

Taking into account costs borne by women and their countries due to expenditure on health care, legal, housing, and social services.

The economic cost of domestic violence has been estimated to correspond to about 4.4 trillion dollars or 5.2 per cent of global GDP.

Today, 35 countries in every region of the world still lack legislation aimed at protecting women from violence.

The first law on domestic violence was passed just 40 years back. Domestic violence is something that can also impact a country's economy. A new World Bank report on domestic violence throws light on some startling facts.

The first law on domestic violence was passed just 40 years back. Domestic violence is something that can also impact a country's economy. A new World Bank report on domestic violence throws light on some startling facts. The World Bank's group project 'Women, Business and the Law' has analysed five decades of data to track the global progress in the enactment of domestic violence legislation. What began with Ireland in 1981, 155 countries have now introduced domestic violence legislation. Also read: 75% of children died in mass shootings in US were victims of domestic violence Over the past two years, eight countries including the UAE, Armenia, Burkina Faso and Morocco have adopted laws on domestic violence for the first time. While 80 per cent of countries provide legal protection to women, 35 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime by an intimate partner. 137 women across the world are murdered by a member of their family every day. According to the report titled 'Pointing the finger at domestic violence', women suffering domestic violence are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Also read: Over 650,000 sign Russia petition to boost domestic violence law Their daughters are more likely to be abused by their partners and their sons more likely to become abusers themselves. Interestingly, women's safety is as crucial to the economy as it is to women themselves. Taking into account costs borne by women and their countries due to expenditure on health care, legal, housing, and social services. The economic cost of domestic violence has been estimated to correspond to about 4.4 trillion dollars or 5.2 per cent of global GDP. Today, 35 countries in every region of the world still lack legislation aimed at protecting women from violence.

Domestic violence: World Bank report puts forth shocking revelations 

Violence against women is a major public health problem that affects the physical, sexual, mental, and social wellbeing of more than one third of all women globally.

Your Story: Pointing the finger at domestic Violence

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year.

In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic colour used by the women's rights movement.

President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest.

"I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual violence. Count on me to continue the mobilisation of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
J’adresse mon soutien à chaque femme qui a vécu des violences sexistes ou sexuelles. 
Comptez sur moi pour poursuivre la mobilisation du gouvernement et de la Nation entière dans cette grande cause. 
Besoin de l’engagement de chacun(e) pour <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeRienLaisserPasser?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeRienLaisserPasser</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NousToutes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NousToutes</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1198313852561174529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Some 35,000 people participated in the march in Paris, police said.

The #NousToutes association, which organised the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across France.

The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into domestic violence.

The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday.

"We can and we should do better," they wrote.

A Council of Europe expert group on domestic violence (GREVIO) said this week France needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence measures.

"We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris.

Other marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille.

"There is far too much violence against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year. In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic colour used by the women's rights movement. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest. "I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual violence. Count on me to continue the mobilisation of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter. J’adresse mon soutien à chaque femme qui a vécu des violences sexistes ou sexuelles. Comptez sur moi pour poursuivre la mobilisation du gouvernement et de la Nation entière dans cette grande cause. Besoin de l’engagement de chacun(e) pour #NeRienLaisserPasser.#NousToutes — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 23, 2019 × Some 35,000 people participated in the march in Paris, police said. The #NousToutes association, which organised the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across France. The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into domestic violence. The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday. "We can and we should do better," they wrote. A Council of Europe expert group on domestic violence (GREVIO) said this week France needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence measures. "We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris. Other marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille. "There is far too much violence against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

Tens of thousands march in France to condemn domestic violence

A university in Saint-Petersburg on Thursday launched a centre to study domestic violence after a professor murdered and dismembered his girlfriend, sparking criticism of the school.

The Saint Petersburg State University, a prestigious school in Russia's second-largest city, this week fired historian Oleg Sokolov after he confessed to chopping up his former student lover Anastasiya Yeshchenko and disposing of her body.

It came under intense criticism from former students, who said the professor had a history of acting inappropriately and complaints were ignored -- charges the school denied.

On Thursday, the university said it decided to "create a research centre that will study the problem of domestic violence in its entirety."

The university called domestic violence "one of the most urgent social problems of modern times".

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in Russia but efforts by activists to lobby for a specialised law against violence and protect victims have failed. Police do not normally intervene, even in severe cases.&nbsp;

The move by the university to establish the research centre follows accusations it has encouraged an atmosphere for sexual harassment and should have fired Sokolov long before the murder.&nbsp;

A petition to dismiss and investigate several university officials, including the head of its Institute of History where 63-year-old Sokolov worked, has gathered nearly 80,000 signatures.

Sexual relations between faculty and students were "common" at the institute, where the "system" was to "sleep with your instructors and only study the area of their speciality", wrote former student Yulia Balakhonova on Snob.ru website, where she works.

Sokolov "should have been fired long before the murder," she wrote.

Another former student Yulia Chernyavskaya posted a photo of her professor giving her an embrace and kiss on the cheek on Facebook, describing "ordinary sexism" in the department.

"Everybody knows that female students have given birth to the children of several history professors," she wrote, adding it was normal to hear comments about "lovely legs" or "wiggling butts" from lecturers, while one told jokes about rape.

A university in Saint-Petersburg on Thursday launched a centre to study domestic violence after a professor murdered and dismembered his girlfriend, sparking criticism of the school.

A university in Saint-Petersburg on Thursday launched a centre to study domestic violence after a professor murdered and dismembered his girlfriend, sparking criticism of the school. The Saint Petersburg State University, a prestigious school in Russia's second-largest city, this week fired historian Oleg Sokolov after he confessed to chopping up his former student lover Anastasiya Yeshchenko and disposing of her body. It came under intense criticism from former students, who said the professor had a history of acting inappropriately and complaints were ignored -- charges the school denied. On Thursday, the university said it decided to "create a research centre that will study the problem of domestic violence in its entirety." The university called domestic violence "one of the most urgent social problems of modern times". Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in Russia but efforts by activists to lobby for a specialised law against violence and protect victims have failed. Police do not normally intervene, even in severe cases. The move by the university to establish the research centre follows accusations it has encouraged an atmosphere for sexual harassment and should have fired Sokolov long before the murder. A petition to dismiss and investigate several university officials, including the head of its Institute of History where 63-year-old Sokolov worked, has gathered nearly 80,000 signatures. Sexual relations between faculty and students were "common" at the institute, where the "system" was to "sleep with your instructors and only study the area of their speciality", wrote former student Yulia Balakhonova on Snob.ru website, where she works. Sokolov "should have been fired long before the murder," she wrote. Another former student Yulia Chernyavskaya posted a photo of her professor giving her an embrace and kiss on the cheek on Facebook, describing "ordinary sexism" in the department. "Everybody knows that female students have given birth to the children of several history professors," she wrote, adding it was normal to hear comments about "lovely legs" or "wiggling butts" from lecturers, while one told jokes about rape.

