Rape and domestic violence on the rise

Shocking figures have been revealed that the PSNI has received, on average, 10 reports of rape each week over the last year.

Whilst the total number of reported rapes in the North is 525 over the last 12 months, it is expected that the real figures are much higher, as only a tiny fraction of rapes are actually reported. Latest figures indicate that domestic violence is also on the rise, against a backdrop of increasing pressures put on families and personal relationships due to job losses and cuts in public services.

In the UK, 25% of shelters and safe houses are threatened with closure due to loss of funding. Lack of social housing means that some women and children end up staying in shelters for years, occupying desperately needed places. In the South there were over 3,000 occasions last year when women and children seeking refuge against domestic violence could not be accommodated.

Cuts to child benefits and credits, lack of affordable childcare, unemployment and low pay are also contributing factors, leaving women and their children financially dependent on the abuser. 70% of women who reported being victim of domestic violence cited economic independence as the reason they did not leave.

Rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment, are symptoms of a deeply unequal class-based society that leads some men to think that they can control women, including sexually. This is reinforced by women’s material inequality and lower status in society. Sexism needs to be challenged and education about the myths and facts of rape and decent support for victims of rape and domestic violence should be provided at all levels. At the same time, we need to fight against all cuts to our public services. The process of common struggle between men and women in struggle will see millions of people questioning the brutal, sexist and exploitative capitalist society in which we live and looking for a socialist alternative.

Total
0
Shares
Previous Article

30 November shows... We can win!

Next Article

Join the Network of Trade Union Activists

Related Posts
Read More

RHI inquiry throws light on Stormont’s rotten culture

Allegations are flying about who was responsible and who knew what in regards to the Renewable Heating Incentive scheme (RHI), which saw businesses like the Ferrari showroom in Belfast being kept cosy at a profit using public funds. A brother and two cousins of former DUP special advisor Andrew Crawford acquired 11 boilers under RHI. Crawford admitted sending a confidential document on the scheme to a cousin. This has rightfully provoked a huge outpouring of anger, aimed at the DUP in particular, who looked to be tied to the schemes implementation.
Read More

Capitalism: The root of sexism and oppression

In Spain, “I Believe Her” became “Yo Te Creo”, with thousands protesting the acquittal of five men accused of gang-raping a young woman. Less than two months earlier, 5.1 million workers had spilled onto the streets of Spain to strike against sexism on International Women's Day. In Latin America the Ni Una Menos movement has refused to tolerate endemic murders of and violence against women. Millions globally have used the #MeToo hashtag and have broken a collective silence, sharing their experiences of sexual assault and harassment.