Domestic violence cases drop over last 10 years

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (second, left) speaks at the event (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Public awareness of domestic violence has been  improved and relevant cases have been reduced over the past 10 years since the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control was put into place. 

The results were revealed at a conference reviewing the 10-year implementation of the law held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) in Hanoi on December 12.

MCST Minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien said that the combat against domestic violence has received the support and cooperation of many agencies, organisations, and individuals, with cases addressed in line with law.

He, however, pointed out the complex and serious development of domestic violence, adding that statistics for domestic violence cases provided by agencies tend to vary, thus failing to reflect reality.  

The minister noted that domestic violence has not only affected individual victims, but also caused economic losses estimated at 1.78 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) each year.

A recent survey shows that up to 58 percent of married women said they had suffered from at least one form of domestic violence. 

According to the Supreme People’s Court, between July 1, 2008 and July 31, 2018, all-level people’s courts handled more than 1.38 million divorce cases, of which 1 million cases are related to domestic violence.

The Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control was adopted by the 12th National Assembly during its second session on November 21, 2007 and took effect since July 1, 2008.

Other delegates at the conference shared the view that administrative punishment prescribed in the legal document has proven ineffective, and sometimes even become barriers to settlement work.

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam asked the MCST to continue to acquire feedback in order to complete necessary procedures for the adjustment to the law. –VNA