MISCELLANEOUS

To advocate for effective implementation of the Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence

Act (PWDVA), 2005, CARE India has initiated a project “Justice to Domestic Violence Survivors” in partnership with Mahila Jagran Kendra (MJK) in two districts of Bihar- Patna and Samastipur. As a part of the initiative a study was conducted – ‘An Analysis of Perceptions of Domestic Violence and Efficacy of the Implementation of the PWDV Act (2005) in Bihar’- in 9 districts (Patna, Samastipur, Betiah, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Siwan, Munger, Araria and Supaul) of Bihar, to gain a deeper understanding of people’s perception of domestic violence against women and its impact on health, education and livelihoods of women. Through this research, we aimed at understanding the awareness of PWDV Act amongst the community and relevant stakeholders and assess the effectiveness of its implementation in the state of Bihar.

A ‘National Consultation- A Study Report on Perception of Domestic Violence and the PWDV ACT, 2005 in Bihar’, was organized in Patna on March 30, 2016, to disseminate the findings of the study, explore possibilities to collaborate and advocate together, and bring positives changes in the lives of women and girls. The report will help all key stakeholders to better understand the impact of domestic violence on women, and take focused interventions to address the issue.

The national consultation witnessed enthusiastic participation of more than 150 participants, from various Government agencies, academicians, experts and other key stakeholders. Some of the key officials and dignitaries at the consultation were – Smt. Kumari Manju Verma, Honourable Minister Social Welfare Govt. of Bihar; Ms. Anjum Ara, Chairperson- State Women Commission, Bihar.

The consultation provided a common platform for all the stakeholders to come together and work towards addressing the issue of domestic violence. This consultation has also provided a platform for CARE India to take up Advocacy initiative on the theme of domestic violence and build upon our work in the area of gender based violence.

 

 

Lata Krishnan