Women shelters

Twenty One Stop Crisis Centers – OSCCs were established in 2002. The number increased to 171 in 2006. Various types of shelter under the MSDHS expanded from 35 to 66 during 2003-2006.

Women shelters

Women and children victimized by domestic violence

In 2006, more women and children fell victims to domestic violence. The requests for assistance at the One-Stop-Crisis Centers (OSCCs) doubled from 2004 (an average of 39 requests compared with 19 requests per day). Number of women and children seeking assistance at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s shelters and assistance centers also increased from 469 in 2004 to 837 in 2006, largely due to cases of sexual violence.

At present, it is difficult to assess the situation from the number of women and children seeking assistance from NGOs. Women seeking temporary shelter at the Emergency Home has dropped. Meanwhile, the Reproductive Health Survey 2006 reported that over one million married women had been physically or emotionally abused over a period of one month.

Indicator 4.3 Incidence of Sexual Violence against Women

Most cases of sexual violence against women are committed by acquaints. In many cases, women do not report the incidences. They may not seek medical treatment. It is therefore difficult to collect data to reflect the real situation. A systematic data collection is important for policy planning to protect and rehabilitate the victims and pursue legal actions against the offenders.

Indicator 4.4 Number of Court Cases Related to Sexual Violence against Women

Cases related to rape as per Sections 276, 277, 277/bis., 277/ter., 278-285 of the Criminal Codes indicate the level of violence against women and the inequality between women and men – the issue that needs to be urgently addressed.

Rape and other sexual violence against women

Closed cases related to rape and other sexual violence against women rose steadily from 4,896 to 9,653 during 2002-2006.

Indicator 4.5 Number of Court Cases Related to Prostitution

Closed court cases as per the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act 1996 constitute a fraction of the cases reported to the police or cases filed at the court. A systematic database that links all these data is needed to support an improvement of the legal and judicial system.

Prostitution

Number of closed court cases as per the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act 1996 increased from 45 in 2003 to 90 in 2005, but dropped to 65 in 2006.

Indicator 4.6 Number of Court Cases on Human Trafficking

Prosecution plays an important role in the prevention of human trafficking. But the Draft Bill on Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking that aims to expand and improve the effectiveness of the Prevention and Suppression of Women and Children Trafficking Act 1997 to include human trafficking, e.g. labour trafficking has not been enacted. Therefore there has not been any court case.

Indicator 4.7 Number of Women and Children Seeking Assistance from Women Shelters

Women and children who have been exploited by prostitution and human trafficking need various types of assistance for their physical and emotional rehabilitation, Welfare support, occupational training, legal counseling are among important measure to help the women and children return to normal and productive lives.