(a) whether the condition of women is extremely pitiable in rural areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereon;
(c) whether the Government proposes to start any helpline to address this problem; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the manner in which rural womenfolk are likely
to be benefited by this helpline?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) & (b): As per National Family Health Survey III (2005-06) data, 35.4% of women in the
age group of 15-49 and approximately 40% of women in case of ever married women have experienced
physical or sexual violence. 6.7% of all women have experienced both physical and sexual forms
of domestic violence. Further, the data suggests that both physical and sexual forms of domestic
violence against women are higher in rural as compared to urban areas.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was brought into force w.e.f. 26th
October, 2006. The Government has requested the State Governments and UT Administrations from
time to time, to appoint Protection Officers, register Service Providers and notify Medical
Facilities etc. for effective implementation of the Act. The Government in the Ministry of
Home Affairs in consultation with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, issued a detailed
Advisory to all the State Governments & Union Territory Administrations advising them, amongst
others, to vigorously enforce the protection of women. The States have also been advised to
sensitize the law enforcement machinery towards crime against women.
(c) & (d): The Working Group on Women’s Agency and Empowerment for the Twelfth Five Year
Plan set up by the Planning Commission, and the Steering Group on Women’s Agency and Child
Rights for the Twelfth Five Year Plan had recommended setting up of a women’s helpline. However,
a decision on launching this new plan scheme has not been taken by the Government including
appraisal by the prescribed appraisal mechanism within the Government.