Bhubaneswar: National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Poornima Advani yesterday (Nov 25, 2004) underlined the need for the police to become more gender sensitive while dealing with cases pertaining to atrocities on women.

Women who have been wronged find it difficult even to lodge FIR with the police, Advani, who began a three-day visit of Orissa, told reporters in Bhubaneswar.

"It has to be ensured that women are able to file FIRs as it is the first gate of justice," she said adding that NCW's proposal for introduction of gender sensitisation in the course curriculum of the police had been accepted by the National Police Commission.

Advani took exception to the use of the word "compensation" in case of rape victims saying an assault on a woman's dignity could not be compensated.

Pointing out that yesterday was the international day for prevention of violence on women, she stressed on the necessity to set up helplines ensuring direct connection between the Director General of Police and the affected women.

NCW, she said, had directed that dowry prohibition officers should come in close association with the civil society and try to prevent giving of dowry.

"Their job is not to push files in the office, but to prevent dowry in the Field," the Chairperson added.

Advani said the NCW had also recommended that high-level committees should be set up in every State to monitor female foeticide.