Violence against women in Pakistan (and in general) is one of the worst, persistent and globally spread human rights violation that can ever exist. And what’s even horrifying is that it largely goes unreported due to the stigma and fear surrounding it, especially in a country like Pakistan where abuse is stated as “apas ki baat”.
A staggering percentage of women in Pakistan face physical, psychological and sexual abuse on a daily basis and it’s cost to individuals, families, the health systems and the society at large is huge as it is one of the most “ignored” and “widely misunderstood” issues. “Only the government cannot be blamed for this situation. The entire society will have to come forward. The police and the judiciary will also have to play their roles. If cases linger in courts for years, then victims are forced to find other ways to settle such cases. So a comprehensive reform program is needed and all sections of society will have to play their role.”
Violence against women, over all is not an argument or a pattern that the abuser uses to control the other person. It is physical, verbal, sexual with emotional insults because women in Pakistan are marginalized economy, so the abusers can dominate their victims and get their way. Here are some gruesome examples of violence against women in Pakistan committed in the past 1 month.
Suspect booked on premeditated murder charges in killing of ex-diplomat’s daughter
Two women sexually assaulted in Rawalpindi
SHO, IO suspended for ‘hushing up’ girl’s rape during robbery in Muzaffargarh
Man guns down wife, injures her sister over ‘domestic dispute’ at Charsadda’s judicial complex
Man handed down 22-year term for kidnap, rape in Lahore
Cops suspended for torture of women in Sialkot
Woman killed in Sahiwal over remarriage in rival clan
Teenage girl gang-raped, minor sister stripped in Toba Tek Singh
Man ‘burns’ wife to death in Gujar Khan
Man, woman killed for honour in Mansehra
HALT OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL 2020
Recently the Domestic Violence Bill was set aside for “further discussion” from the legislation by the Pakistan Islamic Council because it contains some un-islamic provisions even though the bill aims to protect women, children, the elderly and groups of people from domestic violence. Under the current proposed bill, an act of domestic violence could lead to a maximum period of imprisonment of three years and minimum of six months. Fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1,00,000 can be imposed on the perpetrator as compensation. The bill also seeks to offer rehabilitation to all individuals who are victims of domestic violence.
The halt has invited mass anger from netizens in failing to accept and implement a step that has the potential to save countless families.
So let’s have a look at the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2021.
It begins with clearly stating what constitutes domestic violence. It’s comprehensive and outlines different types of domestic violence. #DomesticViolenceBill pic.twitter.com/E4l0WFNQI3
— Eurus (@Hexatiouz) July 5, 2021
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN PAKISTAN
Here are some small and big ways that we can follow to make lives somewhat easier.
- Educate yourself on violence against women; learn the facts and the prevalence
- Believe survivors
- Ask the school boards to address sexual harassment in schools once they reopen
- Speak out against all forms of violence
- Question gender roles and assumptions
- Respect and embrace diversity
- Respect a person’s-even a child’s- right to say no
- Respect your partner’s right to disagree or have their own opinion
- Don’t blame victims, and reinforce that rape is never the victim’s fault
- Strive for equality for everyone
- Understand that putting boys and men down by calling them “ladies” and “girls” hurts everyone
- Speak out against the media’s portrayal of violence
- Learn how racism, sexism and homophobia are connected
- Acknowledge that it does happen in your own community
- Learn about power and control tactics
- Realize that sexual violence is about power and control, not sex
- Teach kids that respect is the minimum in a relationship, and lead by example
- Advocate for victim’s rights
- Avoid engaging in, supporting or encouraging sexual harassment by speaking up when you see or hear it
- Teach kids that violence will not solve problems
- Know that most sex offenders aren’t strangers · 86% are known to their victim
- Avoid making threats or using coercion and pressure to get sex
- Be courageous; don’t be afraid to speak up for those who have lost their voice or dignity
- Praise women and girls for something other than the way they look
- Speak out against racist, sexist or homophobic jokes
- Advocate for more youth violence prevention programs
- Get others to speak out against sexual violence
- Applaud others who speak out against violence and oppression
- Make a decision to become an active bystander by speaking up and calling for help when necessary
- Respect the choices victims and survivors make to survive
- Encourage your local college and universities to offer prevention education to students
- Empathize
- Work toward eliminating oppression of all kinds
- Think globally and act locally
- Hold perpetrators accountable for disrespecting their partners when you see it or hear it
- Engage others in discussions about violence against women
- Learn about healthy boundaries and don’t be afraid to voice your feelings in your relationship
- Notice when someone invades your boundaries
- Report it if you witness sexual harassment in your school or workplace
- Celebrate all aspects of masculinity, including compassion and sensitivity
And for the men…
- Choose your words carefully and respectfully when speaking of women in your life
- Show your strength by speaking up to men who are using their strength for hurting
- Refuse to let TV, movies, music or other people define what it means to be a man for you
- Understand that it takes more than just not being a batterer or a rapist to be a good guy
- Treat all women and girls with respect
- Ask, don’t assume you know what your partner wants
- Get involved with the Men Can Stop Rape movement at www.mencanstoprape.com
- Refuse to coerce or manipulate your partner in order to get your way; be willing to compromise
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