Domestic violence has pulled the attention of the lawmakers in the sense that Domestic

Violence and Punishment Act 2065 has become a reality. This is a matter that ought to have been taken up decades back, but it had been relegated to a non-issue in the past. The backdrop for the earlier neglect of the vital issue of domestic violence was the peculiar patriarchal make up of the society. Yet the passage of the Bill to tackle the menace of domestic violence has proved that the society is waking up to the reality, the lawmakers too have been enlightened to extend full support to it. The important question that remains to be answered now is for framing the regulations to go in line with the legislation. The delay in doing so cannot be understood, when it is a paradox that violence against women is increasing when the awareness level among the people is thought to be rising. As education alone has not been able to curb violence against women, the necessary regulations ought to be framed and the provisions of the Act be implemented to make the society accord equal dignified status and protection to women also.

Despite all the facade that the civil society has, it has not been able to do justice to all women as far as their rights are concerned. The categorization of physical, mental, sexual, financial and behavioural violence as domestic violence has been done in the right perspective. At least the basis has been laid for the next phase of action, that is the formulation of the rules and regulations without which the results desired cannot materialize to give relief to the tens of thousands of women who have to bear the brunt of domestic violence without any respite. This state of affairs must be ended by the

government with the setting up of service centres for ensuring security, treatment and rehabilitation of the victims of domestic violence, and more funds allocated towards this.

The centralized activity for women’s rights must make way for action to be initiated at the

local levels. This is, however, a step that can only be realised if and when the local level bodies come into being. Yet, what can be done at the moment is to make the National Women’s Commission more teeth by making it all-inclusive and not a recruitment

centre for party cadres. NWC has contribute for the welfare of the women as far as their empowerment is concerned.

It is a curious phenomenon that even when the legislation against domestic violence has come into force, the relevant works accordingly has not gained momentum. The overnment must not take it lightly but act urgently to get it implemented by focusing on the logistical support first of all through the framing of the concerned rules and regulations that will provide the guidelines for all to follow, including the judiciary and the law enforcement agency. Then only the violators of the law can receive the punishment that they deserve and, furthermore, act as a deterrent to others also who might have the inclination towards esorting to domestic violence to pursue their narrow selfish motives. Getting the Act enacted is commendable but action for its genuine implementation is of grave concern.