Russian school to study 'domestic violence' after grisly murder

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe unveiled on Tuesday (September 3) measures to tackle domestic violence, facing a mounting toll and calls for action. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: 100+ french woman killed this year

Cradling her one-year-old daughter in a house in southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-bangladesh-agree-to-start-rohingya-repatriation-next-week-243215">Myanmar</a>, 22-year-old Nu Nu Aye recalled the reasons her husband gave for beating her. She hadn`t looked after his rooster. She wouldn`t have sex with him.

In a meeting brokered by a village elder, he said he would beat her when "necessary". "His abuse got worse after that," she said. Finally, he tried to strangle her while she was sleeping.

In Myanmar, where the US-funded Demographic and Health Survey suggested at least one-fifth of women are abused by a partner - a figure activists say is likely an underestimate because many cases are not reported – there is no specific law against domestic violence.

Women such as Nu Nu Aye, whose account Reuters could not independently verify, usually rely on intervention by local leaders to arrange settlements with partners whose abuse is largely regarded as a private affair.

Activists hope the first National Prevention and Protection of Violence Against Women law, which the government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been working on, will give women more protection from violence, including domestic abuse.

But the law, first proposed in 2013, remains stuck in the drafting stage, its provisions debated and revised over issues such as whether to outlaw marital rape.

The delays are a growing source of frustration for activists disappointed by the sluggish pace of reforms in an area entirely under the control of the civilian government, which rules with the military in an awkward power-sharing arrangement.

"We have been waiting too long for this law and are still waiting," said one of the activists, Nang Phyu Phyu Lin.

The Ministry for Social Welfare and Resettlement did not respond to questions sent by Reuters and did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

"No protection"

Socially conservative and male-dominated, Myanmar lived under military rule for half a century until the election of the first fully civilian government in 2015.&nbsp;

With the obvious exception of Suu Kyi, women are largely absent from public leadership roles - there are no other women in the cabinet and just 10 per cent of lawmakers elected in 2015 were female.

A local saying, sometimes used in jest and sometimes seriously, posits, "If you beat your wife until her bones are broken, she will love with all her heart."

Myanmar`s Penal Code, which dates back to the British colonial era, is vague and rarely used to prosecute cases of domestic violence. Its definition of rape is narrow and excludes marital rape.

"There is no protection as a woman in Myanmar society," one 28-year-old woman, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told Reuters.&nbsp;

When arguing with her husband over his drug use, she was forced to protect herself and her baby son with a kitchen knife, she said. "I didn`t know who to call for help."

Enforcement of the law is especially weak in conservative rural areas, where women are often regarded as the property of their husbands, activists say.

Of 27 cases of domestic violence reported to police in southeastern Karen state in recent years, for example, just one reached the courts, said Naw Htoo Htoo, the programme director at Karen Human Rights Defenders. The other cases were settled by a village elder, imposing "little or no fine" on perpetrators, she said, adding that those reported likely represent just a fraction of the total number cases.&nbsp;

In Dawei, a sleepy coastal town further to the south, 31-year-old Kyu Kyu Win recalled how her husband, accusing her of flirting with other men, dragged her along the ground by her hair. "If we have to stay together again, I will kill myself," she said.

As she spoke, her brother interrupted. "I don`t believe her," he said. "Why do people always talk about women`s rights? What about men`s rights?"

Local police often ignore or play down complaints of domestic abuse, said Nu Nu Hlaing, the general secretary of the Tavoyan Women`s Union, which runs one of the country`s nine safe houses in the town.

Police at the two stations in Dawei declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

"Duties after marriage"

During discussions between government officials and women`s rights activists drafting the Prevention of Violence Against Women Law, both men and women disputed whether rape within marriage should be a crime, several people present in the meetings said.

"They said this is one of our duties after marriage, whether we like it or not," said Pansy Tun Thein, an activist on the drafting committee.&nbsp;

Some men questioned what the problem was with a man hitting his wife, said May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network, another member of the committee.

Three activists said the draft has been approved by the attorney general's office and would likely pass, but a date for debate in parliament has not been set. The attorney-general`s office did not return a request for comment from Reuters.

Under the current draft, they said, marital rape would finally be outlawed. The pending law would also include guarantees of services for survivors of domestic violence, such as legal and medical support and access to safe houses.&nbsp;

In the meantime, Nu Nu Aye and her baby daughter are sheltering at the home of two elderly women. "She can stay as long as she wants," one of the women, Po Kyi, said. "We have deep sympathy for her, as we are women."

Cradling her one-year-old daughter in a house in southern Myanmar, 22-year-old Nu Nu Aye recalled the reasons her husband gave for beating her. She hadn`t looked after his rooster.

Cradling her one-year-old daughter in a house in southern Myanmar, 22-year-old Nu Nu Aye recalled the reasons her husband gave for beating her. She hadn`t looked after his rooster. She wouldn`t have sex with him. In a meeting brokered by a village elder, he said he would beat her when "necessary". "His abuse got worse after that," she said. Finally, he tried to strangle her while she was sleeping. In Myanmar, where the US-funded Demographic and Health Survey suggested at least one-fifth of women are abused by a partner - a figure activists say is likely an underestimate because many cases are not reported – there is no specific law against domestic violence. Women such as Nu Nu Aye, whose account Reuters could not independently verify, usually rely on intervention by local leaders to arrange settlements with partners whose abuse is largely regarded as a private affair. Activists hope the first National Prevention and Protection of Violence Against Women law, which the government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been working on, will give women more protection from violence, including domestic abuse. But the law, first proposed in 2013, remains stuck in the drafting stage, its provisions debated and revised over issues such as whether to outlaw marital rape. The delays are a growing source of frustration for activists disappointed by the sluggish pace of reforms in an area entirely under the control of the civilian government, which rules with the military in an awkward power-sharing arrangement. "We have been waiting too long for this law and are still waiting," said one of the activists, Nang Phyu Phyu Lin. The Ministry for Social Welfare and Resettlement did not respond to questions sent by Reuters and did not answer phone calls seeking comment. "No protection" Socially conservative and male-dominated, Myanmar lived under military rule for half a century until the election of the first fully civilian government in 2015. With the obvious exception of Suu Kyi, women are largely absent from public leadership roles - there are no other women in the cabinet and just 10 per cent of lawmakers elected in 2015 were female. A local saying, sometimes used in jest and sometimes seriously, posits, "If you beat your wife until her bones are broken, she will love with all her heart." Myanmar`s Penal Code, which dates back to the British colonial era, is vague and rarely used to prosecute cases of domestic violence. Its definition of rape is narrow and excludes marital rape. "There is no protection as a woman in Myanmar society," one 28-year-old woman, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told Reuters. When arguing with her husband over his drug use, she was forced to protect herself and her baby son with a kitchen knife, she said. "I didn`t know who to call for help." Enforcement of the law is especially weak in conservative rural areas, where women are often regarded as the property of their husbands, activists say. Of 27 cases of domestic violence reported to police in southeastern Karen state in recent years, for example, just one reached the courts, said Naw Htoo Htoo, the programme director at Karen Human Rights Defenders. The other cases were settled by a village elder, imposing "little or no fine" on perpetrators, she said, adding that those reported likely represent just a fraction of the total number cases. In Dawei, a sleepy coastal town further to the south, 31-year-old Kyu Kyu Win recalled how her husband, accusing her of flirting with other men, dragged her along the ground by her hair. "If we have to stay together again, I will kill myself," she said. As she spoke, her brother interrupted. "I don`t believe her," he said. "Why do people always talk about women`s rights? What about men`s rights?" Local police often ignore or play down complaints of domestic abuse, said Nu Nu Hlaing, the general secretary of the Tavoyan Women`s Union, which runs one of the country`s nine safe houses in the town. Police at the two stations in Dawei declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. "Duties after marriage" During discussions between government officials and women`s rights activists drafting the Prevention of Violence Against Women Law, both men and women disputed whether rape within marriage should be a crime, several people present in the meetings said. "They said this is one of our duties after marriage, whether we like it or not," said Pansy Tun Thein, an activist on the drafting committee. Some men questioned what the problem was with a man hitting his wife, said May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network, another member of the committee. Three activists said the draft has been approved by the attorney general's office and would likely pass, but a date for debate in parliament has not been set. The attorney-general`s office did not return a request for comment from Reuters. Under the current draft, they said, marital rape would finally be outlawed. The pending law would also include guarantees of services for survivors of domestic violence, such as legal and medical support and access to safe houses. In the meantime, Nu Nu Aye and her baby daughter are sheltering at the home of two elderly women. "She can stay as long as she wants," one of the women, Po Kyi, said. "We have deep sympathy for her, as we are women."

