The cases of violence against women in the country are still high, Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said, adding that relevant institutions should help prevent impunity for those involved in such acts. 

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, activists said women’s easy access to judiciaries can help in the reduction of domestic violence.  

According to the human rights commission, 4,690 cases of violence against women were reported in the country last year. 

“The data shows 8.4 percent increase in the cases compared with 2018,” said Zabihullah Farhang, spokesman for the commission. 

“Gang rapes, murders and torture start from families and then flow towards society. Last year, Afghan women faced numerous cases of violence such as harassment, torture and forced expulsion from homes,” said Roshan Mashal, a women’s rights activist.   

Shukria, a victim of domestic violence, said she lost her mother when she was too young and was married to a man who was quite older than her and had already divorced his first wife. 

She said that mistreatment at home compelled her to escape from home three times. 

“When my daughter was young, he (her husband) was trying to sexually abuse her. He was saying that she is not beautiful,” said Shukria. 

Shukria said she spent five years with her husband and gave birth to a son and daughter. However, her daughter was mistreated by her father and the incident forced her to flee to Kabul and live in a shelter house alongside her children. 

“I returned home, but they locked the door on me for six months. They mistreated me and beat me up. They were not giving me food,” said Shukria. 

Shabnam, another victim of domestic violence, said she lost her mother at a young age. 

Shabnam, 25, said she became acquainted with a man on the phone in Kabul, but when she came to Kabul, she saw that the man was “too old.” 

“He was too old. I refused to go with him, but he intimidated me,” said Shabnam.