Women in Pakistan feel insecure and lack the confidence to claim their due rights. They remain apprehensive due to consistent experiences with discriminatory practices in daily life. They are forced to comply with socioreligious settings that conform to patriarchal norms. The prevailing legal system does not allow women to openly express how they suffer from domestic violence, primarily due to the
indifferent behavior of law enforcement agencies, particularly the police. Police stations are viewed as hostile places for resolving women-related issues, rather than being perceived as a cornerstone for dispensing justice. Public trust in the police is low, as there is an existing attitude that prevents women
from confiding in police officials. As a result, they hesitate to report the violence they suffer. However, approaching the police is not the only obstacle for women. The underlying issue is the familial pressure women face when trying to assert their legal rights. Even heinous crimes such as rape, acid attacks, and honor killings often go unreported because women are viewed as symbols of family honor in society
Parents or guardians believe that the appearance of victimized women at police stations would cause them to lose their esteem in society. This desire to maintain a ‘so-called’ stainless and deferential family reputation has led to the unnecessary deaths of thousands of women over the years. Young girls who face
harassment in public spaces and parks, avoid seeking legal protection due to the fear of being blamed and stigmatized. Instead of empowering them to fight social evils, their families restrict their movement. The commonly heard statement, ‘no decent woman can visit a police station for any purpose,’ reflects a deeply ingrained collective mentality. The absence of female officers in police stations further exacerbates the situation. Establishing a supportive environment in police stations remains a distant dream unless a genuine connection is built between the police and women. This welfare can only be achieved when women police officers are recruited based on the actual needs of the force, rather than merely adhering to rules and regulations. Therefore, female police officers should be appointed to each police station with the sole purpose of facilitating women in gender-sensitive matters
If a woman files a case of domestic violence at a police station, her matter should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, police officials often treat such cases of human rights violations as private matters, thus limiting victims’ ability to stand against offenders. When these sensitive matters are not given due attention, offenders feel impunity and are emboldened to repeat acts of violence. A woman is, first and foremost, a human with individual rights, and then she has other societal linkages. Several laws have
been made to protect women in Pakistan; however, their practical implementation is still in question. Police officials should be courteous and responsive to the legal needs of women. Police stations should embody the notion of being a safety net for females.
Domestic violence remains unregistered, particularly in rural areas where most women are uneducated and thus unaware of their legitimate rights. Low family income and men’s decision-making power in family matters give superiority to those who exercise this authority. making women feel like subordinates.
Consequently, women from humble family backgrounds are more prone to mental and physical torture. The social acceptance of violence reduces the space for women to exercise their fundamental rights. Situations worsen when patriarchal values are also followed in police stations. One of the primary
functions of police stations is to treat victims with dignity and respect. If a woman feels unsafe at home, she should take refuge at shelter homes. Nearby police stations should arrange for her settlement. Female officers should interact regularly with victims, and dissolve the stigma of “bad character women,” and create employment opportunities for them by collaborating with private enterprises, ensuring
their financial stability. The police station should act as a source of support for female victims, empowering them by regaining their lost trust. Crime and violence prevention through community policing can guide society to stay attuned to gender-sensitive needs.
Muhammad Ammar Saleem
Sub Inspector, Punjab Police
ammarsaleem797@gmail.com
