Mindset on Domestic Violence Needs to Change: FPA
On the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, Aiminath Shirani Naeem, CEO of the Family Protection Authority (FPA), underscored the pivotal role societal attitudes play in curbing domestic violence.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Shirani emphasized that combating domestic violence requires a fundamental shift in how society perceives and responds to victims.
advertisement
“One of the primary drivers of escalating domestic violence cases is the societal attitude towards victims,” Shirani stated, highlighting prevalent gender-based discrimination and victim-blaming within families and communities.
Established under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act on April 23, 2012, the FPA serves as an autonomous body dedicated to coordinating efforts to safeguard individuals from domestic violence across the Maldives. Since its inception, the FPA has prioritized awareness-raising initiatives, training programs, and research to address domestic violence comprehensively, ensuring victims receive requisite support and care.
Shirani stressed the urgent need for a collective societal stance against domestic violence, urging individuals to act as protectors rather than perpetrators of stigma. “Victims of domestic violence often endure physical and reproductive health ramifications, compounded by societal alienation,” Shirani lamented.
Addressing existing challenges, Shirani highlighted the absence of nearby services for domestic violence victims, particularly in rural areas. Proposing enhanced counselling services at the provincial level, Shirani emphasized collaborative efforts with local councils and women’s development committees to bolster support mechanisms for victims.
In its ongoing efforts, the FPA has facilitated legal aid for 22 victims and is conducting comprehensive monitoring across 19 provinces to identify systemic challenges.
According to FPA data, over 500 domestic violence cases have been reported in the past five years.
