The Domestic Violence Act, 1998 was enacted to give survivors of violence maximum protection from domestic abuse. Women and children, who are mostly at the receiving end of domestic violence, have a legal recourse that will ensure their protection. As a community, we have a responsibility to stop the violence.
It is not enough to simply express our shock, condemnation, and disbelief at these atrocious crimes against women and children. There is a desperate need to bring about the necessary changes that we want in our communities. It is within our power to fight against the abuse of women and children.
Violence against women takes many forms – physical, sexual, economic, emotional and psychological – but all of these represent a violation of human dignity and human rights and have lasting consequences on both women themselves and their communities.
We have to find ways of making our homes and communities safe for all, especially for women and children.
Author – Jessica Gooding
