Domestic violence and law

  In the absence of serious and sincere steps to implement the provisions effectively, the Protection of Women form Domestic Violence Act seems to be falling short of expectations. The law was introduced to protect women and children form the violence they are subjected to . But it has remained a non -starter for various reasons. It is time the government reviewed the effectiveness of the act.
   When it came into force, the act was hailed as an extraordinary piece of legislation to protect women form domestic violence. But like all other laws aimed at protecting and empowering women, it too suffers form poor implementation, reflecting the societal bias against women. Despite making fabulous achievements in every sphere of human activity, women in Bangladesh have continued to suffer violence of different hues in silence. Fear of reprisal and ostracism deters many women from filing a complaint against their husbands. Unless women free themselves from their submissive attitude, no legislation meant for their welfare will have the desired impact. Domestic violence seems to have been accepted as one of the hazards of life by Bangladeshi women in general and illiterate women in particular . I am sure hundreds pf cases go unreported as women fear being thrown out of their homes and exposed to the vagaries of life. The state should provide protection, rehabilitation and training to victims to make them self-reliant . We can follow the British or the Canadian model and train personnel for implementing the act and also have fast-track courts for speedy justice.
     Domestic violence is indeed one of the most atrocious and pervasive human right violations. It destroys the victims' sense of self -worth .But it is not enough to make laws with noble intentions. The real key to justice lies in their effective implementation . While it is important to educate women on the provisions of the law , there is an urgent need to make it gender neutral . There are instances of women misusing the law.