Odisha Steps Up Fight Against Domestic Violence, Dowry Harassment

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has called for stronger implementation of laws protecting women from domestic violence and dowry-related offences, with emphasis on coordinated action among police, legal services and frontline support agencies.

The call was made at a state-level orientation programme on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, organised by the Department of Women & Child Development at the State Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar under the chairpersonship of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

The programme brought together Sub-Collectors, Protection Officers, police personnel, officials of One Stop Centres (OSCs) and Shakti Sadans, representatives of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and officials of District Hubs for Empowerment of Women (DHEWs) from across Odisha.

The orientation focused on the key provisions of the two Acts and sought to strengthen the understanding of officials regarding their respective roles and responsibilities. Participants also discussed mechanisms for coordinated intervention in cases involving domestic violence and dowry-related offences.

Focus on rights and access to justice

Addressing the participants, Parida reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity and empowerment of women and girls in the state.

She stressed that awareness of legal rights is an important component of women’s empowerment, particularly for those facing violence, discrimination or dowry-related harassment. She called for greater awareness of the laws and support mechanisms available to women so that they can seek timely assistance.

The Deputy Chief Minister said creating a “Dowry-Free Odisha” and “Domestic Violence-Free Homes” remains a key objective of the state government.

She emphasised that achieving these goals would require more than legislation, calling for effective implementation of existing laws, grassroots-level awareness and coordinated intervention by all stakeholders.

Strengthening support systems

Parida urged officials and frontline functionaries to ensure that women facing domestic violence or dowry-related harassment receive timely protection, legal assistance, counselling and other support services.

She stressed the need for a responsive support system through which women in distress can access assistance within the stipulated time and receive the protection and justice to which they are entitled.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee and Additional Secretary Sumitra Pattnaik were among those present at the programme.

The orientation is aimed at strengthening coordination among different agencies involved in protecting women and ensuring that legal safeguards translate into effective support and justice at the grassroots level.