feeling insecure; Women victims of violence and harassment are forced to refrain from taking action against the accused

Lahore: Due to the feeling of insecurity, the women victims of violence and harassment have started to refrain from taking action against the accused.

In spite of several initiatives regarding the autonomy and protection of women, even today, a large number of women who are victims of domestic violence and harassment are forced to settle with the accused, avoiding legal proceedings against them.

28-year-old Rehana Gul is a resident of Baghbanpura area of ​​Lahore. A few weeks ago, she was allegedly tortured by her husband and other in-laws. According to Rehana Gul, one of her arms was broken and her face and head were badly injured. Peace was made.

Rehana Gul said that she was married to Mohammad Rehan 5 years ago. She also has a one and a half year old son. Rehana Gul said that the elders and relatives of the family had reconciled them.

Like Rehana Gul, there are hundreds of women who are victims of domestic violence and harassment, but due to family pressure, relations and various constraints, they are reluctant to take legal action against the accused and reconcile with them.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Gulbarg Lahore Syeda Shehrbanu Naqvi says that minor incidents of violence against women are not reported and the parties reconcile. In 60% of the cases that are reported, the parties settle before a case is filed.

Saida Shahrbanunqvi further said that there are many reasons for women to reconcile, including their economic constraints, family relationships, children and above all ownership. Women who are economically strong and independent take action against the accused even if they are close relatives. He also said that due to the government and non-government institutions providing legal aid and protection, women have also got courage and encouragement.

Rashid Karamat Butt, the former chairman of the local union council of Wagah town, said in this regard that petty fights and tension are common in homes. Women are also beaten and subjected to violence for various reasons. In such cases, first of all, the Union Council plays the role of Conciliation Council. The positions of the parties are heard and then a decision is made. The Union Council usually deals with cases like divorce, divorce, return of dowry goods. Rashid Karamat Butt said that after listening to the position of the parties, the proceedings of the victim are conducted and if the parties do not follow the advice of the reconciliation council, then the doors of law and court are open.

According to the report of Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), 10365 cases of violence, harassment and kidnapping of women were reported in Punjab during the first 4 months of this year. These include 5,551 cases of abduction of women, 2,818 cases of physical violence, 1,111 cases of sexual assault, 613 cases of abduction and 219 cases of domestic abuse, but the SSDO says that the actual number of cases is many times the reported cases. Can be more.

Chairperson National Commission for Women’s Dignity Nilufar Bakhtiar said that she has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and appealed to him to play a role in preventing the increasing incidents of gender-based violence against women. He said that immediate and effective measures must be taken to reduce gender-based violence against women. The lives of women victims of atrocities must be protected from further threats. Immediate judicial accountability and delivery of justice can stop this cycle of cruelty and worst violence.