A LAW for women`s protection is to establish an effective system of protection, relief and rehabilitation of women against violence. Since the constitution enables the state to make any special provision for women`s protection, it is necessary to protect women against violence, including domestic violence, to establish a protection system for effective service delivery to women victims and to create an enabling environment to encourage and facilitate women to play their desired role in society.

Instances of violence against women have been ontheincrease because theexisting legal system does not effectively address the violence perpetrated by some one with impunity.

The bill proposes that on a complaint by an aggrieved person, or authorised agent or district women protection officer, the court may pass an interim order, protection order, residence order and monetary order if it is satisfied that violence has taken place or is likely to take place.

The breach of such orders is liable to imprisonment and fine. It also makes provision for the establishment of protection systems, including appointment of District Women Protection Committee, Protection Centres (Violence Against Women Centres) and shelter homes across Punjab through a phased programmed to provide relief and protection to aggrieved women. The Violence against Women Centres aim at providing sundry services under one roof to facilitate women. The provision of shelter homes has also been made for the board and lodging of women victims of violence and theirdependantchildren.

This is a very positive step towards changing the lives of women who `have rights similar to those (of men)` Naima Sadagat Rawalpindi