The increase in the number of domestic violence cases in Iraq presents a major challenge for the government. Without any legal protection afforded, there are limited avenues for victims to pursue.
After months of political deadlock, a new leadership was put in place in Iraq. This is a good opportunity to advance many laws, policies and reforms, with the support of the international community.
The Family Violence Protection bill, also known as the domestic violence law, has the potential to save many lives in Iraq and in light of the current pandemic, it has become extremely urgent. The partial lockdown resulted in an increase of domestic violence cases in the country. Iraq’s Community Police have reported that their domestic violence cases log saw an increase of an average of 30 percent since the lockdown, and with some areas as high as 50 percent increase of cases. Confinement has heightened the risk of women being abused, beaten and killed.
