“Since the content of the study is very much relevant to the day, we have launched it with three copies,” he said.

The commission’s executive director Phintsho Choeden said this was the first study conducted on violence against women in the country.

“The study focuses on different kinds of violence and whether it is prevalent,” she said. “Based on these findings we would find out what interventions are needed.”

Domestic violence, she explained, did not necessarily have to be among partner relationship, but could also occur within non-partner relationships, such as teacher and student and father and child among others.

According to figures that Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) compiled, between 2008 and 2011, more than 1,200 people came seeking its help from violence.

Of that, 49 percent, the highest, was lodged for physical abuse followed by 30 percent with denial of resources, opportunities and services and 11 percent of extra marital affairs.

The least or one percent of the complaints lodged was against assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, alcohol and drug abuse and child labour.

Going by age, 212 of the total complaints were between 19 and 25 years, the highest, followed by 168 between 26 and 30 years and the least coming from people between 56 and 60 years.

Dzongkhag-wise distribution of the cases showed that most were reported from Trashigang with 85 people, followed by Thimphu that saw 66 cases, eight from Bumthang and the least of two cases came from Gasa.

“The day is observed in all 20 dzongkhags led by our volunteers to create awareness on the issues on violence against women,” a commission official said.

The day was celebrated with the local theme of “Commit: act: demand”.

The day that is observed globally every year on November 25 had its theme: “A promise is a promise.”

Source: Kuenselonline