The study says the majority of Vietnamese married women face the risk of domestic violence, despite the Law on Gender Equality and the Law on the Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence which were passed in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Fifty-eight percent of Vietnamese married women report experiencing at least one type of domestic violence (physical, sexual or emotional) in their lifetime and only 1.7-6.3 percent of them asked for help at local agencies and organizations.

The study also reveals that 26 percent of women were physically or sexually abused by their husbands and 17 percent of them injured multiple times.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) representative in Vietnam, Jean Marc Olive, highlighted the quality of the study, affirming that: “This is a huge step forward in our efforts to prevent and stop domestic violence, and to strengthen services and support for affected women”.

Deputy Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Alberto Virella said this was the first effective stydy for policymakers and lawyers to consider and take drastic and immediate action against all types of domestic violence in Vietnam.

However, he said, the victims and women in general should recognize their basic right to speak out against violent partners.

The ceremony would like to convey a message to all Vietnamese women: “Keeping silent is dying”.