\nWhile the Protection Officers and Service Providers assist victims of domestic violence in getting legal remedial solutions, Sazo urged them not to misuse the law. Stating that every law has its own defects or loopholes, Sazo said that the Act may cause certain difficulties while implementing it. Citing some examples, he said that the Act does not give protection to husbands, male members or in laws of women. He urged the officials to be cautious while registering a case or before filing a case.
\nThough there is alarming increase of domestic violence in the country, Sazo said that many women suffer in silence. “Of all forms of criminal behaviour, domestic violence is among the most prevalent but the least reported” he added. He said that though Article 371 (a) of the Indian Constitution protects the customary laws of Nagaland, the customary laws give little protection to women on domestic violence, and does not guarantee anything to women to protect themselves. “With the increase of inter marriage and urbanization of the society, the customary laws of a particular tribe could not cover the protection of women from domestic violence” he said. In regard to this, the “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005” was adopted and passed in the State Assembly on September 11 2008 to protect and prevent women from domestic violence.
\nA presentation on procedural method was given by Sentinaro, Advocate, Guwahati High Court, Kohima Bench; while Moajungla from the Lawyers’ Collective led the practical session.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"