VN ups fight against domestic violence   Students learn through pictures how to prevent and avoid domestic violence. The national action month against domestic violence was launched yesterday in Vĩnh Phúc Province. -VNA/VNS Photo Trần Lê Lâm VĨNH PHÚC - Domestic violence in Việt Nam has damaged the spirit, economy, productivity, honour, dignity and lives of many individuals, Vice President Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh said. In her remarks assessing the social evil’s lasting consequences, the vice president launched National Action Month on Domestic Violence Prevention, held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vĩnh Phúc Province yesterday. The vice president added that domestic violence makes family happiness unsustainable. Over the years, the Party and State of Việt Nam have always paid deep attention to the protection of human rights as well as the safety of individuals in the family and society, she said. In order to prevent domestic violence, the vice president requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and concerned agencies at all levels to promote moral education in the family. “It is necessary to invest more resources in activities that combat domestic violence. We must research and implement new, practical and effective activities,” said the vice president. Communication agencies also need to promote their role and actively report on domestic violence prevention to raise people’s awareness. From 2012 to 2016, more than 127,250 cases of domestic violence occurred in the country. Nearly 80 per cent of annual divorce cases are caused by domestic violence. Children who grow up in these troubled families are the ones to bear the brunt of violence, according to studies. Their learning is severely impaired, and they tend to resort to violence to ‘solve’ conflicts with schoolmates and friends, read reports from localities. Public security data also show that domestic violence contributes to the increase of crimes. The country currently has nearly 7,000 centres to provide support for domestic violence victims and thousands of clubs working to prevent and curb the violence. During the action month, a series of activities will be organised to improve public awareness in the fight against domestic violence and raise the responsibility of departments, agencies and public mechanisms that protect women and children. Lastly, the government will commend outstanding individuals and organisations throughout the cause. - VNS