Domestic Violence Bill Introduced in National Assembly.

On Wednesday, Minister of Human Rights Shireen Mazari introduced Domestic Violence Bill in National Assembly. The bill for Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2020 is introduced to protect rights of women, children, elders and other vulnerable and weak persons of the society who face domestic violence.

Furthermore, while presenting the bill, Human Rights minister Shireen Mazari said the act of domestic violence [if the offence committed does not fall under the Pakistan Penal Code] shall be punishable with imprisonment of maximum three years and minimum six months, depending on the gravity of the crime committed.

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In addition to the imprisonment, the guilty will be charged a fine ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 100,000. In case of failure of payment of fine, the perpetrator will be given additional imprisonment of 3 months. However, the amount of fine will be given to the victim as a compensation. The bill was referred to the relevant Standing Committee for further deliberations.

As per the bill, if an offence falling under the PPC is committed in a domestic relationship, the crime shall be punishable as under the PPC.

The bill defines the domestic violence as:

‘all acts of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse committed by a respondent against women, children, vulnerable persons, or any other person with whom the respondent is or has been in a domestic relationship that causes fear, physical or psychological harm to the aggrieved person.’

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It also includes but not limited to repeated exhibition of possessiveness or jealousy which may lead to instances of subjugating victims privacy, liberty, integrity and threats of divorce or second marriage on unsubstantiated accusations, infertility, or negligent abandonment. The bill also profoundly mentions harassment and stalking.

Moreso, insults, ridicule, and false allegations on the character of a female member or any member of the shared household, as well as intentional deprivation of economic or financial resources or hindrance to access of such resources which the aggrieved person is entitled to under law also includes in domestic violence.

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