MISOGYNY is a badge of honour in our society. As morality and family pride rest on the conduct and appearance of women, the man views domestic and intimate partner violence as his right. The absence of a response mechanism comprising legal aid, evenhanded medico-legal procedures and rapid trials for survivors, fuels injustice. A recent report from the Law and Justice Commission titled Unveiling Shadows: An Overview of Gender-based Violence Cases, 2023, assessed the efficiency of the 480 GBV courts in Pakistan, and exposed a drastic rise of 81pc in the backlog of unsettled GBV litigations: from 21,891 to 39,655. Despite Punjab’s 196 GBV courts, its pending cases shot up from 16,958 to 34,350, whereas KP, with 105 courts, saw a 14pc increase. Sindh’s burden rose by 3pc, while Balochistan and Islamabad recorded a growth of 2pc and 1pc. The document also shows that sexual violence remains high with gender-based murders, marital offences and e-crimes. While the Commission emphasised its commitment to accountability and protection of human rights, a conviction rate of only 5pc against an acquittal rate of 64pc indicates the dire need for comprehensive reforms in the criminal justice system. Laws on GBV, domestic abuse, harassment, and underage marriages exist in every province but their enforcement is feeble if not nonexistent.

Besides, societal approval of GBV, and lack of support infrastructure — shelters, legal help and psycho-social care — has shaped a twisted mindset that plagues all strata of society. In the first four months of 2023, theSustainableSocial Development Organisation revealed that Punjab Police logged 10,365 GBV cases and 1,768 cases of abuse against children. Recently, data provided by theHari Welfare Association showed that 837 cases of violence were reported in Sindh’s publications from January to June. A fight for women ensures safety for future generations; the most vital instrument in this fight is education. The data proves that educated females, with a better understanding of laws, easier access to legal fora and higher prospects of employment, are more empowered to report abuse. They can thwart the common perception in society, law enforcement and the judiciary that domestic violence is a personal issue, which merits resolution in and by the family. The right to life and dignity is enshrined in the Constitution and, like men, women are entitled to their freedom.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2024