More and more women and children seek the help of WIN every year, as statistics show domestic violence is on the rise in Sri Lanka. Studies have shown that domestic violence against women is as high as 60 percent in some parts of the country. But the attitude of the people towards WIN, which is celebrating a decade in existence this year, has seen a vast change. Now, nearly 3,000 people seek the assistance of WIN's centres in Colombo, Kandy and Matara annually. According to WIN domestic violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, social and economic abuse by one member of the family to control or dominate another.
Domestic violence occurs in families regardless of nationality, race or employment.
Once we had this mild-mannered man who walked into our offices saying he was being abused by his wife who couldn't control her temper and got into fits of rage. At least four men have sought WIN counselling, usually, to escape from hot-tempered spouses. It also has a temporary shelter, outside Colombo, for women and children who need refuge. Talking to somebody who is sympathetic to their problems, can in itself provide some relief to the victim. Ranjini came to WIN's Colombo crisis centre, four years ago, after being beaten up by her husband.