President Taur Matan Ruak raised has concerns about the number of incest and domestic violence cases in Timor-Leste.

The Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality Idelta Maria Rodrigues said she raised the issue during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace in Bairo-Pite, Dili.

"There is a lot of concern, we still have the problems of incest, domestic violence and pornography that are spreading in Timor-Leste," said the Secretary of State.

She said in this meeting the President promised to put in a strong effort on gender issues for better development in the future, because currently women are more vulnerable. "This needs serious attention," said the Secretary of State.

The same concern also came from the President of the Parliamentary Women's Group (GMPTL), MP Josefa Alves Soares, who said these violations are crimes and must be processed according to the laws in force in the nation.

"The thing I have seen is there is no one serious about implementing the law and also the conditions in the home do not permit this so it's easy for it to happen," said MP Soares.

She added it's easy for this to happen inside the home when people live together, even with their parents, children and cousins, as there is no barrier for security.

"While sleeping together, the bedroom door does not have a key so this provides a space for these sort of actions to happen," said MP Soares.

Nevertheless, she stressed currently there is no need to create a specific law on the issue but they could in future, because there is already the Penal Code and some articles of the Domestic Violence Law that deal with sexual abuse.