90 percent of domestic violence complaints settled through reconciliation

KAPILVASTU, Aug 10: Women who once endured domestic violence are now beginning to come forward. Those who have been subjected to violence by their husbands, mothers-in-law, and fathers-in-law are now seeking justice. Although domestic violence, often confined to the home, is coming to light, most cases in the district are being resolved through reconciliation.

According to the Women and Children Cell at the District Police Office, Kapilvastu, most domestic violence cases in the district have been resolved amicably. Ninety-five percent of the complaints have been settled through conciliation.

Complaints include issues such as denial of food, abuse, beatings, quarrels, and non-registration of marriages. In the last fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, a total of 347 complaints of violence against women were lodged at the District Police Office.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hari Bahadur Oli of the District Police Office, Kapilvastu, stated that out of these, 312 cases were resolved through reconciliation. The cases included 166 domestic disputes, 91 cases of denial of accommodation, 4 cases of assault and injury, 8 cases involving marriage registration and citizenship issues, 55 cases of verbal abuse under the influence of alcohol, 19 cases of wives staying at their parental homes, and 4 cases related to inheritance disputes. He also mentioned that 24 cases that could not be resolved through reconciliation were taken to court, and 11 cases remain unresolved.

In FY 2022-23, out of 352 complaints, 321 were settled, and 31 went to court. In FY 2021-22, 318 out of 350 complaints were settled.

DSP Oli said that complaints and problems related to various types of violence and abuse against women are being resolved through the initiative of the police and concerned associations. He noted that despite their best efforts, only those complaints that cannot be resolved are taken to court.

Although the number of such complaints and cases is increasing every year, they are resolved through coordination and activism among organizations working for women's rights. If the organizations are unable to achieve reconciliation, such problems are solved with the help of the police.

Despite the increase in complaints of violence and abuse, 90 percent of the problems have been resolved without reaching the court, according to the Women and Children Cell of the District Police Office. DSP Oli mentioned that domestic violence complaints are settled through reconciliation, as victims often do not wish to go to court and prefer settlement.

District Superintendent of Police (SP) Navaratna Poudel of the District Police Office, Kapilvastu, said that women's problems are prioritized and resolved. He emphasized that unfair treatment of women who manage households adversely affects society by deteriorating family structures, and thus, such issues are given priority.

Bimala Ghimire, the coordinator of ‘Sathi,’ an organization active in women's rights, stated that women who are suffering from various issues are now obtaining justice by openly sharing their problems. "We first call the family to the organization and discuss the matter; if that fails, we take them to the police," she said.

She noted that many problems are resolved by the time they reach the police. Only complex and demanding cases are brought to court. "Women who are victims of violence file a complaint, but if they wish to proceed with the process, they themselves move forward for a settlement," SP Poudel said. "After the victim withdraws, the cases are settled according to their demands."

Ghimire from the partner organization mentioned that the court process is lengthy and may prevent the family from living together post-verdict. Even though women are aware and legal action is taken against perpetrators of violence, many cases do not reach the courts. In the district, women's advocacy platforms, inter-party women's networks, and monitoring committees against gender violence are actively working to combat domestic violence and violence against women.