Protests against increase in domestic violence in Valley

A silent sit-in was held here on Monday against the rising number of domestic violence cases reported across Kashmir Valley in the last few years.

Large number of civil society members participated in the sit-in which was held at Pratap Park near city center Lal Chowk here.

One of the organisers of the sit-in Ezablir Ali told Deccan Herald that aim is to sensitise society about the growing menace of domestic violence. “We also want to send a message to government to act strictly against such acts,” she said.

Another participant Dr Altaf Hussain said there has been an increasing trend in violence against women and domestic violence in particular. “The cases seem to be on the rise due to insensitivity on the part of government and agencies concerned. We want to alert the government on the alarming situation by this protest,” he added.

The participants alleged that State Human Rights Commission and Women’s Commissions are defunct and headless as such they have failed to do justice to the cases of the victims of violence.

“We want the Government to reconstitute these commissions and make them functional,” they demanded.

The members complained that there was male staff in female police stations who register complaints of violence against women. “We want government to depute only female staff in these special police stations,” they added.

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry member Ghazala Amin said there should be speedy investigation of such cases case. She demanded establishment of fast-track courts for speedy disposal of the violence related cases.

Domestic violence is on rise in Kashmir with studies revealing that more than 40 per cent of women are physically or mentally abused by the husbands or by the in-laws.

Police figures reveal an increase in domestic violence cases, mostly relating to matrimonial disputes and family squabbles.