Rape cases jump 33pc, suicides 65pc in July: MSF

Rights group warns rising sexual violence and suicides reflect deepening insecurity and failures in access to justice

Reported incidents of violence against women and children in Bangladesh declined slightly in July compared with the previous month, but cases of rape and suicide rose sharply, highlighting persistent concerns over women's safety and access to justice, according to a report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF).

The rights organization documented 306 incidents of violence against women and children in July, down from 320 cases in June, representing a decline of approximately 4.4%.

Despite the overall decrease, MSF said the nature of violence has become increasingly severe and complex.

The findings were published in a statement signed by MSF President Sultana Kamal on Friday and were compiled from reports in leading national newspapers as well as information collected by the organization's local human rights monitors.

Rape Cases Rise by One-Third

The report recorded a significant increase in reported rape cases. According to MSF, 90 rape cases were documented in July, compared with 68 cases in June—an increase of about 33%.

The organization said the sharp rise reflects growing insecurity for women and children and underscores the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and effective law enforcement.

Suicide Cases Increase Sharply

The report also found a notable rise in suicides involving women and children.

MSF documented 28 suicide cases in July, up from 17 in the previous month, representing an increase of approximately 65%.

The organization suggested that social oppression, psychological distress and the perceived lack of justice may be contributing factors behind the increase.

Several Categories Show Improvement

While rape and suicide cases increased, several other forms of violence declined during the reporting period.

According to the report, gang rape cases fell from 16 to seven, rape followed by murder from five to three, attempted rape from 35 to 34, physical assault from 56 to 42, and killings of women and children from 76 to 52. 

The report also documented 11 cases of abandoned newborns, including eight infants found dead and three found alive.

Meanwhile, reported abduction and missing-person cases increased marginally from 12 to 13.

Concern Over Informal Settlements

MSF expressed concern over the continued practice of resolving serious criminal allegations through informal community arbitration rather than the formal justice system.

The organization said it documented at least three cases of attempted rape or sexual assault that were allegedly settled through local mediation during July.

Human rights advocates have long argued that such informal settlements can discourage victims from seeking legal remedies and contribute to a culture of impunity.

Call for Stronger Protection

MSF urged authorities to strengthen law enforcement, ensure prompt and impartial investigations, and improve support services for survivors of gender-based violence.

The organization said sustained legal accountability, effective victim protection and broader social awareness are essential to reducing violence against women and children and restoring public confidence in the justice system.