Towards a Compassionate Police Service That Ensures Justice for Women
Building a society free from violence against women requires not only raising women's awareness of their rights but also strengthening the sensitivity and responsiveness of the institutions responsible for supporting them.
Towards a Compassionate Police Service That Ensures Justice for Women
One of the major barriers women face when seeking justice after experiencing injustice, discrimination, or abuse is the fear and reluctance associated with making a complaint to the police. Difficulties in speaking openly about their experiences, fear of social stigma, and concerns about whether police officers will respond with empathy can all contribute to this hesitation.
At Sisterhood, we have identified the lack of empathetic and sensitive responses from the police and their officers as a factor that may further distress women who have experienced injustice and discourage them from seeking justice.
To address this issue, Sisterhood conducted a capacity-building programme for a group of police officers serving in and around the Galle District. The programme aimed to highlight the importance of understanding women's experiences with sensitivity, listening to their complaints with respect, and safeguarding their rights and safety.
Law enforcement is not limited to taking legal action. Treating people who seek justice with dignity, listening to them with empathy, and responding to their complaints fairly are also essential components of the process.
Building a society free from violence against women requires not only raising women's awareness of their rights but also strengthening the sensitivity and responsiveness of the institutions responsible for supporting them.
Sisterhood envisions a future in which approaching the police is no longer another frightening experience for a woman who has faced injustice, but a first step towards justice that she can take with confidence.
