Violence against women rising worldwide, Azerbaijani lawmaker warns

Violence against women is increasing across the globe, with cases of femicide particularly alarming, an Azerbaijani lawmaker said Friday.

According to Report, speaking at a meeting of the Milli Majlis Committee on Family, Women and Children, MP Tamam Jafarova stressed the urgency of addressing the issue.

"Almost every week we hear of new cases of women being killed," Jafarova said, noting that victims are often murdered by those closest to them - spouses, relatives, even children. "There are tragedies where a son kills his mother, or a father kills his daughter. This is an extremely important issue that requires serious discussion."

Jafarova pointed to recent debates in Italy over introducing life imprisonment for gender-based murders. She suggested that holding public hearings in Azerbaijan"s parliament could help shape a stronger response to domestic violence and femicide.