Name and explain two laws or legislation that protects citizens against gender based violence in our country
1. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: This act was passed in 2005 to protect women against domestic violence and provide a legal process for them to seek protection and rehabilitation. The act defines domestic violence as any form of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or economic abuse, harassment, or harm inflicted by a person upon a woman with whom they have a domestic relationship. The act also provides for the appointment of Protection Officers who are responsible for assisting women in distress and ensuring that their safety and welfare is protected.
2. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: This act was passed in 2013 to ensure that women are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace. The act defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexually determined behavior, such as physical contact, advances, and demands for sexual favors, or any verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature. The act makes it mandatory for all employers to set up an internal complaints committee to deal with complaints of sexual harassment and take necessary action against the accused. The act also provides for penalties and punishment for those found guilty of sexual harassment in the workplace.