SHILLONG: More than 1,000 cases of domestic violence have been recorded in the state in seven years, according to figures provided by Iohlynti, a support centre for women.
Joy Grace Syiem, programme coordinator of North East Network (NEN), said on Friday there is high prevalence of domestic violence in Meghalaya that compels women to leave their homes.
As per the figures available with Iohlynti, Syiem said from November 2011 to 2018, altogether 1,038 cases of domestic violence were reported while others were never documented.
Marital rape
From the focus group discussions and interviews, it was transpired that marital rape is a huge issue in Meghalaya. However, the legal aspect is a hurdle as marital rape is not recognised as a crime in the country. On the other hand, she said women are not given any shelter home because of the matrilineal system.“Only because it is a matrilineal system does not mean there is no domestic violence against women,” Syiem said.
