- Publika iha: 10 Janeiro 2025
The representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Timor-Leste, Dr. Domingas Bernardo, revealed that according to the 2016 Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey, 38% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 in Lautém Municipality have experienced violence.

She said women and girls have been suffering physical, sexual, and emotional violence since 2016.
"Based on the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey, 38% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 in Lautém Municipality have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional violence," she explained.
Dr. Bernardo added that this 38% figure is concerning as it highlights a high prevalence of violence in Timor-Leste, including in Lautém Municipality.
"We all need to work together to ensure effective prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence in Lautém Municipality," she said.
She also noted that UNFPA continues its efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen initiatives aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls across all municipalities.
In his statement, the Commander of the Lautém Municipal Police, Superintendent João da Costa, said that the PNTL continues to conduct outreach to communities regarding Gender-Based Violence but stressed that combating violence against women and girls requires collective efforts.
"We continue to fight and work hard, but we cannot rely solely on the PNTL. All entities must come together to reduce the numbers, as collective work and cooperation are needed," he emphasized.
He urged all entities to support policies that disseminate information about the law to all communities so that awareness reaches even the remotest areas.
"If only the higher levels of society understand this law, but communities in villages and hamlets do not, it will be very difficult to combat Gender-Based Violence," Superintendent Costa explained.
He added that communities need to have a clear understanding of public crime laws to protect themselves from violence and that everyone has a responsibility to carry out their duties and promote dialogue within communities as part of prevention of violence efforts.