Rights of Differently-Abled Child Victims of Domestic Violence: An Assessment under the Sri Lankan Legal Framework

Abstract

Among the victims of domestic violence, differently-abled children are the most vulnerable group in the community. The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is the main statute regarding the law relating to domestic violence, which does not specifically lay down provisions for protection of this vulnerable group. However, the Sri Lankan legal framework for the protection of the rights of differently-abled children against violence is somewhat comprehensive as there are both domestic and international legal standards. A slow progress is observed in the implementation of strategies to overcome the current issues concerned with victimized differently-abled children. Against this background, the objectives of this study were to analyze the current legal framework in Sri Lanka towards the protection of differently-abled children against domestic violence and to explore the need of prioritizing the rights of them against domestic violence. This study is entirely based on a qualitative approach by referring to secondary sources while following the Black Letter Research Methodology. This study further highlights the lack of data regarding this aspect as one of the major reasons for problems in the implementation process since assessment of the current situation is the most crucial aspect before taking preventive measures.