Aweil witnesses rise in GBV cases due to economic hardship

By Hou Akot Hou

Aweil town has recently seen spike in cases of gender-based violence (GBV) from January to April with officials saying the prevailing economic hardship was the major contributing factor.

Akot Angui Akot, the Director General of the Northern Bhar El Ghazal State Ministry of Child and Social Welfare on Wednesday that they registered 27 cases of rape and 28 cases of domestic violence during this period.

Angui added that they also registered 24 cases of divorce in the five counties and the municipal council, and 37 cases of teenage pregnancies.

“Most of these cases of gender based violence are influenced by the current economic hardship which causes disputes among families,” he told Juba Echo in Aweil town.

For example, he said the seven cases of suicide were due to stress among victims of GBV.

Margaret Aliai, a human rights activist said that most of the women are dying in silence as a result of GBV.

 “Most of the women don’t report the cases as they regard it that it is a cultural norm to be rebuked or beaten up by their husbands which is not correct,” Aliai said.

“Never get beaten up and remain silent because it can stress and sometimes lead one to commit suicide,” she added.

GBV cases are on the rise and activists have told victims to come out and report to authorities.