Hanoi (VNA) – A 2019 study has showed “bright spots” on the issue related violence against women in Vietnam, especially young women who are now🔴 raising a stronger voice against violence compared to a decade ago.

The national study on violence against women, jointly conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, was released on July 14 in Hanoi, providing updated data on violence against women in Vietnam. At present, Vietnam is the only country worldwide to have successfully conducted a second study on violence against women, using the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s multinational study methods on women’s health and domestic violence. The country and its partners pledge to maintain the effective settlement of and put an end to violence against women based on progress achieved in recent years.

Lower violence rate

The study shows that nearly two in three married women (almost 63 percent) have experienced one or more forms of physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence and controlling behaviours by their husbands in their lifetime, and almost 32 percent in the last 12 months. Women with disabilities were more likely to experience all forms of violence by their husbands than women without disabilities. Prevalence rates of all forms of violence against women by their husbands are slightly lower in 2019 than in 2010, except for those of sexual violence. For instance, fewer women experienced physical violence by their husbands in their life time in 2019 (26.1 percent) compared to that in 2010 (31.5 percent). This was more prominent among younger women. However, more women reported experience of sexual violence by their husbands in their lifetime in 2019 (13.3 percent) compared to 2010 (9.9 percent). This was more prominent among younger women aged 18-24 (13.9 percent in 2019 compared to 5.3 percent in 2010). While this may reflect an increase in sexual violence, it may also be a result of social change where women are nowadays more open to talking about sex and sexual violence. Violence against women remains very much hidden. Half of the women who experienced violence by husbands had never told anyone. Almost all women (90.4 percent) who experienced physical and/or sexual violence from husbands did not seek any help from formal service providers. Of note, children are also victims when living in violent environments. Of the women who experienced physical violence by their husbands, 61.4 percent disclosed that their children witnessed or otherwise overheard the violence. Women who experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their husbands were more likely to say their children (5-12 years) had behavioural problems. In addition, the report said that violence against women cost Vietnam an estimated 1.8 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018. “The 2019 study, however, shows some positive lights as well, which we need to tap into for our policy and programme agenda,” said UNFPA Representative Naomi Kitahara. “For instance, except sexual violence, all forms of violence were lower in 2019 than in 2010. And this is more pronounced amongst young generations. Also, the 2019 report witnessed change in gender norms amongst young people to the progressive direction. These mean that we must make right investment on young people to accelerate change in eliminating violence against women,” she added.

More conscious to take actions

At the event, the Vietnamese and Australian Governments and UNFPA all called for urgent action to put an end to violence against women. Nguyen Thi Ha, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) and Vice Chairman of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women, said: “After nearly 10 years since the first survey, the results show both positive changes and shortcomings. Overall, the percentage of women suffering from these forms of violence has decreased slightly. Positive change is clearly seen among young women who did not endure and showed their strength in fighting against violence. Women who have higher education are less likely to experience violence. This shows that education is very important in helping women to be stronger, more confident and independent in life. However, many women are still vulnerable to violence. “Violence against women remains hidden because gender stereotypes are still common in society. Silence, stigma from the community and a culture of blame are barriers that prevent the survivors from speaking out and seeking help. Children are also victims, more vulnerable to violence, especially when they witness domestic violence against their mothers.” She called for the involvement of State management agencies, socio-political organisations, non-governmental organisations, and individuals in addressing these issues. “Australia is deeply committed to ending gender-based violence,” said Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. “We have supported this study because it leads us all to acknowledge just how many lives are affected by violence, coercive control and harassment. Each piece of data in this report represents the experience of a Vietnamese woman or girl, whether in their home, at work or in a public place. This report means that we hear them, we believe them, and we need to act.” For her part, Naomi Kitahara stressed: “Today, we have even more evidence to spur us to even greater action, and I call on everyone to join forces to eliminate this violence. Without addressing this, Vietnam quite simply cannot achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, and ensure no one is left behind, she concluded./.