THOUBAL, May 11: Thoubal district is amongst the districts with the highest number of cases of violence against women and children in the state. There is also a growing number of women victims of domestic violence in the district. Unfortunately, the post for the district’s service provider has remained vacant ever since, the previous service provider had resigned from the post in 2012. The service provider is appointed under the Protection of Women, Domestic Violence Act, 2005 by the state Social Welfare department in every district.
This was stated by Human Rights Law Network, Imphal assistant director Premlata Loitam while addressing a one day discussion on “Know your rights.”
The discussion was organised by the Integrated Rural Development Service Organisation at its Wangjing office.
She said the absence of a service provider has made it even harder for the victims to approach the law.
Speaking on the theme, “Women’s existing Acts and laws and its mechanisms for utilisation” she said there is a law to bring every cases of violence against women and children to justice.
Continuing her speech, she said women today are facing various forms of abuses, especially emotional, verbal, sexual and economic exploitation.
However, victims can also approach the law, and seek relief against the law breakers like Protection Order, Residence Order, Custody Order, Monetary Relief, etc, she asserted.
Elaborating further on the issue, she said although there is a protection officer in the district, understanding the Act is beyond its means.
The district has a shelter home; however it is attached with a home at Imphal East, she said and continued that the worst part is a victim has to shell out the entire expenses to fight a case of domestic violence, even though the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides that the government should bear all the expenses.
She further elaborated on the need to put a check on the act of taking the law into one’s own hand instead of allowing the legal authorities to handle the case.
Speaking on the topic, ‘services available in legal aid clinic and its utilities’ advocate Modhu said there is no social justice in Manipur.
Chief functionary, IRDSO Nonibala Narengbam said Thoubal district has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of cases of violence against women and children, with already 12 cases filed for this year till date.
