Rape on the rise in Bhutan

tableWhile the public maybe mainly focused on growing criminal incidents of violence and drug abuse, figures from the Royal Bhutan Police show that Bhutan may have a rape problem on its hands.

It is a new area of concern with an overall increase in rapes from 2008 to 2012.

In 2008 there were 23 rape cases which increased to 51 cases in 2011.

In 2012 just until October there were 50 cases of rape registered by the police. The actual figure could be higher for 2012 as figures of November and December 2012 are not included.

The year 2009 saw 33 rape cases.

2010 saw 21 cases, but here these figures are just up to September and does not include figures from October, November and December 2010.

The rape figures increased dramatically in the two preceding years compared to the previous years.

Cases of minors being raped seems to be increasing, in 2008. Three cases of rape of child above 12-year old were reported with the police while this figure increase in 2009 to a total of 14 cases and in 2010 just till September nine cases were reported.

In 2011, 51 cases of sexual offence against woman which includes rape, molestation, and indecent exposure were recorded with Royal Bhutan Police and of which 40 cases were chart sheeted to the various courts of the Bhutan. Eight cases were withdrawn while three are still under investigation.

Going by the reports, age is no bar as rape of both the youngest and oldest take place in Bhutan.

Men in Bhutan have devoured 11-month-old babies to 75-year old women in these sexual crimes. Men making headlines for rape in Bhutan , are from all walks of life from farmers to urban dwellers.

In many cases the women who are raped are vulnerable due to their age or are from poorer socio-economic backgrounds.

The rapes are also of various types. The rapes are categorized as rape, rape of married women, statutory rape (under age rape), rape of child above twelve and gang rape.

Though a controversial theory, some police officers are of the view that rape cases are numerically high as some missing cases reported to them are elopement, where both parties have consensual sex but since the girl is a minor below 18 the male is booked for rape.

A 28-year old, private employee said: “Whether there is increase or decrease in rape but it is still a serious concern, because rape not only results in physical damage but also mental trauma and it directly affects the victims.”

Chencho Dema

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10 comments

  1. GIVE NO HAPINESS GET NO HAPPINESS

    Rape is done by teachers, elders in bhutan. It is our customs no big deal. 

    • THIS IS THE DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER READ. HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT IS IS OKAY TO RAPE SOMEONE AND PUT THEM THROUG SO MUCH JUST BECAUSE ITS OUT CUSTOM?? I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW IT IS OUR CUSTOM!! ADDITIONALLY EVEN IF IT WERE…IT SHOUD BE STOPPED. NO ONE SHOULD BE OKAY WITH IT AND AND IT IS A “BIG DEAL”.

    • A women needs her own respect and that should be provided to her in the best manner possible..
      If this is the costum then you should be able to show it in the books of law because if people like you are supporting those kind of manners then I am sorry to say I would hate to live in this county..STOP TALKING NONSENSE

  2. Got to watch your words! all teachers are not rapist. Remember, teachers too are human being and will have same feelings like any other person. Does it mean that being a teacher should not indulge in any relationship. For your info, teachers didn’t rape but they were in a mutual relationship. Should i dictate you the meaning of consensual, if not go back to your moms womb.

    • GIVE NO HAPINESS GET NO HAPPINESS

      I wrote”teachers” not “all teachers”. U need to see the grammar n realities of school in bhutan n u will get idea. Ask a victim n will shit,

  3. Why are there no headlines of men being raped? Does this never happen, no it happens

  4. Legalize prostitution.

  5. sometimes a husband forces his wife to compromise when she is not willing. does it tentamounts to rape? ( Married with certificate and children)

  6. There are different forms of rape and the one you just described LAKSAM is known as marital rape whereby a man claims his right as the husband to forcefully have sex with his wife. All types and cases of rape victims find it very difficult to come forward, and it is even worse for marital rape victims.

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