Sherab Lhamo

The number of men availing RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women) services increased from 68 cases in 2023 to 78 cases last year. They also recorded 13 walk-in cases, including three from the LGBTQIA+ community members and 10 cases from Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

The senior counsellor heading the counselling service unit at RENEW, Sonam Zangmo, said the number of cases increased compared to last year. She said that public awareness of the RENEW’s services offered is growing.

RENEW operates 10 community service centres, providing direct services to victims and engaging in grassroots advocacy within their communities.

Sonam said that men, including LGBTQIA+ community members and PWDs have come to avail their services. “This shows a growing understanding that RENEW’s services extend beyond women and children.”

Sonam anticipates an increase in cases in the coming years due to the establishment of the Rainbow Help Desk and RENEW’s ongoing advocacy and training efforts across the country.

Last year, emotional violence topped the types of violence with 392 cases, followed by physical abuse with 102 cases and economic abuse with 53 cases. Sexual abuse was the least reported case with 36 cases last year. There were 78 cases recorded for non-domestic and gender based violence abuse.

Of the 652 cases recorded last year, 78 were male and 574 female. This figure includes individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community and those PWDs.

Compared to 2023, the gender-based violence (GBV) cases dropped by 136 cases last year. In 2023, there were 788 GBV cases, a 43.2 percent increase from the cases recorded in 2022.

From the community service centres 667 cases were recorded with the highest number of cases from Phuentsholing with 143 cases and least from Dagana with 20 cases.

RENEW recorded 14 teenage pregnancy cases and 20 cases of rape, last year.

Individuals who are availing RENEW services are receiving counselling, livelihood training, legal and medical aid, shelter services, and psycho-social support, among other services.

Last year, through RENEW’s reintegration programme, 26 individuals have now been reintegrated with some of them opening their own businesses.

RENEW has also provided scholarships to 203 children, providing Nu 6,000 to higher grade students and Nu 4,000 for lower grade students for school supplies.

They are also providing Early Childhood Care and Development service to five male and 9 female children in Gawailing Happy Home.

To report on violence or seek help for yourself or someone contact RENEW at 17126353.

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