Laws & Remedies

by admin | Dec 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

Laws & Remedies

Physical Violence

Physical abuse is any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person or animal by way of bodily contact.

Applicable Laws:

332-337-L, (Hurt), Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

How to Avail Remedy:

Consultation with authorized medical officer
File an FIR with the local police station
File a petition to the court

Punishments:

Qisas (Punishment under Hudood Laws)
Payment of Arsh, Diyat
Imprisonment extending to 14 years or less
Maximum fine of Rs.1,000,000

Domestic violence

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior which involves violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting.

Applicable Laws:The Punjab Protection of Women against violence Act, 2016 Sindh Domestic Violence (prevention and protection) Bill, 2013 Baluchistan Domestic Violence (prevention and Protection) Bill, 2014

How to Avail Remedy:

File an FIR with the local police station;
File a petition to the court;
An aggrieved person may submit a complaint for obtaining a protection, residence or monetary order.

Punishment:The punishment will be given against the offence, as mentioned under Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, committed during domestic violence.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, acts to traffic a person or acts directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim. It can be in different forms such as Rape, Stripping, Exhibitionism, Sexual photography, Incest, forced prostitution, Trafficking for sexual exploitation, Stalking, Eve-Teasing and Sexual harassment.Rape is committed when; Against her will; Without her consent; When the consent has been obtained by putting her in fear of death or of hurt; With or without her consent when she is under 16 years of age

Applicable Laws:

Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2015, with added section 377-A & 377-B, Pakistan Penal Code
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013
Sections 354 and 354-A, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance, 2002
Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offense of Rape) Act 2016
Torture, custodial death and custodial rape (prevention and punishment) Act, 2014
Section 376, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
Anti-Rape Bill, 2016

How to Avail Remedy:

File an FIR with police-station falling in jurisdiction
Complaint with magistrate
Report of authorized medical practitioner
Cases of gang rape, child molestation and robbery coupled with rape are termed as Terrorist acts and to be tried by the Anti-Terrorist Courts.

Punishments:

For trafficking for prostitution is 25 years
For sexual abuse is life imprisonment, with fine of Rs.500,000
For outraging modesty of women and stripping in public is imprisonment, which may extend to 2 years and fine.
For Rape Death, Imprisonment of not less than 10 years, and can extend to 25 years, and Fine.
In case of gang rape, the punishment is of death or imprisonment for life.

Sexual Harassment at Workplace

“Harassment” means any unwelcome sexual advance; request for sexual favors or other verbal or written communication; or physical conduct of a sexual nature; or sexually demeaning attitudes

Applicable Laws:The Punjab Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act, 2012 Section 509, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

How to Avail Remedy:
. Complaint made to Inquiry Committee, in case of a private office.
. Complaint to Ombudsman, in case of Government Office.

Punishments:

U/S 509, PPC, 1860: Imprisonment which may extend to three years or a fine of up to Rs.500,000 or both.
Minor penalties
Censure
Withholding
Stoppage
Major penalties: Reduction to a lower post or time-scale
Compulsory retirement
Removal from service
Dismissal from service
Fine

Emotional or Psychological or Abuse

The behavior characterized by a person subjecting, or exposing, another person that may result in psychological trauma;

Applicable Law:The Punjab Protection of Women against violence Act, 2016

How to Avail Remedy:An aggrieved person may submit a complaint for obtaining a protection, residence or monetary order in favour of the aggrieved person.

Economic Violence or Abuse

Any act or behaviour which causes economic harm to an individual. Economic violence can take the form of, for example, property damage, restricting access to financial resources, education or the labour market, or not complying with economic responsibilities, such as alimony.

Applicable Laws:

Section 498-A, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

- Section 9, Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961
- Section 2 (ii), Ground for dissolution of marriage
- The Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Act 2015
- The Women in distress and detention fund Act
- Family Courts Act, 1964
- The Punjab Protection of women against violence act, 2016
- Punjab Partition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Act, 2015
- The Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Act 2015

How to Avail Remedy:

- Legal Suit can be filed in court
- File an FIR
- Complaint with magistrate

Punishments:

Prohibition of depriving woman from inheriting property u/s 498-A:
Imprisonment shall extend to 10 years, but not less than 5 years, and fine up to Rs.1.0 million or both.

