State Women's Commission has received 255 cases in which women had complained of threat to their life in the last one year. A total of 1021 cases related to dowry, marital disputes, domestic violence, sexual and mental harassment and other problems were reported in the last one year in the SWC, said its member secretary Sujata.
Several steps are being taken for empowering women through awareness campaign about crimes against women, Domestic Violence Act and other laws protecting women at various places in the State, she averred.
Sujata said that 635 out of total registered 1021 cases were resolved through counseling by calling both the parties in the commission. The commission had received 255 cases in which women had complained of threat to their life out of which 181 were resolved in the last one year. Total of 110 cases related to dowry were reported out of which 70 were addressed while 40 cases are pending. Hundred and forty cases of mental harassment were reported by women out of which 84 complaints were resolved while 80 of the 130 reported cases of domestic violence were sorted out. “In view of rising crimes against women, I will lay emphasis on creating awareness on Domestic Violation Act and other laws protecting women and girls at school and college levels in the State," she added.
Observers State that Uttarakhand is considered a peaceful State and women here have traditionally been playing significant role in agricultural and other activities. Women had also played a significant role in State’s formation. Despite this, crime statistics with SWC revealed that the State is not that safe for women. Cases of crimes against women have been increasing and most of them are compelled to report in the commission because the police do not register complaints unless the crime is ‘severe’ or unless the victim uses political influence.
There is need to sensitise the police about the Domestic Violence Act so that the Act can be implemented effectively in the State. All the sections of the society including public servants, social workers, media and others could play vital role against domestic violence in the State.