Domestic Violence Fight Continues, Solutions Elusive

Muhammad Yousaf

Lahore:

Despite the enactment of key legislation and sustained efforts to curb domestic violence, the problem continues to persist across societies due to weak enforcement and entrenched socio-cultural norms, said Sabahat Rizvi, Secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association.

Speaking on the issue, Sabahat Rizvi said violence against women reflects institutional failure to effectively implement relevant laws. She noted that increasing cases of domestic abuse point to administrative apathy and a societal mindset rooted in male dominance.

“As a legal practitioner, I believe that the rise in domestic violence cases stems from institutional indifference and deeply embedded patriarchal attitudes,” she said.

Rizvi emphasised that ensuring women’s welfare is not solely the responsibility of the government but also of society at large. She observed that growing conservatism and adherence to outdated socio-cultural practices are contributing factors behind the persistence of violence.

“Men, perceiving themselves as more powerful in personal relationships, often resort to acts of violence against women,” she added, stressing the need for greater awareness of religious, moral and legal obligations.

She maintained that public awareness and social reform are essential to addressing the issue, alongside strict enforcement of existing laws.

Highlighting provincial initiatives, Rizvi said the Punjab government has introduced measures to support victims, including the Punjab Women’s Helpline 1043 and the Women Safety Mobile Application, aimed at providing timely assistance and protection.

She called for coordinated efforts by institutions, civil society and the legal community to ensure a safer environment for women and to translate legislation into meaningful protection on the ground.

“These measures and landmark legislation reflect the government’s commitment to curbing and reversing the harmful impact of domestic violence,” a Punjab government official said.

He referred specifically to the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016 (PPWVA), enacted in 2016. The law, introduced after similar legislation in Sindh and Balochistan, aims to establish an effective framework for the protection, relief and rehabilitation of women subjected to violence, while outlining a comprehensive mechanism for its enforcement.

Under the Act, the provincial government is required to set up a universal toll-free complaints hotline, protection centres and shelter homes. These facilities are designed to provide mediation and reconciliation services, rescue operations, medical examination and treatment, as well as legal assistance to victims.

The legislation also mandates periodic awareness campaigns for public servants and the development of a centralised database and monitoring system to ensure effective implementation and evaluation.

However, despite these measures, challenges remain in translating legal provisions into tangible outcomes. The Punjab Commission on the Status of Women in its Gender Parity Report 2021 reported no significant decline in domestic violence cases during 2019 and 2020, even five years after the Act’s passage.

During the tenure of former prime minister Imran Khan — whose government had pledged to build a “Riasat-e-Medina” — cases of domestic violence, including murder, attempted murder and physical assault, showed an upward trend.

Lahore recorded the highest number of reported cases, highlighting the magnitude of the issue in the provincial capital. Conversely, some districts reported no cases, raising concerns about underreporting or lack of awareness among women regarding available complaint mechanisms.

According to available data, physical assault or “beating” remains the most commonly reported form of domestic violence in Punjab.

Sarah Shiraz, Punjab Resident Director of the Aurat Foundation, has highlighted multiple factors contributing to the persistent violence against women in the province, stressing that weak implementation of domestic violence laws remains a major obstacle.

“We face critical challenges in the implementation of laws against domestic violence,” she said, adding that lack of awareness among women about their legal rights further aggravates the situation.

According to her, even when women are aware of their rights, navigating the bureaucratic system for grievance redressal becomes an overwhelming challenge. “The institutions responsible for addressing complaints often lack a focused approach, forcing victims to move from one office to another without meaningful resolution,” she noted.

Sarah emphasised the urgent need for stronger coordination between government departments and civil society organisations to effectively combat domestic violence. She called for a comprehensive strategy centered on public awareness, effective enforcement of laws, accessible support mechanisms, and streamlined complaint procedures.

She also underscored the importance of women’s education to ensure they understand their rights and know how to seek help when needed.

The struggle against domestic violence in Punjab, she said, is far from over. A multifaceted and collaborative approach involving law enforcement agencies, religious leaders, civil society, and non-governmental organisations is essential to create a society where women are safe, empowered, and free from violence. The feature report was released by APP.

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