Punjab Commission on the Status of Women has welcomed the enactment of ‘Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, unanimously passed by Punjab Assembly. In a statement Chairperson of the Commission Fauzia Viquar stated that the protection ensured for women under the much-awaited law is a great step ahead which would strengthen the measures already taken by Punjab government for empowerment of women and protection of their legal rights. She said that the enactment would work as a deterrent against all forms of violence against women.
The Chairperson said ‘the bill provides an effective system for women survivors of domestic, emotional, psychological, verbal and economic abuse, stalking or cybercrime etc. The enactment is extremely significant for the Commission because in a number of cases which were received at toll-free Women Helpline established for redressing the complaints of aggrieved women, Police was unable to take action considering it personal/ domestic issue. This law has made violence against women an actionable crime instead of an offence of minor nature and perpetrators of violence will have to face the consequences of their heinous act’.
Fauzia Viquar said that the bill and protection mechanism contained within it, will be crucial in terms of prevention and protection of women who are subjected to violence in the home and outside. “Institutions mentioned within the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Bill will ensure implementation of the law, she added.
Chairperson PCSW averred that protection Centers and Shelter Homes will house all related facilitation and services under one-roof, including police desks for the registeration of FIR, a female medico-legal officer for medico-legal examination; dedicated staff along with necessary infrastructure for collection of forensic evidence and a psychologist for psycho-social councelling of women survivors of violence. District Women Protection Committees will also be created to monitor violence against women and provide support to women survivors of violence in their districts.