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More than a decade after Sindh enacted the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2013, violence against women continues unabated, with poor enforcement and weak investigations preventing victims from receiving justice, as reported by The Express Tribune.
According to The Express Tribune, although the legislation was introduced to safeguard women from physical abuse, sexual violence, emotional and psychological harassment, and economic exploitation, implementation has remained ineffective. While the law prescribes imprisonment and financial penalties for offenders, legal experts argue that its impact has been undermined by weak policing and inadequate institutional support. Following the law's passage, domestic violence cases began to be formally registered across Sindh. However, many survivors continue to avoid filing complaints due to family pressure, while others withdraw their cases because of alleged police reluctance and flawed investigations. A report by the Legal Aid Society highlighted that domestic violence remains widespread across the province, with survivors facing significant barriers in accessing justice. The organisation stated that despite existing legal protections, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the limited financial and administrative autonomy of institutions such as the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women, their effectiveness has been reduced. Sindh Women Lawyers Alliance Chairperson Advocate Shazia Nizamani said many women remain hesitant to report abuse because complaints are generally handled by male police officers. She emphasised the need to deploy more female officers to receive and investigate complaints involving women. The Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) reported 204 domestic violence cases in Sindh during the first half of 2025. Of these, 98 reached the courts, and 70 proceeded to trial, yet no convictions were recorded, as cited by The Express Tribune. The report also noted that police withdrew 14 cases, raising concerns over investigative standards. Local rights activist Akram Khaskheli said domestic violence is particularly prevalent in rural Sindh, where poverty, low literacy levels, and entrenched social attitudes discourage victims from speaking out, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)
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