BY AUDA VIEGAS

The world recognises November 25 as the ‘International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women’. The writer noted that proactive measures need to be taken if this is to be achieved in the state.

NOVEMBER 25 is recognised by the General Assembly of the United Nations as the ‘International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women’. Gender related violence is common even in developed countries. It affects women irrespective of their place of birth, colour, social status, religion and despite their very high educational qualifications. In Goa, domestic violence is very much prevalent but invisible in society as it is violence in the sacred precincts of our home, by relationships of consanguinity, of marriage or a marriage like relationship with the abuser. It is the abuse of the human rights of women and children.

For the past 20 plus years I have been working with battered women and their traumatised children and I feel that stopping violence will not only benefit the women and children but also the abuser, provided he learns to manage his anger. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 is much needed relief to battered women.

ACT

THE Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 provides effective protection to women who are victims of violence in relationships which include married/unmarried couples, children, adoption, members living in a joint family, anyone in a close personal relationship, flatmates/other persons who share accommodation.

Domestic violence is not only physical abuse but sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse to coerce a woman to meet any unlawful demand for dowry, property or deprive the woman of her lawful rights. The Act clearly explains that physical abuse means that no male in a relationship can kick, punch, verbally abuse or in any way assault a woman.

There cannot be forceful sexual contact with an unconsenting partner. Psychological abuse includes intimidation, threats, harassment, and example damaging property controlling the woman’s contact with family and friends as a way having power over her. In fact in a village in Goa a poster to a marital residence states that there is no entry for relatives of the wife! Denying financial support to the woman and children in the relationship also amounts to psychological abuse. This Act also addresses emotional abuse, which is to hurt a woman’s feelings by ridicule, humiliation, name calling etc.

It takes courage to stand for domestic violence as this violence is from those we love and there still exists a social belief that women must adjust and suffer. Therefore, the pain and confusion makes them hesitate to come to terms with their condition. But it is important to realise that everyone is better off when violence stops. That includes you, your children and the abuser.

PROTECTION OFFICER

IF a woman apprehends immediate danger, she can inform the police/a friend/a neighbour who can make a domestic incident report to the Protection Officer, (presently the Block Development Officer) who in turn has to contact the victim and inform her of the services available, free legal aid shelter home, medical facilities, financial assistance and render help. The Protection Officer has to file an application for various orders from the Court i.e. Protection, Residence, Maintenance, Non- Molestation Orders before a judge within three days of the domestic incident report and the judgement should be made within three months. I am of the opinion that setting up family courts and appointing special magistrates to handle cases with regard to domestic violence can hasten the process of justice itself.

There are women who have come to me, battered in body and spirit saying that they stayed in the violent environment because they could not afford a lawyer. Women need worry no more as the government provides them with free legal aid. Since I am a struggler for justice for battered women, my visit to New Zealand took me to the Ministry of Justice to study how this Act works for women there.

What I observed is that no sooner the police receive a complaint they rushed to the spot and generally lifted the victim/abuser from the home. Help is very, very quick for the victim .The legal machinery takes over to help the victim in every possible way. The system also provides assistance to the male partner. The abuser also gets help to manage his anger and change his behaviour. There is a National Network of Stopping Violence Services, Victim Support and Programmes for the abuser to help him to learn to live without violence. Unfortunately in Goa we do not have such arrangements nor is the necessary infrastructure provided to Protection Officers. The Act, like all other laws in Goa, is perfect but will it help us in our struggle to eliminate violence?

Will the overburdened Block Development Officer be able to cope with the growing violence? I have time and again requested the authorities to provide sufficient assistance to Protection Officers so that they are able to carry out their duties effectively. Officers must be provided with additional staff, adequate supply of forms for victims and infrastructure to carry out the tasks entrusted to them. Budget allocations should also be available. Given the type of infrastructure at their disposal, one must also admit that Protection Officers are doing their best. The government needs to also sensitise the police to their role in protecting women.
Respect and appreciate women in public and private to eliminate violence against women.