After much deliberation on the Domestic Violence Prevention Bill of Bhutan 2012, the National Assembly members unanimously endorsed the Bill today. Forty members out of 42 voted in favor of the Bill.
Yesterday, the House had extensively deliberated on the establishment of Women and Child Protection Unit or a desk at every police station. Some members had argued that a huge manpower would be needed for such establishments. But some said for the welfare of the victims of the domestic violence, such units must be put in place.
Towards the end of the debate, the National Assembly decided that there shall be Women and Child Protection Unit at every police station. They decided that these units will be adequately staffed with at least one female police personnel with relevant expertise in domestic violence.
One of the major contentions was the appointment of protection officers in each Dzongkhag. Some members argued that the appointment of protection officers in every Dzongkhag would have financial implications on the government. Some said the police could assume the role of protection officers and even local leaders and others in the local government could be designated as protection officers.
The House resolved that the government on the recommendation of the competent authority shall in keeping with other relevant laws and national customs appoint or designate such number of protection officers in each Dzongkhag.
