Kerala to host workshops on violence against women

Kochi, Nov 30: The British Deputy High Commission in Chennai will host a series of workshops in Kerala, beginning December 6, for police, legal and judicial officers to sharpen their understanding of the cases of violence against women (VAW) and how to deal with them.

From December 6 to 10, the officers will learn about VAW-related legislations - domestic violence, sexual offences and sexual harassment, protection of children from sexual offences, new procedures under criminal law amendment - and case studies, a statement by the high commission said on Monday.

Sessions would offer the knowledge and tools required to better understand, contextualise and respond to VAW cases to ensure speedier, improved access to justice for survivors and potential victims.

Bharat Joshi, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chennai, said preventing and tackling violence against women underpinned much of the UK's work across India.

"These workshops in Kerala are aimed at sensitising three groups of officers, police, legal and judicial, who have a crucial bearing on preventing and tackling VAW. They build on our wider projects in India with women, girls and civil society organisations," he said.

The workshops are being organised in partnership with Lawyers Collective, New Delhi, and Kerala-based Cultural Academy for Peace (CAP).

They also coincide with '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign', starting November 25, promoted by the United Nations.

IANS