Date:28/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/28/stories/2007062850370200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Minister seeks steps to implement law against domestic violence

Special Correspondent

“The incidents of atrocities against girls and women point to a malice that has gripped our social life.”

Thiruvananthapuram: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom has called for earnest steps to implement the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.

Speaking after inaugurating a seminar jointly organised by the District Information Office and the women’s sub-committee of the Secretariat Employees Association here on Tuesday, he said ensuring equal status for women was as important as preventing atrocities against them.

The Minister said women had no need to remain silent against injustice. He lamented that society had failed to accord equal status for women.

“The increasing incidents of atrocities against girls and women point to a malice that has gripped our social life. It is a matter of concern that the women’s commission has failed to curb such incidents.”

Awareness campaign

Mr. Viswom called for a campaign to create awareness on the issue.

He said Kerala should become a model for the rest of the country in implementing the Act.

Director, Information and Public Relations, P.Venugopal, Women’s Commission member T.Devi, vice-chairperson of the Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan T.Radhamani, Geenakumary, Secretariat Employees Association chairperson B.S. Jalajakumary and convener B.S. Jayasree also spoke.