'Until her bones are broken': Myanmar activists fight to outlaw domestic violence

Hundreds in Paris take to streets in protest against domestic violence

Teaching boys and girls they are equal in every way encourages domestic violence, Brazil's women's minister said Friday as she urged a return to chivalry.

"Boys need to understand that girls are equal in terms of rights and opportunities, but are different as they're women and they need to be loved and respected as women," said Damares Alves, who was appointed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-jair-bolsonaro-shocks-brazil-with-golden-shower-tweet-201630">far-right President Jair Bolsonaro</a> to lead the ministry for women, families and human rights.

"If they think that boys and girls are equal, as was preached in the past by some 'ideologies,' boys will think 'since girls are equal they can handle being hit.'"

Alves added that boys would be taught that girls "are different physically and need to be loved."

The minister, who is also an evangelical preacher, was presenting a campaign to combat violence against women as part of international women's day.

Alves said the new initiative would teach boys from a young age to respect women by "bringing flowers to girls" or "opening a car door for women."

When appointed she had previously vowed to usher in a new era where "boys will wear blue and girls pink."

She is one of just two women out of 22 ministers in the cabinet of Bolsonaro, who benefitted from the support of the evangelical church in his successful run for president last October.

As part of the campaign against domestic abuse, beauty professionals will be trained to spot signs of domestic violence.

"We're going to train manicurists when they're doing a woman's nails to look for marks on her arms or if she's trembling a lot," said Alves.

"We'll train the hairdressers so that when they lift the hair to brush it they check for marks."

In 2017, 4,539 women were murdered in Brazil, 1,133 of those considered femicide -- meaning they were killed for being women -- according to the public security forum NGO.

It also claimed there were 536 physical assaults against women in Brazil every hour in 2017.

Teaching boys and girls they are equal in every way encourages domestic violence, Brazil's women's minister said Friday as she urged a return to chivalry. "Boys need to understand that girls are equal in terms of rights and opportunities, but are different as they're women and they need to be loved and respected as women," said Damares Alves, who was appointed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to lead the ministry for women, families and human rights.

Teaching boys and girls they are equal in every way encourages domestic violence, Brazil's women's minister said Friday as she urged a return to chivalry. "Boys need to understand that girls are equal in terms of rights and opportunities, but are different as they're women and they need to be loved and respected as women," said Damares Alves, who was appointed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to lead the ministry for women, families and human rights. "If they think that boys and girls are equal, as was preached in the past by some 'ideologies,' boys will think 'since girls are equal they can handle being hit.'" Alves added that boys would be taught that girls "are different physically and need to be loved." The minister, who is also an evangelical preacher, was presenting a campaign to combat violence against women as part of international women's day. Alves said the new initiative would teach boys from a young age to respect women by "bringing flowers to girls" or "opening a car door for women." When appointed she had previously vowed to usher in a new era where "boys will wear blue and girls pink." She is one of just two women out of 22 ministers in the cabinet of Bolsonaro, who benefitted from the support of the evangelical church in his successful run for president last October. As part of the campaign against domestic abuse, beauty professionals will be trained to spot signs of domestic violence. "We're going to train manicurists when they're doing a woman's nails to look for marks on her arms or if she's trembling a lot," said Alves. "We'll train the hairdressers so that when they lift the hair to brush it they check for marks." In 2017, 4,539 women were murdered in Brazil, 1,133 of those considered femicide -- meaning they were killed for being women -- according to the public security forum NGO. It also claimed there were 536 physical assaults against women in Brazil every hour in 2017.

Teaching gender equality encourages domestic violence, says Brazil's women's minister

Inside job: Bosnian policewomen take on abusive husbands

Johnny Depp has claimed that he has fresh evidence to disprove his ex-wife Amber Heard's domestic violence allegations against him.

According to a report by E! Online, Depp is all set to use the evidence in his libel case against 'The Sun,' a UK tabloid which published an article in which the actor was called a 'wife-beater.'

The UK tabloid also went on to criticise writer JK Rowling for allowing the Hollywood actor to continue working in the 'Dangerous Beasts franchise,' despite reports of his alleged abusive behaviour towards Heard.

Asserting that they have found some evidence that will prove Heard's allegations wrong, Adam Waldman, said, "Today we filed a partial list of evidence that we will use to disprove the fraudulent underlying allegations against Depp.

"The former Hollywood couple settled their divorce in 2017 and Depp agreed to pay around 7 million USD, however, Heard ended up donating the money to a charity.

They even issued a joint statement during the time of their divorce, saying, "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm."&nbsp;

Johnny Depp has claimed that he has fresh evidence to disprove his ex-wife Amber Heard's domestic violence allegations against him. According to a report by E! Online, Depp is all set to use the evidence in his libel case against 'The Sun,' a UK tabloid which published an article in which the actor was called a 'wife-beater.

Johnny Depp has claimed that he has fresh evidence to disprove his ex-wife Amber Heard's domestic violence allegations against him. According to a report by E! Online, Depp is all set to use the evidence in his libel case against 'The Sun,' a UK tabloid which published an article in which the actor was called a 'wife-beater.' The UK tabloid also went on to criticise writer JK Rowling for allowing the Hollywood actor to continue working in the 'Dangerous Beasts franchise,' despite reports of his alleged abusive behaviour towards Heard. Asserting that they have found some evidence that will prove Heard's allegations wrong, Adam Waldman, said, "Today we filed a partial list of evidence that we will use to disprove the fraudulent underlying allegations against Depp. "The former Hollywood couple settled their divorce in 2017 and Depp agreed to pay around 7 million USD, however, Heard ended up donating the money to a charity. They even issued a joint statement during the time of their divorce, saying, "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm."

