LocationsReal stories of real women who have experienced sexual and gender based violence in Sri Lanka.
Home is where you should feel safe. Being at home means, above all else, being in a place that is dear to you with your loved ones. It should mean protection. But for many, home is a place of violence and this was something that was soon coming to light during lockdown.
COVID-19 highlighted that in Sri Lanka and the world over, a rise in the number of cases of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) were seen happening behind closed doors.
In 2019, a total of 1,779 women and girls were victims of rape in Sri Lanka, out of which 1,490 girls were below the age of 16.
(*Grave Crimes Abstract, 2019)
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a surge in the number of cases of violence against women and girls.
COVID-19: When Home Isn’t Safe Anymore by UNDP Sri Lanka on Exposure
UNDP supports efforts of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and Social Security (MWCASS) including the Women’s Bureau in strengthening a coordinated response to address SGBV, while continuing to work with CSO’s across the country to support many such shelters, and provide counselling and legal assistance to victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence through the multi-sectoral referral system.
Help is just a call away! If you are experiencing any form of violence, please call 1938 - the National 24 hour hotline for women.
Trigger Warning!
The following are a collection of real stories of real women that had to undergo hardships, specially during the period of COVID-19. The content includes graphic references to topics such as sexual abuse and domestic violence. Names have been changed to protect the safety of the victim.
It wasn't my fault
Kasuni* never thought that she would be in love. An ordinary girl like her? But, she did fall in love, and it was blissful. And then he broke her trust.
The Women’s Development Centre (WDC) has assisted a total of 637 SGBV victims in 2019.
If you would like to financially support the Women’s Development Centre which operates in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Monergala, Batticaloa and Ampara, please call them on 081-2234511 for more details.
For my children
Devi* always strived to live up to her mother's words on her wedding day. "This is your duty as a woman. You will one day become a mother and realize how much you will sacrifice for the happiness of your children.” But for 15 years, she suffered in silence. All for her children.
Women In Need have assisted a total of 28,566 SGBV victims in 2019.
If you would like to financially support Women In Need which operates in the Western, Southern, Eastern, Central, Uva, Northern, North Central and North Western Province, please call them on 011-2671411 for more details.
I am Fearless
I’m Abhi*. My Amma always told me that I should live up to the meaning of my name; to be fearless. Now at 16 years, I understand the true meaning of this.
OfERR Ceylon has assisted 429 victims of Sexual and Gender-based Violence in 2019.
If you would like to financially support OfERR Ceylon, please call 011-5516520.
Overcoming Fear
Nurses are at the forefront of supporting survivors of gender-based violence. This is a story that highlights the role of women leaders who work hard everyday to protect women and girls in the country.
Seek help when you need to
Duty to our country
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, police officers around Sri Lanka have been working hard to ensure the safety of women and children. This is the journey of two strong women police officers who have overcome many challenges to create a safer environment for all.
