Udupi: Orientation Workshop Focuses on Safeguarding Women from Domestic Violence
Udupi, January 28, 2025: Principal District and Sessions Judge Kiran S. Gangannavar has emphasized the need for the effective implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, to safeguard women victims of domestic violence. He urged protection officers operating under this act to work towards building a robust society by ensuring its proper execution.
He was addressing the participants at the inauguration of a two-day orientation workshop on the role of stakeholder departments in implementing the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The workshop was organized at the conference hall on the third floor of the District Court Complex in Udupi, jointly hosted by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Development Department, and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Udupi.
Highlighting societal and familial changes, Justice Gangannavar remarked, “Change is a rule of nature, and adapting to it is a challenge for survival. Workshops like these help stakeholders understand the ground realities of domestic violence cases and equip them with strategies to resolve such issues. It is essential to instill courage, stability, and peace in victims of domestic violence.”
He further added that many women fail to recognize the violence they are subjected to. Timely counseling and support can prevent adverse outcomes and provide victims with a protective environment. He called upon all stakeholder departments to take proactive measures in curbing domestic violence.
Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department, Shyamala C.K., in her keynote address, explained the significance of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. She stated that the act was introduced to safeguard women from physical, emotional, and economic abuse, addressing the issues that push women to extreme measures like ending their lives.
District Bar Association President Ronald Praveen Kumar presided over the event. Resource persons provided insights into the provisions of the act, government measures, court directives, and counseling methods available to support victims of domestic violence.
The event saw participation from Senior Civil Judge and DLSA Member Secretary Yogesh P.R., DySP Prabhu D.T., Udupi Taluk Child Development Officer Kumar, legal service protectors, police officials, representatives from Sakhi One-Stop Center, health department officials, and other stakeholders.
The session was anchored by Sharada, District Coordinator of the Women’s Empowerment Unit, while District Information Officer Anuradha Hadimane delivered the vote of thanks.
