Local-level remedy for domestic disputes

ILAM, Dec 1: Her inebriated husband used to torture her almost daily until three months ago. But Devi Giri of Mahamai-2 is now living blissfully with him. [break]



The Giris have the local Domestic Violence Minimization Coordination Unit to thank for the positive change in their lives. Many more domestic problems like that of the Giris are now being resolved locally through the mediation of units in all 48 village development committees (VDC) in the district.



Amicable resolution at local level of disputes involving domestic violence has come as a relief to couples who previously had to go to the police and the courts. The units active in every VDC of the district for the past two years under the Women Awareness Association (WWA) have spared many couples the trauma of potential divorce.



“We advise couples to solve their problems at the village, send cases to the district office of the network only if that fails and seek legal remedy if things can´t be resolved by the district committee either,” said Bishnu Dahal, president of WWA, Ilam.



“Most of the cases that have come to us have been resolved,” Dahal added. The cases lodged with the committee include domestic disputes of couples, violence after inebriation, humiliation, deprivation of food and clothing, physical and mental torture, sexual exploitation and marital rape.



The committee looks at all cases related to violence against women and not just those involving spouses. Former deputy mayor of Ilam Municipality Mahesh Basnet used to beat up his sister Menuka over a financial dispute until two months ago. But the committee forced him to apologize to her.



“We initiate the mediation process immediately after receiving a complaint. We involve both parties and make them sign a reconciliation letter. They live in harmony after signing the letter,” Dahal said.



WWA accomodates the victims at its own expense until resolution of their disputes. It has room and board arrangements at its district office. Seventeen different organizations including a women´s police cell, the Women Development Office and Maiti Nepal are involved in the network formed to control violence against women.

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