Johnny Depp ready with new evidence to disprove Amber Heard's domestic violence allegations

Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represents adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was arrested in Los Angeles on Wednesday on suspicion of domestic violence.

Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Jeff Lee said no further details were immediately available, but he said Avenatti was released on bail after he was formally booked in the case.

"It will be presented to the district attorney's office just like any other case," Lee said. "They'll take a look at it and see if there's enough evidence to proceed."

The celebrity news website TMZ, which broke the news of Avenatti's arrest, reported that it stemmed from a physical confrontation between him and a woman at an apartment building Tuesday night in the Century City district of Los Angeles.

Avenatti, who has indicated that he might run for president in 2020 as a Democrat, denied wrongdoing in a statement issued through his law firm and in a statement to reporters outside the LAPD West Los Angeles police station following his release.

"I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman. I've been an advocate for women's rights my entire career," he said, adding that he would never "disrespect" his two daughters "by touching a woman inappropriately or striking a woman."

"I look forward to a full investigation at which point I am confident I will be fully exonerated," he added, without taking any questions.

In the statement from his law office, he said, "I have never been physically abusive in my life, nor was I last night. Any accusations to the contrary are fabricated and meant to do harm to my reputation."

Avenatti came to national prominence as the lawyer for Daniels, a porn actress whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, who sued Trump for defamation after he denied her assertion that she had a sexual encounter with him in 2006.

That lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge last month. Daniels has filed a separate lawsuit over a $130,000 hush-money agreement stemming from the alleged encounter.

Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represents adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was arrested in Los Angeles on Wednesday on suspicion of domestic violence.

Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represents adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was arrested in Los Angeles on Wednesday on suspicion of domestic violence. Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Jeff Lee said no further details were immediately available, but he said Avenatti was released on bail after he was formally booked in the case. "It will be presented to the district attorney's office just like any other case," Lee said. "They'll take a look at it and see if there's enough evidence to proceed." The celebrity news website TMZ, which broke the news of Avenatti's arrest, reported that it stemmed from a physical confrontation between him and a woman at an apartment building Tuesday night in the Century City district of Los Angeles. Avenatti, who has indicated that he might run for president in 2020 as a Democrat, denied wrongdoing in a statement issued through his law firm and in a statement to reporters outside the LAPD West Los Angeles police station following his release. "I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman. I've been an advocate for women's rights my entire career," he said, adding that he would never "disrespect" his two daughters "by touching a woman inappropriately or striking a woman." "I look forward to a full investigation at which point I am confident I will be fully exonerated," he added, without taking any questions. In the statement from his law office, he said, "I have never been physically abusive in my life, nor was I last night. Any accusations to the contrary are fabricated and meant to do harm to my reputation." Avenatti came to national prominence as the lawyer for Daniels, a porn actress whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, who sued Trump for defamation after he denied her assertion that she had a sexual encounter with him in 2006. That lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge last month. Daniels has filed a separate lawsuit over a $130,000 hush-money agreement stemming from the alleged encounter.

Stormy Daniels lawyer Avenatti arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of domestic violence

SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich.

When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players.

When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence 
 
?? <a href="https://twitter.com/SerieA_TIM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerieA_TIM</a> <a href="https://t.co/aH6DrKQeWG">pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG</a>
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) <a href="https://twitter.com/en_sscnapoli/status/988131785300201472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.

We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences.

Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.

Seria A teams took part in a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women

SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich. When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players. When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women. The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence ?? @SerieA_TIM pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG — Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) April 22, 2018 × The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse. We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences. Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.

Here is why Buffon, Dybala and other players were playing with red mark on their cheeks

A Delhi court on Monday issued a bailable warrant against AAP leader Somnath Bharti after he failed to appear before it in a domestic violence case filed against him by his wife.&nbspSpecial Judge Arvind Kumar passed the order and directed the accused to appear in court on April 27.&nbspThe Delhi High Court had on March 20 allowed Bharti to settle the dispute with his wife, Lipika Mitra, through mediation after they expressed willingness to settle their differences.

Bharti, former law minister of Delhi, had moved the application in a pending plea filed by his wife against a trial court’s October 7, 2015 order granting him bail in the case.&nbspThe investigators had on April 5, 2016, filed a charge sheet in the trial court in the case, claiming that the woman had alleged that Bharti had endangered the life of an unborn child she was carrying, by unleashing his dog on her.

The MLA from Malviya Nagar assembly, who was granted bail in October 2015 after being in jail for eight days, had denied the allegations.&nbspMitra had on June 10, 2015, lodged a complaint against him with the Delhi Commission for Women and an FIR was lodged by the police on September 9, 2015, for allegedly subjecting her to domestic violence and trying to kill her.&nbspThe AAP leader was arrested in the wee hours of September 29, 2015, after the Supreme Court had ordered him to surrender.

The trial court had granted bail to Bharti on the grounds that he was no longer required for investigation and observing that since he was a member of Delhi Assembly, there was no ground of apprehension that he may flee.

The trial court had granted bail to Bharti on the grounds that he was no longer required for investigation and observing that since he was a member of Delhi Assembly, there was no ground of apprehension that he may flee.

A Delhi court on Monday issued a bailable warrant against AAP leader Somnath Bharti after he failed to appear before it in a domestic violence case filed against him by his wife.&nbspSpecial Judge Arvind Kumar passed the order and directed the accused to appear in court on April 27.&nbspThe Delhi High Court had on March 20 allowed Bharti to settle the dispute with his wife, Lipika Mitra, through mediation after they expressed willingness to settle their differences. Bharti, former law minister of Delhi, had moved the application in a pending plea filed by his wife against a trial court’s October 7, 2015 order granting him bail in the case.&nbspThe investigators had on April 5, 2016, filed a charge sheet in the trial court in the case, claiming that the woman had alleged that Bharti had endangered the life of an unborn child she was carrying, by unleashing his dog on her. The MLA from Malviya Nagar assembly, who was granted bail in October 2015 after being in jail for eight days, had denied the allegations.&nbspMitra had on June 10, 2015, lodged a complaint against him with the Delhi Commission for Women and an FIR was lodged by the police on September 9, 2015, for allegedly subjecting her to domestic violence and trying to kill her.&nbspThe AAP leader was arrested in the wee hours of September 29, 2015, after the Supreme Court had ordered him to surrender. The trial court had granted bail to Bharti on the grounds that he was no longer required for investigation and observing that since he was a member of Delhi Assembly, there was no ground of apprehension that he may flee.

Domestic violence: Court issues warrant against AAP MLA Somnath Bharti

Kolkata Police on Friday booked India pacer Mohammed Shami and four others under various non-bailable and bailable sections after his wife Hasin Jahan lodged a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketer-mohammed-shami-rubbishes-reports-of-extra-marital-affair-34988" target="_blank">complaint of domestic violence</a> and infidelity against the cricketer.

The case was registered under non-bailable sections 307 (attempt to murder), 498-A (subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 376 (punishment for rape), Kolkata Police Joint CP (Crime) Praveen Tripathi said.

The five have also been booked under bailable sections 323 (causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) among others, he said.

