Did you know that one in four (24.9%) women in Sri Lanka have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since age 15? Yet, close to half (49.3%) of the women who experienced sexual violence by a partner did not seek formal help anywhere.
Violence against women and girls can happen to anyone, anywhere. The consequences of it can be far reaching and can have lasting psychological impacts on the victim or survivor.
In 2019, the first-ever national survey was carried out to collect data and evidence on the prevalence of violence against women and girls in Sri Lanka. The Women’s Wellbeing Survey was conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) with technical assistance from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and funding from the Government of Canada.
Violence against women affects victims and their children physically, sexually, economically and psychologically. When violence is normalized in households the repercussions affect not just the victim or survivor but entire communities and beyond. We all have a responsibility to end violence in all forms and challenge the norms that perpetuate gender-based violence.
If you are experiencing any form of violence, help is just a call away.
Call the National Women's Helpline: 1938 or the Mithuru Piyasa Hotline: 070 26 11 111
#HerSafeSpace #EndIPV
Read about the full journey of how the Women's Wellbeing Survey came about with a 'Behind the Scenes' look into the Survey.
