Domestic violence on the rise.

10 Feb, 2006

Domestic violence is on the rise in Maputo according to figures released by the city police authorities in January. Last year the capital saw 2,100 reported cases of aggression in the home, 1,140 more than in 2004. Known incidents included murder, sexual abuse and physical assault. As in previous years, the main victims were women and children. Maputo police sources say heavy drinking, economic hardship and cultural beliefs are all to blame. However, the increase could also partly be the result of recent police campaigns to educate the public about the problem of domestic violence, which may have encouraged more victims to come forward.