‘Abuse is not confined to physical aspects alone’

International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women [caption id="attachment_151573" align="alignnone" width="550"] Some of the participants at the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women programme which was observed in Kohima on Saturday.[/caption] Kohima Bureau Kohima, Nov. 25 (EMN): Nagaland today joined the rest of the world in observing the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. In Kohima, the day was marked by the inauguration of Sakhi-One Stop Centre (OSC) at the directorate of Social Welfare and the launch of the annual fortnight of activism against gender-based violence. Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare, Merentoshi R Jamir, who attended the occasion as its chief guest, maintained that abuse or violence is not confined to physical aspect alone but it can also come in other forms, such as psychological abuse/violence. He said abuse of women and children was unheard of in the olden days but today, such incidents have become prevalent and there is a growing need to create awareness in protecting women and children. Stating that it could be the result of the negative impact of technology and its exposure on the society, Jamir pointed out that unless there was a change in mindset and attitude in the society, the problems would not be solved. He emphasized on the need for sensitization against abuse of women from the grassroot. The legislator suggested that deputy commissioners and superintendents of police take the initiative to organize awareness campaigns and workshops on the issue. About setting up an OSC in Kohima: Jamir was optimistic that it would contribute to women empowerment. He underscored the need for the people to collectively fight violence against women. Sakhi OSC is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development funded through the Nirbhaya Fund with the objective to providing integrated support to women affected by violence in private and public spaces— within the family, community, and at workplaces. According to a media handout, there is an increase of gender-based violence in the state, with Kohima district recording the second highest in crime and violence against women. The Sakhi OSC was earlier launched on Nov. 25 2016, on the occasion of International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, by Kiyanilie Peseyie, the then minister for Social Welfare. The first OSC was established in Dimapur at the Dimapur Civil Hospital. It was reported that since its inception, the OSC in Kohima has received and dealt with cases of domestic violence, rape, cyber crime, and missing person cases etc. The OSC is open 24 hours with referral services. It also provides emergency response and rescue services; medical assistance; assistance to women in lodging FIR/DIR; psycho-social support/counselling; legal aid; temporary shelter for victims; video conferencing among others. The departments of Health and Family Welfare, Home, and State Legal Service Authority are the partners. Saturday’s event also coincides with the ‘Qaumi Ekta Week’ (National Integration Week) as directed by the ministry which was observed across the country from Nov. 19 to the 25th 2017. The campaign in Nagaland will highlight information about the cause against gender-based violence, and accentuate the Right to Education under the overarching theme ‘Leave No One Behind: End violence against Women and Girls,’ it was informed. According to the department of Social Welfare, the inauguration of the OSC in Kohima was significant in that it commemorated International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. During the observation of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, mass awareness campaigns will be undertaken with emphasis on the women helpline 181, OSC, and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes, envisaged by the ministry to ensure the safety and protection of women and girls; outreach programmes, door-to-door and open house programmes in communities and educational institutions will also be carried out, it was informed. Secretary for Social Welfare OT Chingmak; secretary for NSSWB and mission director for State Resource Centre for Women Daisy Mezhür; deputy commissioner of Kohima Rajesh Soundararajan; Kohima's police superintendent Vekhosa Chakhesang and State Legal Services Authority member secretary Nino Iralu were among those who spoke at the programme.