I don't think it is on the rise, it's just in the press more often.  If anything I'd say that today women are safer than they've ever been, thankfully- it used to be like Saudi Arabia in the western world too, where a woman was regarded as little more than property.  It is really sad that the violence continues though, of course.  Frustrated people who lack the education to resolve problems peacefully can tend to turn to violence, and as a woman is usually weaker than a man she is more often than not the one on the receiving end.

I hope it works out for your sister Polytrip.  Just do what you can to help her, but don't let yourself become mired in worry.  Risk assessment followed by appropriate action brings change, but worry is self-destructive