Public Safety

Ensuring Public Safety for Women and Children: A Guide to Understanding Violations and Taking Action

Introduction

Public safety for women and children is a fundamental aspect of building a secure and equitable society. However, women and children in Sri Lanka often face safety challenges in public spaces, ranging from harassment to physical violence. This guide highlights the common safety violations women and children encounter in public, their rights, and actionable steps to address these issues.

(Visual Suggestion: An image showing women and children walking in a park, with visible security personnel and CCTV cameras in the background.)

Common Public Safety Violations Faced by Women and Children

1. Harassment in Public Places

  • Verbal abuse, catcalling, inappropriate gestures, and stalking are common issues faced by women and children in crowded spaces, such as markets, bus stops, and parks.

2. Physical Violence

  • Assaults, including thefts and physical attacks, are major threats in poorly monitored public areas.

3. Lack of Safe Public Transport

  • Public transportation often lacks adequate safety measures, leaving women and children vulnerable to harassment.

4. Unsafe Infrastructure

  • Poorly lit streets, lack of pedestrian pathways, and insufficient security measures make public areas unsafe.

5. Cyber Threats

  • In public settings, such as internet cafés or community computer labs, women and children are often at risk of online exploitation or cyberbullying.

(Visual Suggestion: A map showing high-risk zones in a typical urban area, like bus terminals and isolated streets.)

Legal Protections for Public Safety in Sri Lanka

Women and children in Sri Lanka are protected under various laws that address safety in public spaces:

  1. The Penal Code of Sri Lanka:
    • Criminalizes harassment, stalking, assault, and kidnapping.
  2. Children’s Charter (1991):
    • Enforces child protection laws to ensure the safety and welfare of children.
  3. The Women’s Charter (1993):
    • Safeguards women’s rights against all forms of violence and discrimination.
  4. Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (2005):
    • Extends protection to women and children against abuse, even in public areas.
  5. Cyber Crimes Act:
    • Addresses online safety violations, such as exploitation and cyberstalking.

(Visual Suggestion: An infographic summarizing these legal protections with corresponding penalties for violations.)

How to Take Action Against Public Safety Violations

Step 1: Identify and Document the Incident

  • If you face or witness a safety violation, collect evidence such as:
    • Photos or videos of the incident.
    • Written details, including the date, time, and location.
    • Contact information of witnesses, if available.

(Visual Suggestion: An example of a logbook or digital note for documenting incidents.)

Step 2: Report to Authorities

  • Police Complaint:
    • Visit the nearest police station to file a complaint. Request to speak to the Women and Children’s Bureau, which specializes in such cases.
  • Emergency Hotline:
    • Call 119 for immediate police assistance.
    • Contact the 1929 Women and Child Protection Helpline for further support.
  • Local Government Offices:
    • Report issues to municipal councils, particularly for infrastructure-related safety concerns.

(Visual Suggestion: A poster with emergency contact numbers, including 119, 1929, and other local services.)

Step 3: Engage Women and Child Protection Units

  • Approach the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) or Women in Need (WIN) for legal and emotional support.
  • Visit their regional offices or reach out through their hotlines.

Step 4: Seek Legal Action

  • File a formal complaint through the Magistrate’s Court for severe violations like physical assault, abduction, or stalking.
  • Work with legal aid organizations for free or low-cost legal assistance.

Step 5: Leverage Technology

  • Use apps or hotlines to report harassment in real time, such as the Sri Lanka Police Emergency App.
  • Share incident details anonymously on public safety platforms.

(Visual Suggestion: An image of a smartphone showing a safety app with options to report incidents.)

Step 6: Utilize Community Networks

  • Collaborate with community safety groups or neighborhood watch programs.
  • Speak to local women’s organizations to amplify your concerns.

(Visual Suggestion: A group of women in a community meeting discussing safety initiatives.)

What Communities Can Do to Enhance Safety

1. Strengthen Public Transport Safety

  • Advocate for CCTV cameras and female-only compartments in public buses and trains.
  • Call for stricter penalties for harassment in public transport.

2. Improve Urban Infrastructure

  • Demand better lighting, pedestrian walkways, and installation of emergency alarms in public areas.
  • Advocate for child-friendly spaces, such as parks with proper fencing and security.

3. Conduct Awareness Campaigns

  • Educate the public on gender sensitivity and the rights of women and children.
  • Organize self-defense workshops and safety seminars for women and children.

4. Empower Local Leadership

  • Engage municipal authorities in creating safer public spaces.
  • Form community-based groups to monitor high-risk zones and report violations.

(Visual Suggestion: A banner for a public safety awareness event, featuring slogans like “Safe Streets for All.”)

Safety Tips for Women and Children in Public Spaces

  1. Stay Vigilant:
    • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas.
  2. Travel in Groups:
    • Avoid traveling alone at night; rely on trusted companions or family.
  3. Use Safety Apps:
    • Install apps like the Sri Lanka Police Emergency App for quick access to help.
  4. Learn Self-Defense:
    • Join local self-defense training programs for basic protection skills.
  5. Teach Children Safety Protocols:
    • Educate children on how to recognize unsafe situations and approach trusted adults.

(Visual Suggestion: A checklist graphic with these tips for women and children.)

Conclusion

Ensuring public safety for women and children is a collective responsibility that requires legal enforcement, community action, and individual awareness. By knowing their rights, documenting violations, and taking decisive action, women and children can help create safer public spaces. Community efforts, combined with strict legal measures, can significantly reduce safety risks and empower women and children to live without fear.

(Visual Suggestion: An image of a mother and child walking confidently in a well-lit public space with visible security measures.)