Overview

Drafters should address dowry-related violence through a domestic violence framework. Thus, drafters should provide for a civil order for protection remedy, as well as criminal provisions to hold perpetrators of violence responsible for assault or domestic assault.
Drafters should ensure that dowry deaths are also criminalized, either as first-degree murder or as an aggravating factor in homicide sentencing schemes.
Drafters should ensure that illegal demands for dowry are addressed by criminal laws on extortion, as well as civil laws on recovering compensation.
Drafters should establish regulation over and a registration system for dowry gifts.
Institute property and inheritance reform to ensure women may own, administer and inherit property on a basis equal to men.
Ensure that existing laws that provide equality in property and inheritance rights are enforced.
Promote public education campaigns to raise awareness among women of their property and inheritance rights.

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