• Violence against women’ in many forms at their workplaces, in public transport, while on the road, or even at home are on the rise since late.
• We all must be committed to building a society free of any form of harassment on women - verbally, sexually, mentally, or physically

By Sandun A J ayasekera

The government was in the process of introducing a piece of legislation to make it a criminal offense to blackmail women in the backdrop of the evolution of technology, Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (retired) Sarath Weerasekara said.

The reports or complaints of ‘violence on women’ in many forms at their workplace, in public transport, while on the road, or even at home have been on the rise since late. In many instances, perpetrators use technology - social media in many instances – to extort money or sexual favours from women victims. This has to be stopped sooner than later, he added.  

During a discussion he had with three newly appointed female police DIGs and 12 female ASPs at the Ministry of Public Security, Minister Weerasekara emphasized that one of the primary responsibilities of newly appointed top female police officers was to create an environment where women could engage in their day to day activities with no fear, hesitation or restriction but in full freedom.