Across Myanmar, at a time when administrative and judicial systems are breaking down in every aspect, physical and psychological violence against women and other vulnerable groups (including the elderly and children, people with disabilities, and those with diverse sexual orientations) has been increasing. Most visible among these is violence against women.
Even under the previous civilian government, which was considered to have a relatively good governance system, protection mechanisms for violence against women were not as effective as expected. Now, during the current revolutionary period, many cases of violence remain suppressed.
One major challenge is that many people still view violence as a “domestic matter,” choosing not to report or intervene.
In the old saying, “it’s improper to interfere between others,” it also includes not to interfere in “marital matters.” Especially when a husband and wife have disputes or when violence occurs, those in the surrounding environment usually do not intervene. That’s why it is very limited in support for victims of domestic violence.
Beyond these social norms, the lack of effective laws and easy-to-access justice mechanisms contributes to the silencing and disappearance of many cases of violence.
Violence is not merely an “individual problem,” but it is linked to broader social, political, and cultural issues. Effective protection can only be achieved through collective action.
Karenni State Has the Highest Rate of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
According to the records of the Women’s League of Burma (WLB), from the military coup in February 2021 until May 2025, a total of 365 cases of sexual violence and gender-based violence against women occurred in Karenni State, which is the highest across the country.
Why are there so many cases in Karenni?
Organizations working on women’s issues in Karenni State include Karenni National Women’s Organization (KNWO), Kayan Women’s Organization (KyWO), and Women for Women Foundation (WWF). In addition, the Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State has a Department of Women and Children Affairs, and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) also has a Gender Equality Department.
However, because Karenni is an active conflict zone, helping female victims of violence is extremely difficult. Many women’s organization members themselves are displaced by war. Not only that, but there are also many cases that disappear due to traditional resolution methods and inappropriate compensation payments, which further harm the victimized women.
Furthermore, an official from a women’s organization once told Kantarawaddy Times that another major challenge is that when handling cases of violence against women during the revolution, those involved in providing assistance face security threats.
Therefore, in many violent cases, especially when those in positions of power are involved, the victims and those assisting them often remain silent for security reasons. “Those in positions of power” include wealthy elites, those bearing arms, and individuals holding some authority in the social community.
Suppressed Cases of Violence Against Women
Within the past six months, Kantarawaddy Times has investigated and learned of a case in Demoso Township where a woman around age 20 was killed due to domestic violence.
The perpetrator has been detained by the Karenni State Police (KSP), but details about prosecution remain unknown.
“To respect the safety and dignity of the victim, we do not include detailed descriptions of the case in this article.”
“I want to demand that they show us that there is a law for protecting women. So that others can also read it and become afraid. Why? Because if it appears in the media, others will see it and won’t dare to commit such acts,” said Glory (name changed), a woman from Demoso Township close to the case.
Glory is someone close to where the incident occurred. She said that although her neighbors noticed the incident happening, due to their own security situation and the lack of concrete evidence they could present to the authorities, they did not dare to speak out, which later led to the death of the young victim.
Glory also mentioned she witnessed other incidents in her area.
She further described the situation in her community. There is also a case where a father who is unfaithful in his marriage brings other women home in front of his teenage daughters, and does not allow the daughters to leave the house. No one has been able to protect these young girls, and the community residents can only monitor the situation of that family.
These are just the incidents in her surroundings. Glory expressed that in areas beyond her reach, how many women are suffering violence, enduring silently, and it’s impossible to know the extent.
Current Situation of Violence Against Women and Legal Action
Kantarawaddy Times has investigated and learned that in Karenni State, cases of sexual exploitation against women, rape, and statutory rape are gradually increasing in number. It is also understood that domestic violence cases occur the most.
However, victims often find it difficult to speak out due to security concerns, and out of respect for the victims, the media refrains from details to protect the victims’ dignity.
According to the two-year anniversary report of the Department of Women and Children Affairs of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), in the two years since its establishment, it has handled 112 cases of gender-based violence, with sexual violence being the most common.
This includes 6 cases of sexual violence against children under the age of 18.
Although cases reaching the department are handled according to procedure, it is said that victims most often choose mediation between the perpetrator and the victim at the village, township, or displacement camp committee level. Cases that go to the court level are typically those involving non-consensual acts like rape or adultery. According to the report, the victims of sexual violence are mostly teenage girls.
“Because perpetrators know there is no strong rule of law, they take advantage and exploit women and children, both adults and minors. Some cases involve coercive sexual violence,” said Maw Theh Mar, Deputy Head of the IEC’s Department of Women and Children Affairs, in an interview with Kantarawaddy Times on October 24.
According to the IEC’s third quarterly report for 2025, which was released on November 5, the judicial department handled 75 cases, including 5 cases of rape, attempted rape, and murder.
What is Violence Against Women?
Violence means acts of force or abuse inflicted on an individual.
Article 1 of the 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (DEVAW) states that the term “violence against women” means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.
Therefore, behind the term violence against women, both physical violence and verbal abuse are included. Victims also experience coercion, control, and loss of freedom.
Types of Violence
Globally, there are five kinds of violence women may face:
1. Physical Abuse
2. Sexual Abuse
3. Financial Abuse
4. Emotional Abuse
5. Psychological Abuse
