The need is often simply greater than the resources at hand. Our most recent experience in this regard has been the Domestic Violence Act that has thrown a much-needed lifeline to abused women. Regrettably, demand has overwhelmed service providers along the entire assistance chain. Insufficient training and severe shortages of places of safety, prevent victims from realising the full benefit of the legal remedy that has been provided. By law, police are required to help victims make arrangements for suitable shelter and medical treatment, yet in most areas , such sanctuaries simply do not exist.
Social workers are unavailable after hours and over weekends, and police have to rely on volunteers.
The collective effort to expand the existing service network is a matter that is receiving ongoing attention at the highest level. The overwhelming response to the legal remedy is not a negative sign per se. The increase in reported cases can also be attributed to the mounting social awareness of our new rights-based care networks and to the intensified public education campaigns that have been launched by all the participating departments. The veil of silence that shrouded domestic violence is finally being lifted. The upsurge in reported cases is also a sign of the greater sensitivity displayed by law enforcers and judicial officers who administer the law.