‘Gender-based violence increasing at alarming rate in Nagaland’

Dimapur, Oct. 27 (EMN): The chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women, Khrienuo Tachü, on Wednesday said that cases of gender-based violence are increasing at an alarming rate in the state.

She was speaking at the virtual ‘Consultative Meeting to Address Domestic Violence in the State’ organised by the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) Nagaland and the department of Social Welfare, informed an update from SRCW- Nagaland.

Tachü, who spoke on “The Issue of Domestic Violence in the Context of Nagaland”, said that women, both literate and illiterate, from urban and rural areas, bear domestic violence in silence.

The most common form of abuse in the state is the physical violence, she said, adding that the only cases of grave nature are brought forward to seek help.

She also emphasised on taking domestic violence as a human rights issue in order to eradicate it.

Sarah R Ritse, Commissioner and Secretary to the government of Nagaland, department of Social Welfare, stressed on the issue of domestic violence that is plaguing the Naga society.

She encouraged the stakeholders to discuss and find out ways to provide the best services to victims of domestic violence in the state, protect them, provide utmost care and supportive assistance, and explore all possible ways to prevent it.

Ritse also encouraged the officials to create awareness on pertinent issues related to women and children in line with the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Research Officer of SRCW Meneno V shared data related to cases of domestic violence received at the 181-Women Helpline Nagaland and the Sakhi-One Stop Centres, various challenges faced while addressing the issue over the years; and suggestions at the webinar.

Speaking on the way forward, Asangla Jamir, Assistant Director of Social Welfare, encouraged the participants to educate and ensure that domestic violence is stopped. She further called to create a comfortable space for the victim to find solace, take hold of their life and move on.

The key stakeholders under the department of Social Welfare, namely Nagaland State Commission for Women, Protection Officers under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, Child Protection Services, 181- Women Helpline, Sakhi- One Stop Centre, and District Level Centre for Women- Mahila Shakti Kendra attended the webinar.