Bhubaneswar: The state government plans to appoint protection officers in each of the 30 districts to deal with domestic violence.

"Incidents of domestic violence not only affects the victim, but it also has serious negative impacts on the family and society. Since our protection officers are under tremendous workload we will appoint dedicated protection officers to deal with domestic violence cases," said women and child development department minister Prafulla Samal.

At present, the programme officer (ICDS) scheme is working as protection officers in every district.

He was speaking at a seminar on protection of women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, hosted by the department on Tuesday.

The number of cases of dowry torture and domestic violence against women in the state has seen a sharp rise. According to sources, most of the cases are related to dowry.

Last year, around 3,000 cases were registered with the Odisha State Commission for Women. With increasing incidence of sexual torture and harassment against women, the government has conceded that women are the most oppressed section in Odisha.

The minister, however, claimed that the state government had taken steps to effectively deal with the problem.

"Awareness programmes are taken up periodically. Mahila sishu desks have been set up to facilitate integrated approach towards crime against women and children," he added.

Activists feel domestic violence was more pronounced among married women.

"Dowry is a major evil in India and rural Odisha has not escaped its wrath," said Poonam Naik of Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Centre here.