Understanding Her Through Their Eyes: Criminal Justice Responses to Violence Against Women in Sri Lanka

This research examines how the intersectional vulnerabilities of women victims of violence affect the underreporting and abandonment of complaints in Sri Lanka. Prior data-driven; quantitative analysis reveals distinct patterns: war-affected rural districts report fewer cases, showing a negative correlation between women's empowerment and violence, while urban districts with greater digital access and employment opportunities exhibit higher reporting rates and a positive correlation. To explore these trends, this study employs survey-based empirical research targeting criminal justice personnel—police, litigants, and judiciary members—across five districts in Sri Lanka: Colombo (Urban, Multi-ethnic), Vavuniya (Semi-Urban, War-affected, Multi-ethnic), Anuradhapura (Rural, War-affected, Uni-ethnic), Mullaitivu (Rural, War-affected, Uni-ethnic), and Matara (Semi-Urban, Uni-ethnic). Behavioral analysis will assess participants’ knowledge of laws, protocols, and case-handling experiences, evaluating gender sensitivity in justice accessibility. The study aims to bridge gaps between legal frameworks and practice, offering insights to enhance justice for intersectionally vulnerable women in Sri Lanka and beyond.