My best friend is a survivor of domestic violence. When she finally found the courage to report her abuser to the police, she was subjected to a new form of trauma - mandatory mediation through the Crime Against Women (CAW) cell. This process, which is supposed to help victims like her, instead became a tool for further victimization and extortion. 

Her abuser came from a wealthy background with political connections. Instead of justice, what followed was an ordeal that seemed designed not for resolution but for profit. The CAW cell's mediation process felt like a racket more interested in minting money than providing support or justice.

The mediators involved in these cases often lack proper training on handling sensitive issues such as domestic violence. This lack of expertise can lead to re-traumatization and further harm to survivors.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), nearly one-third of married Indian women have experienced physical, sexual or emotional spousal violence [source: NFHS-4]. Yet our system continues forcing them into potentially harmful mediations rather than providing them with the support they need.

We must end this practice that adds insult to injury for survivors seeking justice. We must demand better training for those involved in handling these cases and ensure that no survivor is forced into mediation against their will.

Please sign this petition demanding an end to mandatory mediation in domestic violence cases and calling for better support systems for survivors seeking justice.