PANJIM: Non-Governmental Organisations and social activists have alleged that it’s not just the families, but law enforcing agencies also discourage women victims from reporting domestic violence.
Panellists at Herald TV’s Point-Counterpoint programme explained that the shortcomings in the implementation of domestic violence prevention rules and acts begin right at the stage of reporting the same.
They said that one in every five women in Goa is a victim of domestic violence and the system is not helping them in getting justice.
Arun Pandey of Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ) explained the shortcomings in the implementation of domestic violence prevention rules and acts begin right at the stage of reporting the same.
“Not just the family but also the law enforcement agencies in the state discourage the victims from reporting domestic violence. The Block Development Offices (BDOs) are preoccupied and in some instances there are no reporting forms as well.” he said.
Raising alarm with regards to cases of domestic violence in Goa, Pandey further reminded that one in every five women in Goa is a victim of domestic violence and added that a part-time officer to handle these cases is not a solution.
“The demands made by women’s organisations in Goa have always been put on the back burner,” said Sabina Martins of Bailancho Saad, explaining how the government neglects women’s issues.
“Of all the cases I have been handling I have noticed that police investigation is a major spoiler in securing conviction in domestic violence cases,” said Adv Caroline Collasso, bemoaning the low rate or no conviction against the accused.
“If you start with a premise that it is an accident and forensics are ignored, then conviction becomes very difficult,” she added.