&quot;On the basis of the written letter of complaint of Hasin Jahan, a case has been recorded against Mohammed Shami and four others in Jadavpur Police Station,&quot; Tripathi said. 
 
Police, however, declined to divulge details of the four others.

Shami, in posts on his Facebook page and Twitter handle, has claimed that the allegations were false and a conspiracy to defame him.

Shami and four others were also booked under sections 498-A (subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 376 (punishment for rape)

Kolkata Police on Friday booked India pacer Mohammed Shami and four others under various non-bailable and bailable sections after his wife Hasin Jahan lodged a complaint of domestic violence and infidelity against the cricketer. The case was registered under non-bailable sections 307 (attempt to murder), 498-A (subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 376 (punishment for rape), Kolkata Police Joint CP (Crime) Praveen Tripathi said. The five have also been booked under bailable sections 323 (causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) among others, he said. "On the basis of the written letter of complaint of Hasin Jahan, a case has been recorded against Mohammed Shami and four others in Jadavpur Police Station," Tripathi said. Police, however, declined to divulge details of the four others. Shami, in posts on his Facebook page and Twitter handle, has claimed that the allegations were false and a conspiracy to defame him.

Cricketer Mohammed Shami booked for attempt to murder after wife's complaint

Yes, Women&#39;s Day is relevant in India in terms of the potential it has to bring about a change in the mindsets and attitudes towards women.&nbsp;

But in my opinion, the celebration is overrated. In a country where there are female foeticides, dowry deaths, where women do not have access to schools, toilets and sanitary napkins, women&#39;s day is superficial.

Women&#39;s day needs to come as a movement from within the country, like in the West where it began as a movement of advancing the cause of women&#39;s suffrage or the right to vote. We have still been unable to achieve reservation for women in politics, necessary because of centuries of gender inequality. The Woman&#39;s Reservation Bill, which aims at reserving 33 per cent of all seats in the Lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, and in all state legislative assemblies, lapsed because the Lok Sabha didn&#39;t vote on it.

The so-called privileged women are not that privileged after all when it comes to prejudices and biases.

Women&#39;s participation in the boardrooms is skewed, as is their remuneration. Many are still sidelined at their workplace after pregnancy. Most expecting women bump into the glass ceiling, a commonly-used metaphor used for describing the invisible barrier that hinders the advancement of women up the corporate ladder.

Women need to be given greater flexibility and options like work from home if required. I know of a woman who had a miscarriage, joined back work after surgery, and was told by her manager that she was on &#39;vacation&#39;. This is a serious prejudice and illustrates the insensitive attitude of some. The Maternity (Amendment) Bill introduced in 2017 is a shot in the arm for the female workforce and will mitigate some of the challenges faced by them.

The bias begins right from childhood when a boy&#39;s education is given more priority than a girl&#39;s. If it comes to choosing between whom to send to school, the boy is usually given preference. Child-rearing practices need to change to overcome gender stereotypes. As does the education system- in many places, girls are typically depicted as confined to the domestic sphere, while boys are shown in occupational and outdoor roles.

This Women&#39;s Day, I wish for Indian women to be empowered which implies more freedom, liberation, inclusion, sensitisation of society towards problems of women, and greater role in decision making whether at the workplace or at home.

The increase in the number of divorces in the country is a sign that women are learning to stand up for themselves. The Triple Talaq bill is yet another pathbreaking piece of legislation introduced by the government that will go a long way towards empowering Muslim women.

We need to change mindsets and perspectives towards women and overcome and challenge biased and non-inclusive behaviour. At home, women need to take more decisions from choosing which serial to watch to have an equal say in what to buy and where to live. At work, women need to take on greater leadership roles, be in charge of things and prove the biases towards them are incorrect.

There are some women CEOs, cabinet ministers and industrialists who have made the journey from the kitchen to the corridors of power and are role models worthy of emulation. Here&rsquo;s more power to all women in the years to come as they soar to greater heights and reach their full potential.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Some women have made the journey from the kitchen to the corridors of power. Yet many do not have access to schools, toilets, and sanitary napkins.

Yes, Women's Day is relevant in India in terms of the potential it has to bring about a change in the mindsets and attitudes towards women. But in my opinion, the celebration is overrated. In a country where there are female foeticides, dowry deaths, where women do not have access to schools, toilets and sanitary napkins, women's day is superficial. Women's day needs to come as a movement from within the country, like in the West where it began as a movement of advancing the cause of women's suffrage or the right to vote. We have still been unable to achieve reservation for women in politics, necessary because of centuries of gender inequality. The Woman's Reservation Bill, which aims at reserving 33 per cent of all seats in the Lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, and in all state legislative assemblies, lapsed because the Lok Sabha didn't vote on it. The so-called privileged women are not that privileged after all when it comes to prejudices and biases. Women's participation in the boardrooms is skewed, as is their remuneration. Many are still sidelined at their workplace after pregnancy. Most expecting women bump into the glass ceiling, a commonly-used metaphor used for describing the invisible barrier that hinders the advancement of women up the corporate ladder. Women need to be given greater flexibility and options like work from home if required. I know of a woman who had a miscarriage, joined back work after surgery, and was told by her manager that she was on 'vacation'. This is a serious prejudice and illustrates the insensitive attitude of some. The Maternity (Amendment) Bill introduced in 2017 is a shot in the arm for the female workforce and will mitigate some of the challenges faced by them. The bias begins right from childhood when a boy's education is given more priority than a girl's. If it comes to choosing between whom to send to school, the boy is usually given preference. Child-rearing practices need to change to overcome gender stereotypes. As does the education system- in many places, girls are typically depicted as confined to the domestic sphere, while boys are shown in occupational and outdoor roles. This Women's Day, I wish for Indian women to be empowered which implies more freedom, liberation, inclusion, sensitisation of society towards problems of women, and greater role in decision making whether at the workplace or at home. The increase in the number of divorces in the country is a sign that women are learning to stand up for themselves. The Triple Talaq bill is yet another pathbreaking piece of legislation introduced by the government that will go a long way towards empowering Muslim women. We need to change mindsets and perspectives towards women and overcome and challenge biased and non-inclusive behaviour. At home, women need to take more decisions from choosing which serial to watch to have an equal say in what to buy and where to live. At work, women need to take on greater leadership roles, be in charge of things and prove the biases towards them are incorrect. There are some women CEOs, cabinet ministers and industrialists who have made the journey from the kitchen to the corridors of power and are role models worthy of emulation. Here’s more power to all women in the years to come as they soar to greater heights and reach their full potential. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why the journey from kitchen to corridors of power is so difficult for women

Unwanted pregnancies continue to spell doom for women in India. Use of protection is still not widespread. Access to contraceptive devices still limited. And sometimes use of protection is just not a choice that the woman can make.

