Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Renuka Jayasundara has shared concerning statistics regarding sexual harassment and domestic violence in the country, shedding light on the severity of these ongoing issues.
Noting that rape continues to be the most frequently reported crime in Sri Lanka, She said that 2,252 cases of sexual harassment against women were officially recorded in 2023.
These figures, however, are believed to be a mere fraction of the true scope of the problem, as underreporting remains a significant issue.
The DIG further provided a breakdown of where these incidents took place, revealing concerning trends.
The majority of reported cases occurred in domestic settings, with 1,420 instances occurring in-house.
Public transport was the next most common location for such offenses, accounting for 261 cases, followed by online platforms (192 cases), roads (117 cases), and workplaces (41 cases).
Incidents at schools, religious places, and other locations also contributed to the overall total.
DIG Jayasundara also highlighted the alarming rate of domestic violence in Sri Lanka, with a staggering 130,000 complaints received annually, underscoring the ongoing crisis facing women and families across the country.
Despite the overwhelming statistics, the DIG reassured the public that the Sri Lanka Police remain committed to conducting thorough investigations and providing support for victims of sexual harassment and domestic violence.
The police force, she stated, will continue working to ensure that justice is served and that those affected receive the necessary assistance.
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