The Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act was enacted in 2016 to address and combat various forms of violence against women in the province. The legislation was introduced to provide a comprehensive framework for protecting women from physical, psychological, economic, and cyber-related abuses. It aimed to fill existing legal gaps and offer a structured mechanism for redress and rehabilitation of women survivors of violence.

The Government of Punjab is mandated to establish Women Protection Centers and shelter homes across the province. These centers serve as converging points for essential services, including police reporting, medical examinations, forensic evidence collection, legal aid, and psychological counseling. They also provide immediate protection and shelter to aggrieved women.

The Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA), established under the Punjab Women Protection Authority Act 2017, is responsible for overseeing and executing the protection system, including the establishment and operation of Women Protection Centers (WPC).

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Women Protection Centers (WPCs) ensure the effective implementation of the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act, 2016 by providing a clear framework for consistent, legally compliant, and efficient support to women facing violence. They guide WPC operations to deliver services in a legally sound, effective, human rights-based, and survivor-centered manner.