Protect victims of violence

VIOLENCE: There is a belief that listening more and speaking less will bring good results. If one uses his/her mouth carefully he/she will have less trouble. Being silent is better than shouting for nothing.

But all these ideas do not count when it comes to gender, gender equality and violence based on gender difference. There should be a voice for voiceless. Mass media is the best voice for them. This is why `Gender Dialogue’ is back !

Persons, organisations, trends come and go. Time passes. Social change take place within years in certain fields and within ages in some other fields. It is the responsibility of journalists to report facts and help justice to stand strong in society.

Violence against women and children remains in Sri Lankan society as an invisible devil all the time. The devil does not vanish but comes into the open from time to time, no matter how tough the law is.

The only way of facing this devil is being vigilant, preventing violence against women and children and fighting for justice once the devil strikes.

According to some recent newspaper reports the only survivor of the Delgoda massacre is now in a great danger facing the most pathetic situation in her life. The same reports request the general public to assist her.

All of us know she is only a small girl who is severely wounded, raped and left without any family protection. But the problem is not any of those things and the Delgoda massacre is not the last crime.

There should be a proper and permanent system to safeguard victims of violence against women and children.

These victims should be protected properly from all future threats and provided physical and emotional support through professionals and not through unqualified persons.

There should be a system which ensures that the victims, especially child victims are not manipulated by their guardians or any other party.

According to the same report a number of donors have already extended their assistance to the girl showing that still there are human beings living in Sri Lanka. This is commendable. But there is a very important fact in connection with assisting crime victims under the existing environment.

There should be a proper monitoring authority to coordinate the victims and donors and to make sure that donors do not have any `control’ over the victim.

When the Department of Probation and Childcare Services takes the responsibility most of the above issues do not arise but female (adult) victims are not eligible to receive the service of the department and require a new authority/body.

Unfortunately there is no system in Sri Lanka to follow up the well-being of crime victims. This is essential to ensure safety and well-being of the victims of violence against women and children.

For example, the Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry has implemented a programme to ensure the safety and well being of cured mental patients, especially women.

Under this programme all patients and their families/caretakers are continuously monitored by social service officers attached to the relevant Divisional Secretariats. Arrangements have been made to monitor all patients living in different areas in the country. A similar system is required for the welfare of crime victims.

Building a better society that allows both men and women to live safely in a comfortable environment is the main objective of all who speak up for the well-being of women and children.

The first step should be creating an environment where a woman can safely stay in her own home in daytime.