LAHORE: Social stigma, family pressure and fear of public judgement continue to create barriers for women seeking protection from domestic violence in Pakistan, highlighting the need for more accessible, confidential and survivor-centred justice services.
Although legal and institutional mechanisms exist to address violence against women, survivors may hesitate to report abuse because they fear being blamed, facing humiliation or damaging their family’s reputation. In some cases, relatives encourage reconciliation instead of supporting a formal complaint, even when allegations of violence are serious.
A report published by Dawn on May 10, 2026, highlighted these concerns through the experience of a Sindh Police officer who described how cultural expectations can discourage women from approaching police stations.
The article drew attention to the belief that a woman’s decision to seek police assistance may be treated as a matter of family honour rather than an exercise of her legal rights.
Human rights advocates have long stressed that violence within the home should not be dismissed as a private family dispute. Survivors need access to reliable information, appropriate protection and a fair process for reporting allegations and seeking legal remedies.
Fear of social consequences can make this process particularly difficult. Women may worry about financial dependence, pressure from relatives, retaliation by an alleged abuser or the possibility that their complaints will not be taken seriously.
These barriers can also make it difficult to understand the true scale of domestic violence. When cases are not reported or complaints are withdrawn under pressure, authorities and support organisations may struggle to identify survivors’ needs and provide effective assistance.
Police stations are often the first formal point of contact for people seeking protection from violence. The way a complaint is received can therefore influence whether a survivor feels safe enough to pursue the matter.A survivor-centred approach should include respectful treatment, confidentiality, careful listening and clear information about available legal options.
Officers should avoid blaming complainants, pressuring them to reconcile or making assumptions about their credibility based on personal circumstances.Training police personnel to handle domestic violence and other sensitive complaints can help improve trust.
Female officers and specialised protection units may also provide additional avenues for women who feel uncomfortable approaching conventional police facilities.However, the effectiveness of these services depends on their accessibility, adequate staffing, proper investigation and the availability of meaningful protection for complainants.
Public awareness campaigns can help challenge the perception that seeking police assistance brings dishonour to a woman or her family. Community organisations, journalists, educators and legal professionals can play an important role in explaining available services and encouraging people to seek help when facing violence.
Media coverage also requires care. Reports should protect survivors’ identities where necessary, avoid sensational descriptions and distinguish verified facts from allegations. Interviews should be conducted with informed consent, without pressuring people to recount traumatic experiences.
The broader challenge is to ensure that women can seek assistance without fear of stigma or retaliation. Effective implementation of the law, professional policing and accessible support services are essential to strengthening public confidence and ensuring that allegations of violence receive appropriate attention.
Protecting women from violence is not simply a family matter; it is also a question of safety, dignity, equal protection under the law and access to justice.
Reported By: Mirza Maqbool Baig I Senior Reporter
