The Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2013. The passage of this Act came after 5 years of struggle by the Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with activists, jurists, lawyers and women legislators. The Act defines domestic violence as inclusive of but not limited to, all acts of gender-based, and other physical or psychological, abuse committed by a respondent against women, children or other vulnerable persons, with whom the respondent is or has been in a domestic relationship. The Act will be enforceable in the entire province of Sindh.
The new law provides for up to 2 years of imprisonment for offenders, and fines ranging from Rs 1000 and Rs 50,000, and also calls for the formation of a special committee to educate the complainants about their rights.
For further information see:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/529300/celebrating-milestones-with-the-domestic-violence-act-the-hurly-burlys-done-but-the-battle-hasnt-been-won/
TAGS: Family, Sexual Violence
