Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) chairperson Khrienuo Tachü on Wednesday expressed concern over the ‘alarming rate’ of gender-based violence in the state.
She was speaking on the issue of domestic violence in the context of Nagaland at a virtual consultative meeting organised to address domestic violence in the state.
Saying that gender-based violence in the state is on the rise, Tachü pointed out that both the literate and illiterate urban and rural women bear domestic violence in silence.
She noted that the only cases that are brought forward to seek help are those of a grave nature, adding the most common form of abuse in the state is the physical form of violence.
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“In order to eradicate the problem of domestic violence, it has to be taken on as a human rights issue,” Tachü stressed.
The State Resource Centre for Women Nagaland (SRCW) and the social welfare department conducted the virtual meeting.
In attendance were the key stakeholders that include the 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.
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In her keynote address, the commissioner and secretary to the social welfare department Sarah R Ritse stressed the urgency of such a programme to address the serious issue of domestic violence that plagues our society.
She exhorted all the stakeholders to participate in such deliberations to find ways to provide the best services to victims of domestic violence in the state. She also urged them to ensure that they are protected and given the utmost care and supportive assistance.
Ritse further called for exploring and sharing possible ways for its prevention in future.
A PowerPoint presentation on the “Challenges Faced in Addressing Domestic Violence” was made by SRCW research officer Meneno V who highlighted the data of cases of domestic violence received at the 181-Women Helpline Nagaland and the Sakhi-One Stop Centres.
She also highlighted the various challenges faced in addressing them over the years along with some suggestions and recommendations for the future.
A joint deliberation followed, with participation from representatives of Child Protection Society, 181-Women Helpline, Protection Officers, and Sakhi-One Stop Centres, where they raised their concerns and suggestions pertaining to cases of domestic violence.