The implementation of the Domestic Violence Act has made many men write abusive e-mails to Union Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chaudhry.

This was revealed by Ms Chaudhry at the inaugural session of the two-day ‘Annual Convention on Legislative Coordination for Action on Women Issues’ organised by WomenPowerConnect, a conglomeration of about 500 organisations, here on Friday. “We have received a number of abusive e-mails from men after the implementation of the legislation which tries to counter violence at home,” the minister said.

She said that violence against women by their spouses rob the former of their self-esteem. “The legislation has proved to be a boon for many women.”

On the controversial Women’s Reservation Bill, she said the government is working on a consensus for its passage in Parliament.

“The government is committed to the women’s cause. We could have bulldozed our way by saying the numbers are on our side. We are into a little arms twisting, coercing and trying to convince about the bill so that a consensus is arrived at,” Chaudhry said.

She said she was optimistic that by 2009, there would be more women contestants.