NEW DELHI, OCT 7:
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi on Wednesday called for utmost sensitivity in dealing with women facing domestic violence, emphasising the need for everyone to teach their sons the values of respect and equality towards women from childhood.
Addressing a national conference of protection officers on strengthening protection and justice in cases of domestic violence, she said these cultural and behavioural changes in society are also necessary, along with strict laws to end the rising crimes against women.
Protection officers are officials appointed by state governments under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 and act as the frontline support for women in distress.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) organised the conference.
Devi said the event holds huge significance for women, especially given the NCW’s concern for their safety, and protection officers from across the country have gathered here today.
She said the event was organised on a special day, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 25 years in public office.
Prime Minister Modi has always been committed to moving the country forward with a vision of women’s development, and he is constantly working day after day to bring happiness to women’s lives and to ensure that they play an important role in making India a developed nation by 2047, she said.
The minister said many laws exist, but implementing them on the ground requires removing practical difficulties and problems that may arise.
“Our shared goal is very clear — every home should be safe, every system should be sensitive, and every victim should receive speedy justice,” the minister said.
Referring to a book, “From Voice to Protection”, released at the conference, she said it sends a clear message that when a woman raises her voice against injustice, the entire system comes forward to protect and support her. “The true significance of any law is proven when this information about rights easily reaches those in need,” she said.
The minister said women’s role in the country’s development journey is no longer limited to participation; they are now charioteers of development, leading the way on the path of progress.
She also listed various policy reforms and new laws enacted by the Modi government to facilitate access to justice and to ensure that the entire system is fully sensitive to citizens.
She told the protection officers that their role in this legal process is like a strong, sensitive bridge.
“In such a situation, your role becomes crucial. When a victimised woman comes to you and shares her story, it will certainly not be just a formal complaint. It brings with it increased hope for justice. Self-respect and confidence in a secure future also emerge,” she said.
“And your first response is crucial in this entire process. Risk assessments should be timely. Safety planning should be effective. The Domestic Incident Report should be prepared in a timely and impartial manner,” the minister said.
“Most importantly, the case should be continuously followed to ensure that there is no scope for violence against the woman again. All these steps lay a strong foundation of security and trust in a woman’s life,” she said.
“At the field level, all of you work under extremely challenging circumstances. Your patience, empathy, and sense of duty bring justice to every citizen,” she told the protection officers.
“We should also instil in our sons, from childhood, the values of respect, sensitivity, and equality towards women. Along with strict laws, this cultural and behavioural change, starting from our homes and families, is also essential to permanently end the rising crimes against women in society,” Devi said. (Source: PTI)