In most cases, in India, the decision to have a child or to say no to motherhood does not rest with the women, it is almost always the husband or any other member in authority who makes the choice. In the words of Dr Nilanchali Singh, author of a study published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, India&rsquo;s women do not enjoy &#39;reproductive autonomy&rsquo; as the Indian male exerts reproductive control in several ways. He might choose to not give money to the woman financially dependent on him to buy contraceptive, he might use excuses saying he forgot to buy contraceptive or he might simply refuse to honour the woman&rsquo;s request to use the contraceptive. All this leads to the recurrent pregnancies that are untimed and unwanted.&nbsp;

401 women were a part of Dr. Singh&rsquo;s study. Of which, 45.14 per cent women said that they could not use a condom because it was their husband&#39;s decision, while 38.4 per cent said that they faced forced sex at the hands of their husbands.

According to a research paper published in The Lancet Global Health medical journal on 11th&nbsp;December 2017, half of the total 48.1 million pregnancies in India in 2015 were unintended. The study added that India&#39;s abortion rate is 47 per 1,000 women of reproductive age, which is similar to rates in Pakistan (50), Nepal (42) and Bangladesh (39). 
&nbsp; 
Lack of awareness is the reason why the rate of unwanted- pregnancy is so high in the country. Women are not equipped to address family planning need. If women had the required education and access to contraceptives, the rate of unwanted pregnancies could be reduced significantly. 
&nbsp; 
Sad but true, medical abortion has become a proxy contraceptive for married women who belong to socially and economically less privileged households. 
&nbsp; 
Unwanted pregnancies necessitate termination of the foetus. Research shows most women prefer to terminate their pregnancies in the privacy of their homes, away from the social glare. Without the supervision of medical experts, termination of pregnancies at home becomes a risky affair, endangering the lives of mothers.

Women largely rely on pills to terminate their pregnancies. India recorded a sale of 11 million units of popular abortion medicines, mifepristone, and misoprostol, as stated in June 2016&nbsp;report&nbsp;of&nbsp;Lancet, a global medical journal. In rural India, women prefer to take pills than being shamed in the hospital by health officials who still treat unwanted pregnancy as a taboo.&nbsp;

The disparity in the recorded and estimated abortion figures was calculated taking into account that medicine sales are proof that women are aborting foetuses at home. More often than not mothers are forced to abort the foetus if the family comes to know that woman is about to give birth to a girl child. This is why India&rsquo;s gender ratio in 2011 was 940 females for 1000 males.

&nbsp;If pregnancy terminating pills are taken repeatedly there can be complications, such as severe abdominal or back pain, heavy bleeding with clotting, cramps, fever, vomiting, nausea, foul-smelling discharge, perforation, and injury.

According to the 2012&nbsp;study&nbsp;in Madhya Pradesh, published in the&nbsp;International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, induced-abortion-related complications are common for women who attempt to terminate their pregnancies at home, unaided.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Those who cannot get access to the abortion pills resort to quacks, thereby, putting their lives at greater risk.

Also, sometimes, pills don&rsquo;t manage to completely abort the foetus and makes surgical intervention necessary. According to WHO, 2 to 5% of Indian women require surgical intervention to resolve an incomplete abortion, terminate a continuing pregnancy, or control bleeding.

The rate of incomplete abortions has increased significantly in the last five years, stressing on the increase in unsuccessful medical abortion attempts made at homes.&nbsp;

The legalisation of surgical abortion that came with the advent of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in 1971 is, thus, a blessing for Indian women.

Only if more contraception options were made available and our women would be more aware and empowered, this problem would have never arisen in the first place. 
&nbsp; 
Indian women must know that there are five state-provisioned contraceptive methods that they can opt for to avoid untimed pregnancies. Condoms, combined oral pills, intrauterine devices, male and female sterilisation are the ones that have been talked about for some time now. The latest to be added to the list is an injectable contraceptive. In March 2016, Haryana became the first state to implement this new government initiative.

Despite these different protection methods being made available, ours is a country of teeming millions and one that reports an extremely high rate of unwanted pregnancies and abortion.&nbsp;

It has been observed that most men are embarrassed to buy a condom and they also have a perception that condoms are for non-marital sex only. Social marketing of condoms was a strategy that was, thus, designed to tackle the inhibitions and taboos that were associated with condoms. The word &lsquo;pleasure&rsquo; was also introduced in condom advertisements to encourage men to use condoms.

Unwanted pregnancy decreases among women who have received higher education, have access to media and enjoy decision making powers in their household. This knowledge can come handy in identifying the most vulnerable group and, thus, chart prevention strategies and reproductive health programmes as per the target population&rsquo;s need.

Protected sex is the need of the hour. Let us address it. Together, let us save unprivileged women from sufferance. And to all the men who think they own their women let us tell them &ldquo;no ovary, no opinion&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Unwanted pregnancies continue to spell doom for women in India. Use of protection is still not widespread and sometimes use of protection is just not a choice that the woman can make.

Unwanted pregnancies continue to spell doom for women in India. Use of protection is still not widespread. Access to contraceptive devices still limited. And sometimes use of protection is just not a choice that the woman can make. In most cases, in India, the decision to have a child or to say no to motherhood does not rest with the women, it is almost always the husband or any other member in authority who makes the choice. In the words of Dr Nilanchali Singh, author of a study published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, India’s women do not enjoy 'reproductive autonomy’ as the Indian male exerts reproductive control in several ways. He might choose to not give money to the woman financially dependent on him to buy contraceptive, he might use excuses saying he forgot to buy contraceptive or he might simply refuse to honour the woman’s request to use the contraceptive. All this leads to the recurrent pregnancies that are untimed and unwanted. 401 women were a part of Dr. Singh’s study. Of which, 45.14 per cent women said that they could not use a condom because it was their husband's decision, while 38.4 per cent said that they faced forced sex at the hands of their husbands. According to a research paper published in The Lancet Global Health medical journal on 11th December 2017, half of the total 48.1 million pregnancies in India in 2015 were unintended. The study added that India's abortion rate is 47 per 1,000 women of reproductive age, which is similar to rates in Pakistan (50), Nepal (42) and Bangladesh (39). Lack of awareness is the reason why the rate of unwanted- pregnancy is so high in the country. Women are not equipped to address family planning need. If women had the required education and access to contraceptives, the rate of unwanted pregnancies could be reduced significantly. Sad but true, medical abortion has become a proxy contraceptive for married women who belong to socially and economically less privileged households. Unwanted pregnancies necessitate termination of the foetus. Research shows most women prefer to terminate their pregnancies in the privacy of their homes, away from the social glare. Without the supervision of medical experts, termination of pregnancies at home becomes a risky affair, endangering the lives of mothers. Women largely rely on pills to terminate their pregnancies. India recorded a sale of 11 million units of popular abortion medicines, mifepristone, and misoprostol, as stated in June 2016 report of Lancet, a global medical journal. In rural India, women prefer to take pills than being shamed in the hospital by health officials who still treat unwanted pregnancy as a taboo. The disparity in the recorded and estimated abortion figures was calculated taking into account that medicine sales are proof that women are aborting foetuses at home. More often than not mothers are forced to abort the foetus if the family comes to know that woman is about to give birth to a girl child. This is why India’s gender ratio in 2011 was 940 females for 1000 males. If pregnancy terminating pills are taken repeatedly there can be complications, such as severe abdominal or back pain, heavy bleeding with clotting, cramps, fever, vomiting, nausea, foul-smelling discharge, perforation, and injury. According to the 2012 study in Madhya Pradesh, published in the International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, induced-abortion-related complications are common for women who attempt to terminate their pregnancies at home, unaided. Those who cannot get access to the abortion pills resort to quacks, thereby, putting their lives at greater risk. Also, sometimes, pills don’t manage to completely abort the foetus and makes surgical intervention necessary. According to WHO, 2 to 5% of Indian women require surgical intervention to resolve an incomplete abortion, terminate a continuing pregnancy, or control bleeding. The rate of incomplete abortions has increased significantly in the last five years, stressing on the increase in unsuccessful medical abortion attempts made at homes. The legalisation of surgical abortion that came with the advent of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in 1971 is, thus, a blessing for Indian women. Only if more contraception options were made available and our women would be more aware and empowered, this problem would have never arisen in the first place. Indian women must know that there are five state-provisioned contraceptive methods that they can opt for to avoid untimed pregnancies. Condoms, combined oral pills, intrauterine devices, male and female sterilisation are the ones that have been talked about for some time now. The latest to be added to the list is an injectable contraceptive. In March 2016, Haryana became the first state to implement this new government initiative. Despite these different protection methods being made available, ours is a country of teeming millions and one that reports an extremely high rate of unwanted pregnancies and abortion. It has been observed that most men are embarrassed to buy a condom and they also have a perception that condoms are for non-marital sex only. Social marketing of condoms was a strategy that was, thus, designed to tackle the inhibitions and taboos that were associated with condoms. The word ‘pleasure’ was also introduced in condom advertisements to encourage men to use condoms. Unwanted pregnancy decreases among women who have received higher education, have access to media and enjoy decision making powers in their household. This knowledge can come handy in identifying the most vulnerable group and, thus, chart prevention strategies and reproductive health programmes as per the target population’s need. Protected sex is the need of the hour. Let us address it. Together, let us save unprivileged women from sufferance. And to all the men who think they own their women let us tell them “no ovary, no opinion” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Women still not empowered to stop forced pregnancies

