Sindh, despite being the first province to enact the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act in 2013, still faces significant challenges in protecting survivors. Issues such as weak implementation, underreporting, and poor institutional coordination remain prevalent.

This was discussed during a Provincial Policy Dialogue organised by the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW) and the Legal Aid Society (LAS) in Karachi, under the Aawaz II Programme, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Key stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, and civil society members, gathered to address the ongoing barriers survivors face in reporting and accessing protection.

A policy paper titled “Implementing the Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2013: From Law to Protection” called for reforms such as legislative amendments, improved FIR procedures, and better referral systems. Advocate Maliha Zia presented a Domestic Violence Protection Blueprint, which included strengthening One-Stop Protection Centres and enhancing policing systems.

Chairperson SCSW, Ms Rozina Aman Brohi, noted that the law has not been implemented effectively and called for reforms, particularly in expanding protection centres and increasing awareness budgets. Provincial Minister Shaheen Sher Ali highlighted the importance of legal awareness in rural areas and proposed using Lady Health Workers for outreach, emphasising that empowering girls is vital to preventing domestic violence.

The dialogue concluded with a commitment to enhance coordination and survivor-centred responses in Sindh.