Supreme Court intrigued by the lack of ‘protection officers’ for domestic violence cases

Source: The post is based on the article “Supreme Court intrigued by the lack of ‘protection officers’ for domestic violence cases” published in The Hindu on 27th February 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has sought more information about Mission Shakti because it is concerned about a persistent lack of protection officers to handle domestic violence cases.

Note: Currently, 4.4 lakh cases of domestic violence are pending in 801 districts, a protection officer in each of these districts would be saddled with over 500 cases.

What is Mission Shakti?

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What are protection officers?

Appointment of protection officers (ideally women) is mandated under Section 8 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

These officers have a pivotal role: Help victims file complaints, Give Information to the police, provide immediate protection and support, Inform victims about their legal rights and Support them through the court proceedings.

What has the Supreme Court asked the government?

Mission Shakti provides “one-stop centers” in most of the districts to receive domestic violence victims. But it is unclear how many of them employ protection officers.

Hence, the Supreme Court has asked the government about whether Mission Shakti will serve as an umbrella scheme for implementing the Domestic Violence Act as it is concerned about a persistent lack of protection officers to handle domestic violence cases.