Most Cases Of Violence Against Women Concludes Through Settlement

  November 21, 2023 By: INSEC

It has been observed that victims of violence against women often lodge complaints seeking justice at the Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Service Center under the District Police Office; however, a significant proportion of these cases ultimately conclude through settlement.

Despite the existence of constitutional and legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring justice, victims of violence against women often find themselves compelled to seek resolution through settlements for peace.In cases of violence against women, compromise is seen as the last option.

Among the 316 complaints registered in the year 2023 at the Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Service Center under the District Police Office in Kanchanpur, a total of 259 complaints have been resolved through settlement.In addition,with only 23 cases forwarded to the relevant agencies, and 34 complainants remaining uncontacted, as indicated by statistics from the Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Service Center.

Bhoj Dhami, the operator of the District Police Office in Kanchanpur, revealed that the Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Service Center documented 118 cases of spousal assault during alcohol consumption, 100 cases of indecent abuse under the influence of alcohol, 35 instances of denial of sustenance, and 6 cases of marriages were not officially registered.

ASI Harikala Ramjali of the Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Service Center emphasized that conciliation and reconciliation efforts will be undertaken exclusively with the mutual agreement of the victim and the accused party in instances of ordinary disputes. However, it is clarified that reconciliation will not be pursued in cases of a serious nature. She added that most of the complaints are resolved through mutual agreement.Although it is easy to establish both parties through reconciliation and the rights of the victims are established, the police do not reconcile in cases of polygamy and crime.

In cases where a victim, previously sent for settlement, files a subsequent complaint without reaching a resolution, the case will be forwarded to the district court along with supporting evidence for further legal proceedings. Manju KC, the coordinator of the short-term service center, informed that after a complaint was lodged by 45-year-old Lata Chand of Bhimdatta Municipality-15 Gobaraiya against her husband for domestic violence, a discussion was facilitated in the presence of both parties.

During the discussion, the husband offered an apology with assurances, and the couple is currently residing together.  As per KC, the coordinator of the Short-Term Service Center, a necessary assessment is required to determine whether to pursue a settlement or send the case to the court based upon the nature of the domestic violence incident.

In Sub-section 1 of Section 13 of the Domestic Violence Act 2009, a person who commits domestic violence is subject to a fine of 3,000 to 25,000 rupees or 6 months imprisonment or both.


Lily Kunwar