Serious concern as 31% increase in crime against women and girls recorded last month

Crimes against women and girls remain a major concern for the country, with a 31 percent increase recorded in January compared to the same month last year.

Police say of the 252 crimes recorded against women and girls last month, a significant 17 percent were committed in domestic settings, primarily by spouses or partners. Women between the ages of 18 and 38 represent the largest proportion of victims.

They say it is also worrying to note that assault causing actual bodily harm cases involving women increased from 139 cases in January 2023 to 167 cases in January this year, and rape cases rose from 14 to 35 cases, with some reports recording multiple counts.

The Southern, Western, and Eastern Divisions recorded increases in crimes against women, while the North and Central Divisions recorded decreases.

Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew says the increase is alarming and is again calling on community and religious leaders to help the Police curb all forms of violence against women.

He says as the majority of the cases are occurring within domestic settings, the Police need as much help as possible to address violence against women and protect victims from the devastating consequences of these crimes.

There were 100 cases of sexual offenses reported last month.

Of these, 50 were cases of rape, 13 were cases of indecent assaults, 12 were cases of sexual assault, 8 were cases of indecently insulting and annoying a person, 6 were cases of abduction, 5 were attempts to commit rape, 4 were defilement cases, and 2 were cases of incest.