Violence against women remains a pressing problem

Public Association "Temiz Dunya" held a Monday roundtable in the International Press Center. The theme was: "Azerbaijan and gender-based violence against women."

Mehriban Zeynalova, Chairman of the Association reported, quoting official sources, that in 2011 in Azerbaijan, 1782 crimes based on domestic violence against women were recorded.  Of these, 74% - beating, 20.5% - intentional infliction of less serious injuries, and 1.7% - murder.

10% of crimes committed by a previously convicted person, 10% - in a drunken state.

During 2012, on this basis 773 crimes were committed, in which 790 women were affected.

An increase of violence has been observed. In 2005, on the grounds of domestic violence, 15 women were killed, in 2010 - 109, in 2011 - 135, but in 2012, there was a slight decline: over six months 38 women were killed. 

Despite the adoption of the law "On Domestic Violence", the mechanisms of its implementation are not available. It is necessary to prepare shelters for women suffering from domestic violence and activate public protest against these facts.

The small number of female police officers also promotes growth of the facts of domestic violence against women. Male police are often in solidarity with the men who commit violence against women. Therefore, women often do not find understanding and sympathy.

Women are underrepresented in government agencies, as a result of gender discrimination. 

There is also a great need for enlightenment on domestic violence against women, noted the participants. -05C04-