4,000 Persons booked in domestic violence cases

As the cases of domestic violence are on the rise in Kashmir which has resulted in the death of two women in the past two days, the government said it had booked more than 4,000 people in last five years involved in crime against women.

4,000 persons booked in domestic violence casesWith people blaming the government for failing to curb the rising incidents of domestic violence in Kashmir which continue to take the lives of women, the government today said it had already enacted a law — Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Rules, 2011, for the protection of women.

“As many as 2,009 cases have been registered and 4,157 persons have been booked during the past five years under provision of the Domestic Violence Act,” the government said in the Assembly today.

Officials said the States Commission for Women had been functioning to safeguard women under constitution and law and the government was taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of women.

From the last three days, Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital – the only tertiary-care hospital in the Valley has been witnessing an increase in self-immolation cases as a result of domestic violence.

“Every day, we are witnessing cases of women with burn injuries, many of which are in critical condition. The cases of homicides and suicides among married women are on the rise and the treatment becomes difficult for them due to poverty,” a doctor from SMHS Hospital said.

Two women from Keran and Shopian died at SMHS hospital in the last two days while other woman from Kulgam is in critical condition. As per doctors, the chances of her survival are bleak.

Last week, a woman from Khanyar set herself blaze after being regularly harassed by her in-laws and husband. The woman succumbed at a hospital after suffering 90 per cent injuries. More than six women have died since May due to domestic violence. Most of these women find refuge in self-immolation as they do not come forward due to social stigma.

After facing criticism from many quarters, Minister of Social Welfare and Women’s Development Asia Naqash said the government would start shelter homes for victims of domestic violence soon.

“The victims of domestic violence can stay in these shelter homes, if their in-laws/parents don’t accept them for not succumbing to their pressure. At these homes, besides protection, these victims can be provided medical and legal assistance so that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice,” the minister said.

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