Cases of domestic violence more than doubled in the country over the past five years even though the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (PWDV) Act was passed in 2005.
“We observe Womens’ Day every year but still violence against women increased because we don’t pay them the respect they deserve. There will be no dowry deaths if in-laws accept the bride as the daughter of the family and the latter treat her in-laws as her parents,” said ASP Bhopal Sameer Yadav at a daylong workshop In Bhopal at Hindi Bhawan.
The workshop organised by District Women Empowerment Office Bhopal in association with MP Anusuchit Jati Vikas Evam Kalyan Samiti Bhopal was held after a one day awareness camp.
Cases of domestic violence raised from 8.3 per cent in 2007 to 16.7 per cent in 2012, the organisers said. In order to spread awareness in society, they organised sensitisation programmes involving students of schools and. Women who were subjected to domestic violence are often thrown out of their homes.
“They have no social security, can’t educate their children or even afford their medical expenses,” said Samar Khan of Nirbhaya Mahila Ashram Bhopal.“There is an act but that should be implemented effectively,” she noted, adding the Government’s plans of rehabilitation should also be in place.
The children who were witnesses to domestic violence involving their parents often become depressive and suicidal, opined Namita Sahu Sub Inspector of Police earlier working as Nirbhaya Police in-charge.
A total of 25 opinion leaders including teachers attended the workshop.