The alarming reality is that most women globally who suffer violence remain silent. The fact that fewer than 40% seek help, and only 10% report to the police, highlights the significant obstacles, fear, and mistrust that hinder survivors' access to justice. "Women Believe Women," an ethos exemplified by initiatives like Brazil's women's police stations (WPS), presents a promising framework for reshaping legal systems' responses to gender-based violence and cultivating a safer environment for women.

Survivors' reluctance to engage with law enforcement stems from various interconnected factors. Historically, and often presently, legal systems lack the sensitivity and understanding needed to address violence against women effectively. Survivors often encounter disbelief, victim-blaming, and a lack of specialized training among law enforcement. The fear of re-traumatization, retaliation, and the perception that their experiences will be dismissed contribute to this reluctance. Moreover, cultural norms that normalize or minimize violence against women exacerbate the issue, leading to stigma and isolation for those seeking help.

Brazil, facing high rates of violence against women, recognized the urgent need for a new approach. In response to systemic failures and low reporting rates, some police departments pioneered women's police stations (Delegacias de Defesa da Mulher - DDM). These specialized precincts represent a fundamental change in justice delivery, based on creating a secure and supportive environment for survivors.

The core principle of WPS is staffing stations entirely with female personnel and officers. This deliberate choice recognizes that survivors of gender-based violence may feel safer disclosing their experiences to other women. Shared gender identity can foster empathy, trust, and validation, overcoming the fear and scepticism that often prevent survivors from coming forward.

Studies evaluating the impact of WPS in Brazil show promising results. These studies indicate that women in municipalities with WPS report better relationships with the police and feel significantly safer. This increased safety and trust directly translates into more survivors reporting abuse and seeking help. By creating a space where women feel heard, believed, and understood, WPS effectively addresses a critical barrier in the pursuit of justice.

Furthermore, WPS presence has been linked to a tangible reduction in violence against women. The statistic of a 17% reduction in homicide among women aged 15 to 49 in municipalities with WPS is a powerful testament to the model's effectiveness. This reduction can be attributed to increased reporting enabling earlier intervention, specialized training equipping female officers with the skills for thorough investigations and appropriate support, and the very existence of WPS sending a strong message that violence against women is a serious crime.

The success of WPS in Brazil highlights the importance of a victim-centered approach in addressing gender-based violence. This approach prioritizes the survivor's safety, well-being, and needs at every stage of the legal process. It acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women who experience violence and seeks to dismantle the systemic barriers preventing them from accessing justice.

The "Women Believe Women" philosophy extends beyond police station staffing, encompassing a broader societal shift in how we perceive and respond to survivors. It requires challenging biases, dismantling victim-blaming narratives, and fostering empathy and support, including training for all professionals who interact with survivors. Creating a network of support where survivors feel believed and validated is crucial for their healing and holding perpetrators accountable.

The Brazilian WPS model offers valuable lessons for other countries grappling with similar challenges. While specific implementation may need adaptation, the core principles of creating safe spaces, employing specialized female personnel, and prioritizing survivors' needs hold universal relevance. Investing in similar initiatives can be a crucial step towards building legal systems that genuinely serve and protect women.

However, WPS are not a singular solution. Addressing violence against women requires a multifaceted approach encompassing prevention, protection, prosecution, and comprehensive support services. This includes addressing gender inequality, challenging harmful social norms, providing access to education and economic empowerment, and ensuring robust legal frameworks that hold perpetrators accountable.

Conclusion:
Brazil's women's police stations, rooted in the principle of "Women Believe Women," demonstrate a vital approach to achieving justice for survivors of violence. By prioritizing trust and catering to women's specific needs within the legal system, these specialized stations, staffed by female personnel, encourage reporting, increase perpetrator accountability, and contribute to a reduction in violence. While not a universal solution, this victim-centered model highlights the transformative potential of legal systems designed to empower and protect women, underscoring the necessity of broader societal support for believing survivors and implementing comprehensive strategies to eradicate gender-based violence.

Reference:

• The True Crime File, Kim Daly.
  

Written By: Md.Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: imranwahab216@gmail.com, Ph no: 9836576565