KARACHI, Aug 31: Speakers at a seminar on Tuesday stressed for creating awareness among people, especially families for bringing up their children in a just manner. They also suggested establishing "community counselling centres" with trained and qualified psychologists to provide guidance to those facing domestic violence.

They also called for initiating research and data collection at educational institutions and universities, involving social scientists, to ascertain the causes and suggest preventive measures to stop domestic violence and abuses against women in the country.

The seminar on "Violence against women" was jointly organized by the Department of Psychology, University of Karachi, and the Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid (LHRLA) at the Arts Auditorium, KU. It was attended by students and teachers from all departments.

The LHRLA President, Zia Awan Advocate, in his presentation deplored that a majority of incidents relating to violence against women remained unreported owing to which no one in the country was ready to take the issue seriously and do something to prevent it.

He said that students of psychology and other social science disciplines could play an important role in identifying reasons, circumstances and problems which lead men to violence against women, and their prevention.

Giving details of some major incidents of violence against women in the country, especially in Sindh, he said, although illiteracy was an important factor in this regard, however, social norms and customs were the basic reasons behind violence against women in a male-dominated society.

Chairperson, Department of Psychology, KU Dr Rakhshanda Talat said the best and appropriate way to end discrimination and violence against women was promotion of Islamic teachings, as it ensured equal opportunities of education and selecting a profession for both men and women.

She told that her department had approached the KU vice-chancellor for permission to establish a counselling centre for varsity students, which would within a short span of its establishment extended its services to other people, especially troubled families.

Dr Talat maintained that her department was willing to support society in finding out reasons, and suggesting preventive measures for several social evils. She urged community-based organizations (CBOs) to come forward and support the department in carrying out its activities on a wider scale.

Dean, Faculty of Arts KU Dr Abu Zar Wajidi in his concluding remarks asked students, especially those studying psychology to utilize their expertise in creating awareness among the masses, and provide them counselling to live calm and peaceful lives in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Urosa Sahar and Musarat Perven of the LHRLA also presented their papers on "Harassment against women at work places" and "Psychological aspects of violence against women". The LHRLA also showed its documentary "Adhoray Khuwab" based on incidents of violence against women, who had suffered at the hands of their own relatives. - PPI