Consultative meet to curb gender based violence
Dimapur, Oct. 10 (EMN): A consultative meeting and sensitisation programme with police personnel to address violence against women and children was held on Oct. 10 at Phek Police Station. The meeting was organised by Phek Police in collaboration with the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) and Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB).
The organisers said the meeting was the first of its kind in Phek district where joint deliberation was conducted to curb gender based violence.
In the meeting, Prosecuting Inspector Medosa Yoho in his report presentation on crime data against women and children, informed that crime against women and children is increasingly on the rise. In the last five years about 18 cases of crime against women and children has been reported in the district, he said.
He also said it is alarming to note that from the beginning of the year till September the highest number of cases has been recorded in the district of which eight cases are related to rape and molestation. Other type of cases reported in the past included incest, child sexual abuse, attempt to rape and sexual harassment.
IC of Women Cell Phek PS Vekedulu said 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 reports. In most cases victims, especially minors are often threatened by the accused to hush the matter, she added.
Chairperson NSSWB Bano Vinita exhorted police personnel emphasising on strengthening convergence to addresses the increasing crime rate and line departments not to work in isolation. She also said police as the key service providers must pursue the cases with determination for Justice.
Manager Women Helpline- 181 Lanurenla Imchen presented on legal rights and entitlements of women and children, with emphasis on special law and rule of the Supreme Court.
During the meeting, members deliberated on challenges and way forward. With unexpected number of heinous crimes taking place in the district, the need to strengthen women police cell with more human resources and better facilities must be prioritised were tabled. The house also felt the need to equip the district police personnel with regular training on special laws, as they are often the first person to contact. The meeting also stressed on support required from general public and that they must detest from taking law into their own hand and inciting mob violence, which hampers and delays investigation and justice delivery process.
State Coordinator SRCW Gracy Ayee presented on schemes initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Gol emphasising on Beti Bachao Beti Padho, Women Helpline- 181 and Sakhi-One Stop Centre. 181 is a 24×7 toll free number, an integrated schemes catering to victims.
