Hurdles in Seeking Justice: Women in Lahore Opting for Reconciliation Over Legal Action
In spite of various initiatives promoting women’s autonomy and protection, a significant number of women facing domestic violence and harassment in Lahore choose to settle with perpetrators rather than pursue legal recourse.
Raihana Gul, a 28-year-old resident of Baghbanpura in Lahore, recently became a victim of apparent violence by her husband and other in-laws. Despite suffering a broken arm and sustaining injuries to her face and head, Raihana forgave her husband and other perpetrators and opted for a peaceful resolution. She revealed that her elders and relatives mediated the reconciliation, highlighting the prevailing trend where women, despite being victims of violence, choose to reconcile with the accused.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Gulberg Lahore, Syeda Shahbano Naqvi, stated that incidents of violence against women often go unreported, with many victims choosing reconciliation. She noted that even in reported cases, 60% are resolved through reconciliation before formal legal proceedings.
Shahbano Naqvi emphasized several reasons why women choose reconciliation, including financial constraints, familial pressures, children’s welfare, and, notably, the desire for ownership and autonomy. Women who are economically independent and self-reliant often prefer reconciliation over legal action, especially if the accused is a close relative.
Rashid Karamat Butt, former Chairman of the Union Council in Wahga Town, highlighted that minor disputes and tensions in households are common. Women become victims of physical abuse and harassment due to various factors, and in such situations, the Union Council and Conciliation Council play a crucial role. They often handle cases related to divorce, separation, and the return of dowry items.
According to a report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), during the first four months of the previous year, Punjab witnessed 10,365 reported incidents of violence, harassment, and assault against women. These included 5,551 cases of abduction, 2,818 of physical violence, 1,111 of sexual assault, 613 cases of abduction, and 219 cases of domestic abuse. However, SSDO suggests that the actual number of incidents may be significantly higher than the reported figures.
Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, Nilofar Bakhtiar, expressed concern over the rising incidents of gender-based violence. She has written to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, urging immediate and effective measures to curb violence against women. Bakhtiar stressed the need for swift judicial accountability and justice to protect women’s lives from these serious threats. She emphasized that prompt legal action and the provision of justice could prevent further atrocities and the escalation of violence against women.
