Daijiworld News Network – Mangalore (SS)

Mangalore, Apr 13: A legal awareness camp for women was jointly organized by the Karnataka State Women’s Commission and Prajna Counselling Centre here on Wednesday April 12.

Addressing the gathering, B Dayananda, superintendent of police, stated that family counselling centres are a boon to women in distress, as they provide proper guidance to them. The centres have gained momentum in the recent years in several places, he said.

He appealed to the women to file complaints against any violence or harassment against them, and added that the police was always there to support the cause of women. He urged the people to build a society free from violence against women.

Premanand Kini, advocate, informed that the government has passed the Family Atrocities (Prevention) Act 2005, to reduce major harassment or violence against women. 

The Act does not require FIR, charge sheet or investigation by the police, instead, even without going to the police station, the harassed women can approach the Protection Officer or “Service Providers”, a NGO recognized by the government. A ‘Domestic Incident Report’ will then be made ready and handed over to the Magistrate. If the accused is found guilty, he will be imprisoned for a year, or he will have to pay a fine of Rs 20,000, he said.