NSCW issues clarion call against normalisation of violence

Kohima, June 30 (MExN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) on Tuesday expressed “deep concern and grave alarm” at the rising incidence of crimes, sexual violence and harassment against women and children across the state, calling for urgent collective action to address what it described as a breakdown in the social and protective fabric of society.

In a statement issued in public interest, the Commission said cases of gender-based violence had become “alarmingly frequent” and, in many instances, disturbingly normalised, demanding immediate introspection from every section of society. It asserted that violence against women and children was not a private matter but a societal failure requiring collective responsibility.

The NSCW underlined the need for widespread sensitisation on issues of gender justice, dignity and human rights, urging individuals, families, communities, institutions and stakeholders to come together to foster a culture of safety and zero tolerance towards abuse and exploitation.

The Commission appealed to civil society organisations, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, community leaders and, in particular, Faith-Based Organisations to play an active role in tackling the crisis, noting that such institutions, given their moral influence and outreach, must lead in shaping values of dignity, compassion and protection for the vulnerable.

Stressing legal awareness as a tool for prevention and justice, the NSCW listed key legislations meant to safeguard women and children, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and relevant provisions on cruelty and assault under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Commission also urged citizens to make use of toll-free helplines and support mechanisms, including the Women Helpline (181), Child Helpline (1098), the Emergency Response Support System (112), the NSCW Legal Aid Cell (8730999448), Sakhi One Stop Centres, Shakti Sadan and Child Welfare Committees, saying these services ensured that “no victim stands alone” and that timely intervention could prove critical to protection and recovery.

Issuing a clarion call to the conscience of every citizen, the NSCW said, “Rise against the perpetuation of gender-based violence. Silence and indifference only embolden perpetrators. We must reject all forms of victim-blaming, stigma and cultural justifications that perpetuate injustice.”

“Let us stand united in vigilance. Let us speak out, intervene responsibly, and support survivors with empathy and dignity. Let us build a Nagaland where women and children can live free from fear, where justice prevails, and where humanity is upheld above all,” the statement added.

“The time to act is now,” the Commission said.