Decrease in sexual abuse on women - Centre for Gender Based Complaints

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

There is a significant decrease of sexual abuse on women during the past year all over the country. Thanamalwila recorded the highest number suicide rate in the whole world and now it has come down drastically during 2007.

'Mathata Thitha' program and the operations conducted by Security Forces to eradicate illegal drugs such as cannabis are the two main reasons for this decrease, the sources added.

During last year 103 complaints on domestic violence had been received by the Center for Gender Based Complaints run by the National Committee on Women functions under the purview of Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry.

It is domestic violence related complaints which tops the different categories of complaints, Ministry sources said.

The sources said that the centre had received a total number of 328 complaints during the period of January 01, 2008 and December 15, 2008.

The second highest number of complaints which is 58 were received by the centre in connection with maintenance and divorce.

According to the sources the centre received 37 complaints related to family disputes during the same period of time while another 15 complaints were received on sexual harassment.

The number of complaints received on murder and injuries is 11 and another 11complaints were received in connection with employment and promotions. There were eight complaints on rape.