Indian filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit shared a video on Twitter of a woman seeking help from Mumbai police against alleged torture by her husband.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Cry of a women goes unheard with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KharPoliceStation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KharPoliceStation</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MumbaiPolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CPMumbaiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CPMumbaiPolice</a>. Please do the needful immediately before something untoward happens. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BetibachaoBetiPadao?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BetibachaoBetiPadao</a>. <a href="https://t.co/9DK5Bn1nJz">pic.twitter.com/9DK5Bn1nJz</a>
&mdash; Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokepandit/status/960028253279965184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

According to reports the husband of the woman is an automobile businessman, and stay in a duplex apartment in Khar, Mumbai.

The police have responded to the appeal and said that they would take necessary action after investigating the matter.

The woman in the video alleged that she has been tortured by her husband for the past several years and he was having an extramarital affair; she said that she was tolerating and cohabiting with him for the sake of her children.

She also said that she had filed an FIR with the Khar police but no action has been taken so far.

&quot;Kindly help me, because this man tortures me mentally and end up my life. If I don&#39;t get justice I will end up tomorrow on the streets of Khar. Please give me justice (Sic),&quot; the woman purportedly said in the video.

A senior police official said the woman and her husband were having some domestic dispute.

Police are&nbsp;probing the matter, the police officer said.

According to reports the husband of the woman is an automobile businessman, and stay in a duplex apartment in Khar, Mumbai

Indian filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit shared a video on Twitter of a woman seeking help from Mumbai police against alleged torture by her husband. Cry of a women goes unheard with #KharPoliceStation. @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice. Please do the needful immediately before something untoward happens. #BetibachaoBetiPadao. pic.twitter.com/9DK5Bn1nJz — Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) February 4, 2018 × According to reports the husband of the woman is an automobile businessman, and stay in a duplex apartment in Khar, Mumbai. The police have responded to the appeal and said that they would take necessary action after investigating the matter. The woman in the video alleged that she has been tortured by her husband for the past several years and he was having an extramarital affair; she said that she was tolerating and cohabiting with him for the sake of her children. She also said that she had filed an FIR with the Khar police but no action has been taken so far. "Kindly help me, because this man tortures me mentally and end up my life. If I don't get justice I will end up tomorrow on the streets of Khar. Please give me justice (Sic)," the woman purportedly said in the video. A senior police official said the woman and her husband were having some domestic dispute. Police are probing the matter, the police officer said.

Video: Mumbai woman seeks police help against husband's torture through Twitter

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against women.&nbsp;Historically, the date is based on the date of the 1960 assassination of the three Mirabal sisters who were political activists in the Dominican Republic protesting&nbsp;against the dictatorship of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Trujillo">Rafael Trujillo</a>. In 1981, activists marked November 25th as a day to combat and raise awareness of violence against women more broadly and, later in 1999, this day was officially adopted by the UN General Assembly as a day to raise awareness of this issue, which still remains largely hidden.

That was many years ago and yet the same struggle endure. Twenty-five years on, the global crisis of violence against women and girls is endemic. Around the world, one in three women will experience domestic abuse, sexual violence or some other forms of violence in her lifetime.&nbsp;In India, this number is even higher&mdash;around 40 per cent of women say they are subject to domestic violence.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Around the world, one in three women will experience domestic abuse, sexual violence or some other forms of violence in her lifetime</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Around the world, one in three women will experience domestic abuse, sexual violence or some other forms of violence in her lifetime" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&nbsp;

Violence happens everywhere, across social groups and classes. Women and girls in poverty suffer most. From sexual harassment to child marriage or &#39;honor killing&#39;, violence devastates the lives of millions of women and girls around the world and fractures communities. It is both a cause and a consequence of women&rsquo;s poverty.

There are many complex causes driving this violence against women and girls. But it is ultimately rooted in the reality that women and men are not treated equally.&nbsp;

<a href="http://strive.lshtm.ac.uk/system/files/attachments/What%20works%20to%20prevent%20partner%20violence.pdf">When communities share expectations that men have the right to assert power over women and are considered socially superior</a>, violence against women and girls increases. It creates a reality whereby men can physically discipline women for &lsquo;incorrect&rsquo; behavior, one where sex is men&rsquo;s right in marriage.&nbsp;

These are examples of &#39;social norms&#39;, the unwritten rules which dictate how we behave. They are fundamental in allowing violence against women to flourish.&nbsp;

Let me explain. Most people, most of the time, conform to social norms. We continuously absorb subtle messages about what is and isn&#39;t appropriate to do, say, and think from our family, our friends, our colleagues, from education, culture, the media, religion, and law. These sources are not neutral. They are informed by long histories of inequalities and prejudice, and by economic and political forces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Our world is one in which social norms grant men authority over women&#39;s behavior.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Our world is one in which social norms grant men authority over women's behavior. " target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&nbsp;

Our world is one in which social norms grant men authority over women&#39;s behavior. They encourage men&rsquo;s sense of entitlement to women&#39;s bodies, spread harmful notions of masculinity, and enforce rigid gender roles.&nbsp;

These norms are insidious and powerful, often transmitted through throwaway comments or casual actions: telling a woman who was raped that &lsquo;she was out late at night, drunk or traveling alone and was therefore responsible for the violence&rsquo; &ndash; or brushing off harmful misogyny as &lsquo;locker room banter&rsquo;.

