Police personnel sensitized gender based violence
Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): A consultative meeting and sensitisation programme with police personnel to address violence against women and children was held on October 10 at Phek police Station.
The consultative meeting was organised by Phek Police in collaboration with the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) & Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB).
In a first of its kind in Phek district, the joint deliberation was conducted to curb gender based violence, informed a press note.
Giving a detailed report on the data of crime against women and children, Medosa Yoho, a Prosecuting Inspector informed that cases of crime against women and children are increasing gradually.
In the last 5 years, about 18 cases of crime against women and children have been reported in the District, he noted. Alarmingly, the meeting noted, with 8 cases till September, the highest number cases related to rape and molestation has been reported in 2017. The other type of cases reported in the past includes incest, child sexual abuse, attempt to rape and sexual harassment.
The in-charge of Women Cell Phek P.S, Vekedulu said that the bad road condition, lack of proper public transportation, ignorance of legal rights and stigma attached are some of the major factors that causes delay for victims in filing the reports.
In most cases victims, especially minors are often threatened by the accused to hush the matter, she added.
Bano Vinito, Chairperson , NSSWB, exhorted the police personnel emphasising on strengthening convergence to addresses the increasing crime rate and line departments should not work in isolation. She stressed that Police as the key service providers must pursue the cases with determination for Justice.
Presentation on Legal rights and entitlements of women & children was made by Lanurenla Imchen Manager, Women Helpline- 81 stressing on special laws and rulings of the Supreme Court.
While deliberating on the challenges and way forward, the meeting highlighted that with the unexpected number of heinous crimes taking place in the district, there was a need to strengthen the women police cell with more human resources and better facilities on a priority basis. .
The importance to equip the district police personnel with regular training on special laws as they are often the first point of contact were also noted.
It was also emphasised that support from the general public are required and they must detest from taking law into their own hand and inciting mob violence, which could hamper and delay investigation and justice delivery process.
The programme was moderated by Gracy Ayee, State Coordinator, SRCW. She also presented various schemes initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, GoI such as - Beti Bachao Beti Padho,Women Helpline-181 and Sakhi One Stop Centre.
181 is a 24x7 toll free number, an integrated schemes catering to victims of violence.
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