'We The Women' Moves Supreme Court Seeking Closure Of Massive Gaps in Infrastructure Under DV Act

An NGO ‘We The Women Of India’ has moved the Supreme Court with a demand to create better infrastructure under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. It has sought to close the massive gaps in infrastructure under DV Act.

In the PIL, the NGO has been seeking to provide effective legal aid for the women abused in their matrimonial homes and also create shelter homes for them to avoid the abuse post lodging the complaints.

“Domestic violence continues to be the most common crime against females in India despite the DV Act coming into force more than 15 years back. As per the National Crime Records Bureau) report for the year 2019, out of 4.05 lakh reported cases categorised under ‘crimes against women’, over 30% were domestic violence cases,” said the PIL filed through Advocate Shobha Gupta.

Just The Tip Of The Iceberg: NGO Describes Crime Against Figures

“In general, Indian women refrain from complaining about the violence they routinely face at matrimonial homes in fear of loss of reputation of the family, the ensuing social stigma, and also because of lack of awareness about the provisions of law and the remedies provided thereunder,” said the petitioner.

The petitioner also quoted the National Family Health Survey, “about 86% of the women victims of domestic violence never seek help, which means only 14% scout for help and a meagre 7% of them reach out to the relevant authorities under the DV Act.”

Implement DV Act In Letter And Spirit

The petitioner has made the Centre government, all Union Territories, and states parties in the PIL. The NGO has requested the top court to issue directions to the authorities to implement the DV Act in letter and spirit, appoint the Protection Officers, enumerate the legal aid service providers and shelter homes too.

Domestic Violence Act, 2005

DV Act, 2005 helps women abused in matrimonial homes seek advice, raise grievances, lodge complaints, and find the available recourses. The Act also mandates the Government to set up shelter homes for their safety.

“Domestic violence is a societal issue and it requires dedicated awareness campaigns through various modes as was done through campaigns like ‘Swacch Bharat’, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, injurious effects of tobacco etc. Most state websites do not list out protection officers, service providers, and shelter homes, thus making it difficult for the distressed women to take protection under the DV Act,” said the petitioner.