Dismal stats: ‘Offences against women up by 18pc’

ISLAMABAD: Crimes against women, including forced marriages and sexual assaults, registered an increase of 18 per cent over a period of one year, according to a comparison of cases registered in 61 districts across the country.

Based on comparison of number of police reports in 61 districts, the number of reported crimes increased from 849 in May 2010 to 999 in May 2011, according to a Fafen report released on Friday. Attacks on modesty increased the most during the reported year as 58 per cent more cases were registered compared to May 2010. Cases of forced marriages and sexual harassment went up by 42 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. However, cases registered against rape, honour killings and offences against marriage decreased by 25, 17 and 1 per cent, respectively, the report highlighted.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2011.