There was a rise in family-based crimes, offences and violations last year partly due to the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. “There is likelihood of post Covid-19 period confounding the forms of family-based crimes and violations in the country because of the uncertainties and unpredictability of the pandemic,” the report states. The study revealed that the number of gender-based violence cases recorded between January and June last year increased to 2,032 from 1,057 cases reported the previous year, an increase of 92.2 percent. The most common forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) reported were assault (1,615 cases), rape and attempted rape (223), murder (131), indecent assault (63). “There is a link between dysfunctional socio-cultural value system within the family and the increasing cases of gender-based violence, violations of children’s rights and girl child disempowerment,” the report reads.

Source: The Star March 10, 2021 13:07 UTC