Noor Mukkadam, Sarah Inam, Mukhatar Mai, Zainab Amin, Nomaika Satti, Sania Zehra – Akhir kab tak?
Our desi culture has a deep-seated tradition of patriarchy and misogyny, which includes the belief that “Boys will be boys.” Women are increasingly falling victim to toxic masculinity, a trend that is tragically entrenched and accepted in our society. It is time that women break free from the chains of bigotry and speak up against the wrongdoings of the opposite gender.
Hundreds if not thousands of women are murdered, kidnapped, and assaulted each year in Pakistan. A 2018 survey estimated that 1 in 3 women experienced domestic violence, but conviction rates are extremely low. According to an estimate, approximately 70 to 90% of Pakistani women are subjected to domestic violence.
The public is once again out on social media to condemn and show solidarity with Aliza Sultan, who was allegedly abused by her ex-husband. Lawyer Nighat Dad shed light on ways to handle domestic abuse by citing the example of Aliza.
The fight for domestic abuse is ongoing cause that FUCHSIA addresses, with the recent case involving Sania Zehra, we’ve decided to repost this article to create awareness for our readers!
1 – Start Documenting Evidence In A Safe Space
The most important thing any one who is facing domestic violence should do is start documenting evidence and store it in a safe place away from the perpetrators so that they don’t have the ability to control the narrative.
2- Complain To The Nearest Police Station
If you can, then the best way is to complain to a police station and get a computerized receipt of your complaint.
3 – Medical Examination
Know that you have every right to ask for a medical examination by relevant medical personnel. Incase you do not receive one it is pertinent to note that you should request one in order to establish the merits of your case.
4 – Medico Legal Report
A medico-legal report will be finalized after the assessment of the hurt/wounds that you may have. This assessment includes but is not limited to X-ray reports, DNA tests, physical diagnosis etc. It is always advised not to take a bath or change clothes for apt medical results.
5 – FIR Is Filed Using The Medico – Legal Report
Now your case of domestic abuse will be recorded as per relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860. It can be filed under
Section 332 (Hurt) — whoever causes pain, harm, disease, infirmity or injury to any person or impairs, disables or dismembers any organ of the body or part thereof of any person without causing his death, is said to cause hurt.
Section 337 (Shajjah) — whoever causes, on the head or face of any person, any hurt which does not amount to itlaf-i-udw or itlaf-i-salahiyyati-udw, is said to cause shajjah.
Section 376 (Punishment for rape) — whoever commits rape shall be punished with death or imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years or more than 25 years and shall also be liable to fine.
6 – Province Determines The Legal Proceedings
Above legal information regarding procedure might also be different according to which province you are in for instance in Sindh & Baluchistan Domestic Violence is criminalized whereas in Punjab it is a civil crime under The Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act.
Incase you want to report a case of domestic abuse use the helplines listed below.
Sindh:# 1094
Punjab:#1043
