In an interview on KTV 1, Dr. Massouma Mubarak discussed the issue of violence against women with an emphasis on regional and local problems.
She identified all forms of violence against women that could entail psychological, verbal, as well as physical abuse.
According to Dr. Massouma, the number of reported cases is higher in the past years not because there has been a rise in violence or abuse but because some women no longer regard it as shameful to go to the police station and complain. Tolerance of all forms of abuse has decreased and more women are aware of their rights. She mentioned that there are no official statistics in hand but according to a lawyer she knows, there are about 368 court cases a year concerning abusive partners.
On a worldwide basis, regional or local figures may seem low but this does not paint an accurate picture of how matters are. The figures may be much higher but there is still a taboo against reporting abuse. Not only does a woman fear repercussions but also there is a lack of public women shelters where women who suffer abuse can seek protection.
One of the worst forms of violence against women are the honour killings prevalent in some countries in the region where a female can be killed upon mere suspicion of involvement in scandal.
