Violence against women and children

Violence against women and children is increasing alarmingly in our society. Many incidents are not reported in the media and therefore remain unknown to society at large. Many victims of violence hesitate to let their incidents known to the law enforcing authorities or public as people perpetrating such violence are often from wealthy and powerful background.  Nearly 60 per cent women are subjected to some kind of violence or torture. These include torture due to failure to pay dowry, stalking, rape, mental abuse and sex trafficking.
Incidents of child abuse and oppression are also rising. Moreover, a large number of children are deprived of their basic rights like education, health, social safety and security etc. Children and women have been the most neglected sections of our society. Society should be made safe for women and children and any crime against them must be dealt with strongly and promptly. Most incidents of rape in our country are not reported as the victims' families are afraid of further social stigma and harassment. It is high time we stopped burying our heads in the sands like ostrich and avoiding such important issues. We must raise our voice against these crimes and help them to lead a better and meaningful life with dignity and safety.    
Rumana Sharmeen
Dhaka University