Telangana State-wide stir against domestic violence soon

Gunfoundry: The Movement Against Domestic Violence on Women, a confederation of more than 20 women organisations of married women who are victims of domestic violence, on Monday announced a state-wide campaign. They urged the government to strictly enforce law against perpetrators of domestic violence.

Addressing a press conference, the confederation led by Major (Retd) Prof Sultana Khan appealed to the government to deal with cases of domestic violence strictly. Heads of All India Samajika Mahagana Sangharshan Samithi, United Forum of SC, ST, BC and Minorities, Mahila Wing of Anti-Corruption Committee, NFIW and others including women poets and writers participated in this conference.

Major Sultana Khan said, "Several married women are abandoned and they are living like widows and their children like orphans." She cited an example of one Anjum Sultana, whose husband deserted her along with 3 young children, and married another woman. Sultana was a head nurse at a hospital in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. She claims all her earnings were embezzled by her husband and his family and she was even forced to seek voluntary separation. She added her husband's family also served her a notice on her, following which she filed a complaint at Nampally Central Crime Station and the case is under investigation.

"Several such cases happen in our society remain underreported," said Major Sultana Khan, adding "If justice is not served to them, it will tear the fabric of the society."

The confederation appealed to the government to support its movement while urging the public to come forward and back their movement by reporting any cases of domestic violence. Activists Y Sindhya, Razia Sultana, Ruby Mishra, Sikander Begum, Rabia Begum, Azmath Begum, Chandralata Singh, Anasuya and others were also present during the conference. They said they would help victims of domestic violence reclaim their rights with proper guidance, counselling and legal interventions.