Formal laws may not reign here. Attitudes like these create an environment in which violence against women and girls is widely seen as acceptable, even where laws call them illegal. Studies from India, Peru, and Brazil have linked the acceptance and approval of wife beating from individuals and communities with rates of actual violence. One UN study found that, on average, men with gender discriminatory attitudes were <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-works-in-preventing-violence-against-women-and-girls-review-of-the-evidence-from-the-programme">42 per cent</a>&nbsp;more likely to abuse their partners.&nbsp;

The same study examined men&rsquo;s reported motivation for rape. In most countries, 70&ndash;80 per cent&nbsp;of men who had ever forced a woman or girl to have sex said they had done so because they felt entitled to have sex, regardless of consent.&nbsp;

We must be aware of how social norms operate before can we change how we respond. Violence against women and girls is sustained by a net of harmful attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes. It&rsquo;s a net which so many are caught in: not always felt, but as strong as steel.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>It&rsquo;s a net which so many are caught in: not always felt, but as strong as steel.&nbsp;</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=It?s a net which so many are caught in: not always felt, but as strong as steel.?" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&nbsp;

We can break free. We can change the harmful beliefs at the core of this problem. What was learned can be unlearned.&nbsp; Our rallying cry in India is #BanoNayiSoch (roughly translated as &lsquo;be the change&rsquo;).&nbsp;

Oxfam is taking a step in this direction and launching the #BanoNayiSoch campaign in Bihar to recognise and appreciate a state where domestic violence has declined significantly from 59 per cent&nbsp;to 43 per cent during the last decade.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Oxfam is taking a step in this direction and launching the #BanoNayiSoch campaign in Bihar</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Oxfam is taking a step in this direction and launching the #BanoNayiSoch campaign in Bihar" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

All of us can play our part to End Violence Against Women and Girls. It starts with challenging and changing our own behaviour and then engaging our our families, friends, neighbors and colleagues about unequal power between men and women. Governments and public institutions &ndash; and the private sector too &ndash; must ensure their policies tackle, not accentuate, harmful social norms. &nbsp;

India, along with all other countries in the world, has recently committed to the Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Goal number 5 (or SDG 5) is the following:&nbsp;Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.&nbsp; One of the targets of this goal is the following: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

India needs to work to make sure that in 2030 it can stand proudly and declare that we have achieved this goal.&nbsp; The violence that women and girls face is not inevitable. Nor will it naturally disappear. We must speak out! We must act!&nbsp; Not another girl or woman should have to suffer. This must be an urgent imperative for all of us.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Social norms are fundamental in allowing violence against women to flourish

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against women. Historically, the date is based on the date of the 1960 assassination of the three Mirabal sisters who were political activists in the Dominican Republic protesting against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. In 1981, activists marked November 25th as a day to combat and raise awareness of violence against women more broadly and, later in 1999, this day was officially adopted by the UN General Assembly as a day to raise awareness of this issue, which still remains largely hidden. That was many years ago and yet the same struggle endure. Twenty-five years on, the global crisis of violence against women and girls is endemic. Around the world, one in three women will experience domestic abuse, sexual violence or some other forms of violence in her lifetime. In India, this number is even higher—around 40 per cent of women say they are subject to domestic violence. Around the world, one in three women will experience domestic abuse, sexual violence or some other forms of violence in her lifetime × Violence happens everywhere, across social groups and classes. Women and girls in poverty suffer most. From sexual harassment to child marriage or 'honor killing', violence devastates the lives of millions of women and girls around the world and fractures communities. It is both a cause and a consequence of women’s poverty. There are many complex causes driving this violence against women and girls. But it is ultimately rooted in the reality that women and men are not treated equally. When communities share expectations that men have the right to assert power over women and are considered socially superior, violence against women and girls increases. It creates a reality whereby men can physically discipline women for ‘incorrect’ behavior, one where sex is men’s right in marriage. These are examples of 'social norms', the unwritten rules which dictate how we behave. They are fundamental in allowing violence against women to flourish. Let me explain. Most people, most of the time, conform to social norms. We continuously absorb subtle messages about what is and isn't appropriate to do, say, and think from our family, our friends, our colleagues, from education, culture, the media, religion, and law. These sources are not neutral. They are informed by long histories of inequalities and prejudice, and by economic and political forces. Our world is one in which social norms grant men authority over women's behavior. × Our world is one in which social norms grant men authority over women's behavior. They encourage men’s sense of entitlement to women's bodies, spread harmful notions of masculinity, and enforce rigid gender roles. These norms are insidious and powerful, often transmitted through throwaway comments or casual actions: telling a woman who was raped that ‘she was out late at night, drunk or traveling alone and was therefore responsible for the violence’ – or brushing off harmful misogyny as ‘locker room banter’. Formal laws may not reign here. Attitudes like these create an environment in which violence against women and girls is widely seen as acceptable, even where laws call them illegal. Studies from India, Peru, and Brazil have linked the acceptance and approval of wife beating from individuals and communities with rates of actual violence. One UN study found that, on average, men with gender discriminatory attitudes were 42 per cent more likely to abuse their partners. The same study examined men’s reported motivation for rape. In most countries, 70–80 per cent of men who had ever forced a woman or girl to have sex said they had done so because they felt entitled to have sex, regardless of consent. We must be aware of how social norms operate before can we change how we respond. Violence against women and girls is sustained by a net of harmful attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes. It’s a net which so many are caught in: not always felt, but as strong as steel. It’s a net which so many are caught in: not always felt, but as strong as steel. × We can break free. We can change the harmful beliefs at the core of this problem. What was learned can be unlearned. Our rallying cry in India is #BanoNayiSoch (roughly translated as ‘be the change’). Oxfam is taking a step in this direction and launching the #BanoNayiSoch campaign in Bihar to recognise and appreciate a state where domestic violence has declined significantly from 59 per cent to 43 per cent during the last decade. Oxfam is taking a step in this direction and launching the #BanoNayiSoch campaign in Bihar × All of us can play our part to End Violence Against Women and Girls. It starts with challenging and changing our own behaviour and then engaging our our families, friends, neighbors and colleagues about unequal power between men and women. Governments and public institutions – and the private sector too – must ensure their policies tackle, not accentuate, harmful social norms. India, along with all other countries in the world, has recently committed to the Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Goal number 5 (or SDG 5) is the following: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. One of the targets of this goal is the following: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. India needs to work to make sure that in 2030 it can stand proudly and declare that we have achieved this goal. The violence that women and girls face is not inevitable. Nor will it naturally disappear. We must speak out! We must act! Not another girl or woman should have to suffer. This must be an urgent imperative for all of us.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Unwritten rules of our social conduct

domestic-violence

Domestic Violence, News on Domestic Violence, stories on Domestic Violence, articles on Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence stories at Wion, Domestic Violence news, Domestic Violence latest news