Electric Violence or Cyberbullying

It is the recent form of violence; used against women as a tool; to harass, bully and torture them; emotionally, mentally and psychologically;

Applicable Laws:The Prevention of electronic crimes act, 2016

How to avail Remedy:Complaint to Investigation Agency or authorized officer, authorized by the Federal Government.

Punishments:Imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years; or with fine which may extend to Rs.5.0 million or with both.

Honor Crimes

The homicide of a member of a family or social group; or by other members; due to the belief the victim has brought dishonor upon the family or the community Applicable Laws:

Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2004
Anti-Honor killing laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014
Anti-Honor killing bill, 2016

How to Avail Remedy:

File an FIR with local police station
Filing of complaint under section 200 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898

Punishment:

Relatives of victim would only be able to pardon the offender, if sentenced to capital punishment;
The culprit would face a mandatory life sentence of 12.5 years

Acid Throwing

A form of violent assault; The act of throwing acid or a similarly corrosive substance onto the body of another intentionally;

Applicable Laws:

Section 336 and specially 336(A) and 336(B), Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
Criminal law (Amendment) Act, 2011
Acid Control and acid crime prevention Act, 2011

How to Avail Remedy:

Shall immediately be given initial treatment.
Photographs of injuries of the victim.
Filing of FIR in police station falling under jurisdiction.
Filing of complaint with Magistrate.

Punishment:

Shall not be less than 14 years and a minimum fine of Rs.1.0 million.

Child Marriage

It is a formal marriage; or informal union; entered into by an individual before reaching the age of 16.

Applicable Laws:

Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929
Punjab Marriage Restraint (amendment) Bill, 2015
Sindh Child Marriage Act, 2014

How to Avail Remedy:

Filing of FIR in police station falling under jurisdiction;
Filing of complaint with Magistrate

Punishments:

If a person, not being a minor;
Whoever performs conducts or directs child marriage;
Where a minor contracts child marriage, any person, being parent or guardian of a minor, lawful or unlawful;
Shall be punishable with simple imprisonment, which may extend to 6 months and fine of Rs.50,000.

Forced Marriage

It is a marriage in which one or both of the parties is married;without his or her consent or against his or her will. Applicable Laws:

The Prevention of Anti-women practices (Criminal law amendment) Act, 2011 Sections 310-A, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

How to Avail Remedy:

Filing of FIR in police station falling under jurisdiction;
Filing of complaint with Magistrate

Punishments:

Minimum of 3 years and up to 7 years of imprisonment.
Between three- and 10-years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 0.5 million.
Forcing a woman to “marry” the Holy Quran to result in a jail term of which is three to seven years and a fine of Rs0.5 million.

Anti-women Cultural Practices

The anti-women cultural practices in Pakistan include: Giving females in marriage or otherwise in badl-e-sulah, where a female is given in marriage or otherwise in consideration Practice of wanni, wherein young girls are forcibly married, as part of punishment for a crime committed by her male relatives. Practice of swara, where young girls are forcibly married to members of clans to resolve any feuds and is commonly found in Pashtun community. Marriage with Holy Qura’an

Applicable Laws: Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, 2011

How to Avail Remedy: Register FIR with local police station falling in jurisdiction Complaint with magistrate

Punishments:

Punishment for giving a female in marriage or otherwise in badal-i-sulh, wanni or swara:
Imprisonment upto 7 years;
Not be less than 3 years
Liable to fine of Rs.500,000
Prohibition of marriage with Holy Qura’an:
Imprisonment of either description which may extend to seven years;
Not less than three years;
Liable to fine of five hundred thousand Rupees

Know the Red Flag

by admin | Dec 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

Know the Red Flag

Recognizing when others are being abused. It’s impossible to know with certainty what goes on behind closed doors, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms of emotional abuse and domestic violence. If you witness these warning signs of abuse in a friend, family member, or co-worker, take them very seriously.

