Emotional abuse is overlooked as cases of gender-based violence rise in Nepal

Nearly 50 percent of women who experience domestic violence show symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to a recent research. Experts call for proper integrated framework for registering emotional abuse.

For Panthi, a 40-year-old woman from Dhulikhel, the scars of her marital troubles were never visible. Her wounds were manifested in sleepless nights, endless self-doubt, and severe depression. Her husband never hit her. Instead, he wielded words like weapons and abused her emotionally.