National Conference For Women In Police

Tamil Nadu Police Training Initiatives in
Dealing with Domestic Dispute/Violence Petitions/Cases

K. Radhakrishnan, IPS
Inspector-General of Police
Tamil Nadu

ASSESSMENT AND CONCLUSION

Using an action research paradigm, before-and-after assessments were made of the women's working knowledge of dispute resolution techniques, data entry and data management. It was concluded that the use of web-based technology proved a viable method of delivering training for these women police officers. There is little doubt that this form of training could be expanded to cover all the AWPSs in Tamil Nadu and to deliver training in dispute resolution in other Indian states. It could also be adapted to teaching other skills than dispute resolution. While controversy surrounds the use of mediation and negotiation in domestic violence, there is already evidence that elementary dispute resolution practiced by the Tamil Nadu women police can resolve conflicts creatively and effectively. Providing these police officers with deeper theoretical understanding of domestic violence and more knowledge of professional dispute resolution techniques the objective of the “Queen's Award” training should enhance their capabilities in dealing with domestic disputes and violence. It will help them to create an environment that encourages both parties to communicate from a place of personal strength and good faith, where underlying interests are fully understood and the most creative solutions can arise. This has major implications for increased recruitment and improved utilization of women police officers. Equally important, it offers an improved method for dealing with the dowry disputes that are a scourge of Indian Society.

Appendix A: Danger Score Sheet

1 Has the abuser physically injured you in the past?	Yes	N o
2 Has the abuser physically injured you in this incident?	Yes	N o
3 Has the severity or frequency of violence increased in the last two weeks?	Yes	N o
4 Has the abuser ever physically injured your children in the past?	Yes	N o
5 Has the abuser physically injured your children now?	Yes	N o
6 Has the abuser ever sexually abused any of your children?	Yes	N o
7 Has he ever threatened to kill you in the past?	Yes	N o
8 Is the abuser threatening to kill you now?	Yes	N o
9 Is the abuser threatening to commit suicide now?	Yes	N o
10 Have you attempted to commit suicide or kill your children in the past?	Yes	N o
11 If “yes” to question 10, was it within the last six months/6 months – 1 year / 1 year – 2 years / more than 2 years	Yes	N o
12 Are you planning to commit suicide and/or kill your children now?	Yes	N o
13 Has there been severe sexual violence in the last two weeks?(e.g. forced sex or anything bizarre about the sexual activities, if so make a note)	Yes	N o
14 Has there been a substantial increase in the consumption of alcohol by the abuser in the last one-month?	Yes	N o
15 Has there been a substantial increase in the consumption of drugs by the abuser in the last one-month?	Yes	N o

Appendix B: Processing of Domestic Dispute and Domestic Violence Cases at
All-women Police Stations in Tamil Nadu, India (The IAS model)

APPROACH
Counseling
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Phase 1: Identify the Problem
1.Petition intake; 2.Preliminary interview of the petitioner; 3. Interview of petitioner, co petitioner and others together & make notes; 4. Enter datacontact sheet; 5. Figure out-the extent of the problem (simple dispute to serious violence); 6. In case of serious violence/threat to life situationsarrange alternate stay for the abused / contact NGO; 7. Find out psychiatric / clinical / medical history

MAJOR TASKS
1. Budget time
2. Listen
3. Show interest
3. Observe
4. Establish rapport
5. Create confidence
6. Make notes
7. Don’t make assurances

Analysis
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Phase 2: Analyze the Problem
1. Prepare data for analysis
2. Tease out the major points at issue from the interview data to understand the nature of the problem
3. Prepare for tentative options: negotiation, mediation and FIR

1. Complete contact sheet
2. Categorize the problem
3. Investigate more
4. Synthesize data
5. Assess the case

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Phase 3: Solve the Problem
1. Facilitate dialogue between/among the disputants
2. Encourage negotiation between the disputants themselves in a private room
3. Diagnosis. If diagnosed as: adversarial, move to mediation; clinical problems refer to professional counseling/NGOs; psychiatric abnormalities refer to psychiatrists;
4. If serious violence, file an FIR

1. Use counseling skills
2. Let the disputants talk and come to terms
3. Follow rules of mediation
4. Network with NGOs
5. Delegate work to
collateral sources
6. Take criminal action

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FOLLOW-UP

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