Warning signs of abuse in other people who are being abused may:

Seem afraid or anxious to please their partner
Go along with everything their partner says and does
Check-in often with their partner to report where they are and what they’re doing
Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner
Talk about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness

Warning signs of physical violence:
People who are being physically abused may:

Have frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents”
Frequently miss work, school, or social events without explanation
Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (e.g. wearing long sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors)

Warning signs of isolation:
People who are being isolated by their abuser may:

Be restricted from seeing family and friends
Rarely go out in public without their partner
Have limited access to money, credit cards, or the car

The psychological warning signs of abuse: People who are being abused may:

Show major personality changes (e.g. an outgoing person becomes withdrawn)
Be depressed, anxious, or suicidal

Fact Sheet of Violence Against Women

by admin | Dec 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

Fact Sheet of Violence Against Women

General overview of number of cases of Violence Against Women as reported by Human Rights Commission Pakistan:

Sexual violence 2004-2016: 4734
Honor crimes (men & women) 2004-2016: 15222
Burning cases 2004-2016: 1535
Domestic violence against women 2004-2016: 1843
Suicide 2004-2016: 35935
Women kidnapping 2004-2016: 5508

Punjab

The following statistics represent the number of VAW cases in Punjab in 2015, which go as:

Cases of rape were 2,720
Cases of honor killings were 173
Cases of acid throwing are 22
Burning cases are 35
Cases of beating were 588

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

The following statistics represent the number of VAW Cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in 2015, which go as:

Cases of gang-rape and rape are 32 & cases involving attempted rape are 20
Cases of honor-killing are 987
Cases of violence as according to cities of KPK are, incidents of violence in Peshawar are 104, in Mardan 35, in Kohat 14 and in Mansehra 11.

Sindh

The following statistics represent the number of VAW Cases in Sindh, which go as for last three years as:

Cases of gang-rape and rape are 344
Cases of honor-killings are 860
Incidents of acid-burning are 90
Burning cases 72
Cases of violence against women are 535 with specified cases of domestic violence being 481

Balochistan

The following Statistics represent the number of VAW Cases in Balochistan in 2015, which go as:

Cases of gang rape, rape, harassment, sodomy, stripping are 939
Burning (acid attacks, set on fire) cases are 143
Domestic Violence (acid attack, amputation, beating, edged tool attack, murder bids, set on fire, shaving, shot etc.) are 279

PDHS Survey

According to PDHS 2017-18, one of every five women in Pakistan are subjected to physical violence, a third of all married women go through it, as well. Following are some key findings of PDHS Survey

28% of women age 15-49 have experienced Physical Violence since age 15.
6% of women age 15-49 have experienced Sexual Violence since age 15.
7% of women have experienced violence during pregnancy.
8% of ever-married women report that their husbands display three or more specific types of controlling behaviours.
34% of ever-married women have experienced spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence.
The most common type of spousal violence is emotional violence (26%), followed by physical violence (23%).
5% of women have experienced spousal sexual violence.
26% of ever-married women have sustained injuries. Cuts and bruises are the most common types of injuries reported.
56% of affected women never sought any help or talked with anyone about resisting or stopping the violence.

Pakistan has been enlisted among the worst performers ranking Pakistan 151 out of 153 countries (Global Gender Gap Index Report 2020 by World Economic Forum). Pakistan was at 112^th number in 2006. The report focuses on four areas: educational attainment (Pakistan’s ranking is 143^rd); health and survival (149^th); and political empowerment (93^rd); economic participation and opportunity (150^th).

Cycle of Violence Against Women.

by admin | Dec 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

Cycle of Violence Against Women.

Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern or cycle of violence:

Cycle of Violence/Abuse against Women

Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern, or cycle of violence:

Abuse – Your abusive partner lashes out with aggressive, belittling, or violent behaviour. Abuse is a power play designed to show you who the boss is.

Guilt – After abusing you, your partner feels guilt, but not over what he has done. He’s more worried about the possibility of being caught and facing consequences for his abusive behaviour.

