Awareness campaign on domestic violence helps

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru: An NGO  ’Breakthrough’  in it’s wide mobile awareness campaign against domestic violence, has connected more than 4,000 people in one month in 20 gram panchayats of Dakshina Kannada district, during its campaign from October 23 to November 1, Breakthrough State Manager Kanmani M said.

Addressing a media meet, Kanmani M said that it started its expedition from Moodushedde Gram Panchayat and it ended at Kuvettu village of Belthangady taluk.

’Breakthrough’ is doing this from past four years. At present, concentration is on Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Bengaluru and Tumakuru. Educating people on women’s safety and security under the Domestic Violence Act 2005. Training, theatre performances, events and Yakshagana was used to spread awareness.

The campaign was successful with the support of Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Development Department, CODP, Prajna Counseling Centre and Non-Government Organisations.  Especially, the cooperation of zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer P I Sreevidya goes a long way.

Urging the youth to take part in spreading awareness about the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act 2005 and empowering women. The community members and people for social change, trained by the NGO will act as a bridge between the government and society.  While educating people we made an estimation that 70 per cent people accepted that domestic violence is a big issue, about 41 per cent accepted that their gender is decided by the society and 49 per cent accepted that this is natural. Whereas 55 per cent accepted that they possess basic knowledge of Prevention of Domestic Violence Act 2005. Breakthrough has encouraged people to acknowledge domestic violence is not a way of life. Breakthrough PRO  Vineet, Prajna Counseling Centre Coordinator William Samuel and others were present at the meet.