Punjab to establish Violence Against Women Centres Authority

Lahore: In order to effectively implement the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act 2016 and supervise the working of Violence Against Women Centres (VAWCs) across all 36 districts of Punjab on an emergency basis, Chief Minister Punjab upon the suggestion of his Special Monitoring Unit (Law & Order)’s head, Salman Sufi, has approved the establishment of a VAWC Authority.

This authority will be formed in order to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, red-tape and unwarranted delays in the effective implementation of VAWCs across the province. These VAWCs aim to streamline the case-flow process by converging all departments of justice-delivery, including FIR lodging, prosecution, medico-legal, forensics, psychologists and shelter homes, under one roof. Officials report that the construction of the first VAWC begun in September 2015 in Multan district at Matti Tal road and after undergoing dilatory bureaucratic processes is due to be completed by the end of this summer. Pre-empting the delays and complexities that result from the involvement of bureaucratic departments, the Chief Minister has approved this Authority to ensure sustainability of the VAWC project, irrespective of whoever is in power.

It is reported that ex-female judges, high powered government officials and lawyers will be among the members of this VAWC Authority who will supervise the formation of VAWCs through each and every phase and ensure the provision of justice to women victims of violence. They will also utilise funds for the future construction of Violence Against Women Centres, comprehensive software developments and further required enhancements to strengthen the justice-delivery mechanism for VAW victims of Punjab.

A special committee under the chairmanship of the Law Minister and comprising Salman Sufi, Rana Maqbool, Inspector General Police of Punjab and Secretaries of Law, Home, Social Welfare and Women Development Departments has been notified in order to deliberate upon the formation, structure and functions of the VAWC Authority.

The PML-N government has for a change shown foresight by approving the establishment of the VAWC Authority as part of a long-term strategy in the eradication of VAW crimes from the province.

The Authority is envisioned to create a mark in a hostile political environment that brings most government projects down.  By not succumbing to the pressures of the religious element in the country, the VAWC Authority will create a much-needed counter narrative within government departments regarding VAW crimes which have historically only been monitored, evaluated and prosecuted by men.

These Violence Against Women Centres will not only serve women victims but will employ an all-female staff including female police officers, prosecutors and psychologists, sending a loud and clear message to those who think banning women from the productive workforce is acceptable.