Dimapur, October 27 (MExN): The State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) Nagaland and the Department of Social Welfare conducted a virtual consultative meeting to address domestic violence in the State on October 27.
In attendance were the key stakeholders under the Department of Social Welfare, namely – the Nagaland State Commission for Women, Protection Officers under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Child Protection Services, 181- Women Helpline, Sakhi- One Stop Centre, and District Level Centre for Women- Mahila Shakti Kendra, a press release from the centre stated.
Sarah R Ritse, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare, in her keynote address, cited the urgency of such a programme to address the “serious issue of domestic violence that plagues our society.”
She encouraged all the stakeholders to participate in the deliberation in finding out ways to provide the best services to victims of domestic violence in the state, and to ensure that they are protected and given the utmost care and supportive assistance; and further, to explore and share possible ways for its prevention in future.
Khrienuo Tachü, Chairperson, Nagaland State Commission for Women spoke on ‘The Issue of Domestic Violence in the Context of Nagaland’ where she pointed out the alarming rate at which cases of gender based violence are on the rise, and that both literate and illiterate, and both urban and rural women bear domestic violence in silence.
The Chairperson noted that the only cases that are brought forward to seek help are those that are of a grave nature, and that the most common form of abuse in the state is the physical form of violence. She emphasized that in order to eradicate the problem of domestic violence, it has to be taken on as a human rights issue.
A presentation on the ‘challenges faced in addressing domestic violence’ was made by Meneno V, Research Officer, SRCW, who highlighted on the data of cases of domestic violence received at the 181-Women Helpline Nagaland and the Sakhi-One Stop Centres, and the various challenges faced in addressing them over the years along with some suggestions/ recommendations for the future.
A joint deliberation followed, with participation from representatives of Child Protection Society, 181-Women Helpline, Protection Officers, and Sakhi-One Stop Centres, where they raised their concerns and suggestions pertaining to cases of domestic violence.
The webinar came to a close with the way forward delivered by Asangla Jamir, Assistant Director, Social Welfare, who encouraged all to stand strong in this issue, to educate and support, and to ensure that such behaviour is unacceptable in any form. She called on all to create a comfortable space for the victim to find solace, take hold of their life and to move on. Jamir also said that there should be more collaborative efforts in organizing awareness programs with different departments in future.
