As the head of the police force in a district, you receive a report from one of your officers that a woman has approached him, expressing concerns about a possible threat of death against her and her partner, who comes from a different social group. The couple’s families are opposed to their relationship. She has also mentioned that the local police station is not taking any action on her complaint or offering any protection. The woman is from the dominant social group in the area, and her father is a well-known local figure and a leader of the ruling party in the state. Upon further investigation, you learn that the woman and her partner are of legal age and have already left their home to live together. This situation has escalated tensions between the families, with each blaming the other for the alleged abduction.
(a) Identify the ethical conflict you are facing.
(b) Suggest a strategy to address the problem effectively.
(c) Discuss the societal acceptance of such situations, which sometimes lead to violence and even honor killings, despite being illegal.
Answer: In the given case, an inter-caste couple has decided to live together without the consent of their respective families. The couple fear for their lives while their families have accused each other of abduction. Given the social repercussions of the issues, the officer in charge has to find an amicable solution.
(a) Ethical dilemmas faced by me, as the Superintendent of Police (SP):
(b) Suitable course of action that I will take as the SP:
(c) Reasons for social acceptance of violence and honour killings in some parts of India:
The “Honour-related” violence thrives due to the silence of the community, lack of evidence, and delayed legal punishment. The ideals and notions embedded in the collective consciousness of a community can’t be changed overnight. However, with education, awareness of legal procedures and human rights, and conviction of perpetrators involved in such crimes, it is believed that a change in mindset toward honour-related crimes may be attained in due course of time.
In current-day India, it’s not uncommon for teenagers to perceive their parents as their love rivals. However, at this age, we often make decisions that bring us joy in the present, without considering the potential problems they may cause in the future. It’s often observed that parents prioritize their so-called reputation over their children’s well-being, leading teenagers to view their parents as adversaries. In such situations, parents should invest time in understanding their children’s perspectives, which may eventually help teenagers discern whether their romantic partner is truly compatible with them.When choosing a partner for their child, parents should set aside their personal preferences and consider whether the person is a good fit for their child. Making a decision based on what is best for the child’s well-being is crucial, as pressuring a teenager to be with someone they don’t feel comfortable with can lead to thoughts of suicide.
(a) The ethical conflict, in question here is if I would be willing to help them despite the fact that the woman is the daughter of a leader of the ruling party. Evidently, from the situation, it can be comprehended that the families of the couple are dangerous. They are not only threatening the couple but they also might possess a threat to me and my position as the Head of the Police Force.
According to me, there is no other ethical dilemma present. To me, the situation is clear. The couple is in danger, and as the upholder of law in the city, it is my duty to protect them. Any social or ethical values which can hinder me from protecting them should be discarded, in the first place.
(b) Strategy to address the problem:
(c)
As the head of the police force in the district, your prompt response to this report is crucial.
1. Immediate Safety Measures: Ensure the immediate safety of the woman and her partner. Arrange for protection or temporary safe housing if necessary.
2. Detailed Investigation: Assign a team to investigate the threat thoroughly. This includes gathering more details from the woman, identifying potential suspects, and understanding the nature and context of the threat.
3. Community Outreach: Engage with the community to raise awareness about the importance of reporting threats and the support available for those at risk.
4. Legal Actions: Explore legal measures, such as restraining orders, against the individuals making the threats.
5. Counseling and Support Services: Offer counseling and support services to the woman and her partner to help them cope with the situation.
By taking these steps, we can address the immediate threat and work towards preventing similar incidents in the future.