Excuses – Your abuser rationalizes what he has done. The person may come up with a string of excuses or blame you for the abusive behaviour – anything to avoid taking responsibility.

“Normal” behaviour – The abuser does everything he can to regain control and keep the victim in the relationship. He may act as if nothing had happened, or he may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time.

Fantasy and planning – Your abuser begins to fantasize about abusing you again. He spends a lot of time thinking about what you’ve done wrong and how he’ll make you pay. Then he makes a plan for turning the fantasy of abuse into reality.

Set-up – Your abuser sets you up and puts his plan in motion, creating a situation where he can justify abusing you.

Your abuser’s apologies and loving gestures between episodes of abuse can make it difficult to leave. He may make you believe that you are the only person who can help him, that things will be different this time, and that he truly loves you. However, the dangers of staying are very real.

Ambassador Program

by admin | Dec 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

About Us

White Ribbon Pakistan is a men’s movement for ending violence against women and girls. We are working with a different approach to counter the issue of violence by addressing the patriarchal mindset of individuals and society. We believe that men’s involvement in our initiative is a prerequisite to combating violence against women. Justice can be provided by those who do injustice because they have the power to do both. It is not sufficient to create awareness about women’s rights among women only but it is also necessary to engage men to challenge the unfair power relations that promote gender-based violence. Men even in instances where they are not a part of the problem can bring forth the solution by persuading others to question and stop violence against women in every form

About the Programme

Both men and women from all walks of life, who are willing to end gender based violence in Pakistan through changing the culture that lead to violence against women, can join the “White Ribbon Ambassador and champion Programme”.

People from different background, skills and knowledge are encouraged to be ambassador to strengthen communities and creating lasting positive change.

We will give you training about carrying out the role.

Provide you access to a variety of online materials and resources.

We will keep you up to date with White Ribbon news and developments.

Invite you to the White Ribbon events and activities.

We will listen to your suggestions and feedback.

We will award you with a certificate of ambassador.

Scope of Engagement

Use White Ribbon Pin, logo and resources that are provided as directed.
Raising awareness, lead and advocate to end all kinds of violence against women.
Speaking out against all forms of violence against women, as well as being involved in activities that promote women’s safety and wellbeing.
Engaging and supporting men to involve in the movement through promoting (online/offline) and participating in the activities that can bring a change in society.
Campaigning at the local and national level to promote that women’s safety is a men’s issue too.
To promote the White Ribbon through engaging and educating your peers and challenge sexism in everyday life.
Speak about ending violence against women at community events, TV programs, social media and where possible.
Act as a positive role model for other men and boys by actively engaging in positive behaviour and actions towards women.
Use White Ribbon presentation and material as well as follow guidelines for other events.
Encourage people especially men to take the White Ribbon Pledge. To keep in touch with White Ribbon and offer feedback, suggestions and advice.

Time Frame

White Ribbon Ambassadors will be selected for a period of one year. Every year, we will renew your ambassadorship and provide you with another certificate.

If you no longer wish to be an Ambassador or if you need to take a break from your role you will have to inform White Ribbon by submitting a formal request

Minimum Specific Deliverables

You will talk about violence against women on social media at least once a month tagging White Ribbon in your posts.
As an ambassador or champions of White Ribbon, you will talk about gender-based violence at any event at least once a quarter.
You will wear White Ribbon Pin during media and public appearances.
The Ambassadors and Champions will be required to connect with us once a month to plan and discuss the activities and give feedback.
You will persuade the maximum people especially men to take the White Ribbon Pledge.

Code of Conduct

If you are interested in becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador or champion, the first step is to pledge “never to commit, excuse & remain silent about violence against women”.

You will always adhere to the White Ribbon Values and will make sure people know that you are a volunteer, not an expert.
You will never share any confidential or sensitive information that is disclosed to you in your role as an Ambassador.
You will not accept gifts, money or any item of value from anyone in connection with your role as an Ambassador.
You will avoid any act in any way that could bring White Ribbon into disrepute.
By agreeing to the code of conduct you will be making the declaration “that nothing in my past or current personal life would damage the credibility of White Ribbon Pakistan”.