RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government’s helpline 1737 received 1,256 complaints from women in the Rawalpindi district during the outgoing year, out of which 489 were related to domestic violence, 470 to psychological violence and 128 calls were made seeking legal aid.

In a briefing, Rawalpindi Anti-Violence Centre Deputy Director Rizwana Bashir said the Punjab Women Protection Authority transferred these cases to the centre which solved 1,089 of them while 167 were in process.

“Three to four women in Rawalpindi district contact the helpline daily for help and they are given immediate response and legal counselling, medical or legal assistance and psychological treatment free of charge,” she said.

She said any woman or girl who calls 1737 comes under the protection of the Punjab government and the entire government machinery, including police and the administration, take action to redress their grievances.

Three to four women daily contact 1737 seeking assistance related to domestic violence, says official

Ms Bashir said that women victims of domestic violence who cannot stay at home were also provided with the facility of a shelter home or Darul Aman and the police are immediately alerted for all kinds of help, when the need arises.

She said the Anti-Violence Centre had a panel of 11 lawyers to provide legal protection to the affected women while psychologists are also available for their support.

She said women victims of domestic violence not only belong to the poor and less-educated class, but also come from well-educated and well-established families.

She said a few months ago, a female lecturer complained of violence against her doctor husband and “a team of our department had to bring her to the centre for protection.”

The woman’s husband was suffering from mental stress and he was ashamed of his behaviour and apologised to his wife.

The deputy director said that last month a woman resident of Sadiqabad Rawalpindi was locked in a room by her in-laws and husband.

She managed to call the helpline and immediately a team from the department along with police reached the woman’s house and helped her.

Ms Bashir said that when a victim of violence goes back to her family after reconciliation, a team from the department regularly follows up to ensure her protection.

There are different types of violence for which any woman can contact 1737. She said apart from physical violence, if a man does not provide his wife monthly expenses and restricts her free movement, it is called psychological and economic violence and such a woman can also approach the centre for help.

She said if an indecent picture or video of a woman is made and she faces harassment on social media, 1737 can also be contacted against the cybercrime.

She said after reporting a case of cyber violence, the Anti-Violence Centre contacts the FIA and the centre’s lawyers review the progress on the case.

She said some female students also made calls on the helpline, complaining that their parents were forcing them to read subjects against their will. She said even in such a case, the parents were called to the anti-violence centre.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2024