Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly on Friday (today), passed a bill against domestic violence aimed at protecting women from being subjected to physical violence.
The bill titled ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Domestic Violence against Women (Prevention and Protection) Bill’ is aimed at acting as a deterrent and protect women from domestic violent incident.
It suggests a minimum prison sentence of one year, and a maximum imprisonment of five years for people found guilty of domestic violence.
Furthermore, the bill also categorically defines and prescribes strict punishment for stalking, economic, sexual and psychological abuse.
Economic abuse includes denial of food, clothing and shelter. Meanwhile, psychological abuse has been defined as oppressive behavior, environment faced by the victims pushing them towards anorexia, suicide attempt and clinical depression (proved).
In addition to it, a six-member District Protection Committee will also be established which will spread awareness regarding legal rights of the victims and will also assist them in relocation and seeking medical treatment etc.
Committee’s secretary will be responsible for reporting all domestic violence cases along with providing legal assistances to the victims, survivors.
People found guilty of filing ‘dubious and unsubstantial complaints’ will be subjected to a fine of Rs 50,000.
The bill will be become a law once its signed by Governor KP.
