Domestic violence remains a critical concern in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, affecting individuals and families across communities. The police play an integral role in addressing these cases by ensuring victim protection, delivering justice, and raising awareness about the legal rights of survivors.
Scope of Domestic Violence Issues
- Nature of Abuse
- Physical violence, emotional and psychological abuse, and economic control are the most common forms of domestic violence reported.
- Cases often go unreported due to societal stigma, fear of retaliation, or lack of awareness.
- Impact on Victims
- Survivors, particularly women and children, face long-term psychological trauma and social isolation.
- Economic dependency on the abuser often discourages victims from seeking help.
Police Initiatives in Combating Domestic Violence
- Prompt Response to Complaints
- Setting up women-centric helplines and emergency contact numbers to ensure immediate assistance.
- Providing swift on-site responses to reported incidents to protect victims and prevent escalation.
- Dedicated Women’s Cells
- Establishing Women and Child Protection Cells in police stations to handle domestic violence cases sensitively.
- Deploying trained personnel to counsel victims and facilitate filing complaints.
- Legal Support
- Assisting survivors in filing cases under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
- Coordinating with legal aid services to provide victims access to free legal counsel.
- Shelter and Rehabilitation
- Collaborating with NGOs and government agencies to provide victims with safe shelters and rehabilitation services.
- Offering assistance in accessing welfare programs like financial aid and employment training.
- Awareness Campaigns
- Conducting outreach programs to educate communities about the signs of domestic violence and the importance of reporting it.
- Encouraging bystander intervention to create a community-wide response to domestic violence.
- Community Policing
- Engaging community leaders to identify at-risk individuals and prevent domestic violence cases.
- Promoting trust and accessibility of the police among marginalized groups.
Challenges Faced by Police
- Reluctance of victims to report abuse due to societal pressure and fear of repercussions.
- Lack of adequate infrastructure, such as shelter homes and counseling centers.
- Perceived biases or lack of sensitivity in handling domestic violence cases.
The Way Forward
Strengthening institutional frameworks, improving police training, and fostering partnerships with community organizations are essential to addressing domestic violence effectively. By prioritizing victim-centric approaches and raising awareness, the police can create a safer environment for survivors and deter future incidents.