Staff correspondent 

Rights activists on Friday emphasised on individual efforts which could reduce the domestic violence that prevails across the country.

Speaking at the launching of an international campaign against domestic violence, they also pointed out that only government initiatives like enacting laws to combat domestic violence would not be enough to eliminate such social scourge.

The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 was gazetted on October 12, 2010 and came into effect from December 30, 2010.

But the law remains on paper only as the government could not yet frame the rules necessary for its effective enforcement. No victim has as yet filed petitions with magistrates under the law seeking redress for or protection from domestic violence due to the absence of the rules.

The 16-day long international campaign was organised by a networking organisation named ‘We can : alliance to end domestic violence’ at the south plaza of national parliament.

Speaking on the occasion former adviser and rights activist Sultana Kamal said that individuals of every family need to step forward and raise their voice against such violence.

Former adviser Geeti Ara Safia Chowdhury and rights activist Sapna Ganguly, among others, also attended the function to launch the campaign.

As part of the 16 day international campaign, the organisers  would also hold seminars, workshops and human chain at different spots of Dhaka, according to the network’s officials.