Women survivors of tsunami face high risk of violence

WOMEN who survived the 2004 Asian tsunami face heightened risks of violence, impoverishment and lack of privacy at relief camps in several nations, a report has said.

In many places, women were more vulnerable to abuse by men after the tsunami uprooted their traditional way of life, according to the report, released at the weekend by 174 organisations, including ActionAid International.

The report was released ahead of a summit of South Asian leaders in New Delhi on Tuesday and Wednesday, and its authors want the governments to pay heed to the plight of female survivors of the tsunami and provide them with better protection.