DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – ANOTHER PANDEMIC FOR INDIAN WOMEN.
The author of this blog Ms. Aditi Ladda, a 2nd-year law student at Symbiosis Law School, Noida.
INTRODUCTION
“The effects of abuse are devastating and far-reaching. Domestic violence speaks many languages, has many colors, and lives in many different communities” ~ Sandra Pupatello.
Domestic Violence can be defined as the pattern of coercive and assaultive behavior which includes physical, sexual, and physiological attacks. It is used by one partner on another partner to gain or maintain control. It mainly includes hitting, slapping, threats, staling, and such other behavior. [1]The two months Nation lockdown was imposed in order to protect everyone from Coronavirus and forced people to remain indoors. Along with the rise in the number of COVID 19 cases, there is a sharp rise in the domestic violence cases that are faced by women. Women at home are fighting another pandemic.
INTRODUCTION
“The effects of abuse are devastating and far-reaching. Domestic violence speaks many languages, has many colors, and lives in many different communities” ~ Sandra Pupatello.
Domestic Violence can be defined as the pattern of coercive and assaultive behavior which includes physical, sexual, and physiological attacks. It is used by one partner on another partner to gain or maintain control. It mainly includes hitting, slapping, threats, staling, and such other behavior. [1]The two months Nation lockdown was imposed in order to protect everyone from Coronavirus and forced people to remain indoors. Along with the rise in the number of COVID 19 cases, there is a sharp rise in the domestic violence cases that are faced by women. Women at home are fighting another pandemic.
CASES REGISTERED
The complaints received by The National Commission for Women has doubled since the lockdown. From 30 cases in the first week of March the cases rose to 69 between March 23rd and April 1st.[2] With the increase in the number of cases NCW extended its help my providing WhatsApp numbers, where women who were trapped at home could send SMS and get help. If we look around the globe the domestic violence cases have not increased in India but even in countries like the USA, UK, China, and Malaysia.
The complaints received by The National Commission for Women has doubled since the lockdown. From 30 cases in the first week of March the cases rose to 69 between March 23rd and April 1st.[2] With the increase in the number of cases NCW extended its help my providing WhatsApp numbers, where women who were trapped at home could send SMS and get help. If we look around the globe the domestic violence cases have not increased in India but even in countries like the USA, UK, China, and Malaysia.
REASON FOR THE INCREASE
Due to the imposition of lockdown, the women who are victims of physical and verbal abuse are unable to seek any help from the local police. Most of the women are scared of complaining thinking that the harassment against them will increase more. Almost 57% of Indian women do not have access to mobile phones and are unable to contact the helpline numbers. Recession studies have shown that women who were victims of endless torture would run to their parents or friend’s house to seek temporary relief but the lockdown has caged them inside their house with their hands tied. [3] Alcohol consumption and domestic violence often go hand in hand. There was a sharp increase in the cases of domestic violence after the Government relaxed restrictions on alcohol sales. Opening liquor shops have generated revenue for the states on the other hand it has violence at home. NCW received more calls and complaints after the liquor shops were opened.
WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS
The violence of domestic abuse is endless in the poorer sections of society. With families forced to stay at home in one small place has increased the risk of interpersonal violence. With no jobs and work most of the men take out their frustration on women. For women in rural areas seeking help from the neighbor’s is itself a challenge. They categorize domestic violence as ‘private matter’ and refuse to intervene. Most of the women in the rural areas refuse to file any case against her husband as she would be endlessly tortured by her in-laws. With no help the victims are often frightened to choose between the options such as possibly spending the night on the street alone or go back to the abusive partner at home. The situation becomes worst when children are involved and are alone at home. Due to the economic crises and no access to money it becomes difficult for the victim to find transportation and escape.
LAWS IN FORCE
The Domestic Violence Act 2005 consists of various sections that provides relief and help to a woman who has been a victim of physical and mental abuse. There are various other laws such as The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION, and REDRESSAL) Act, 2013, The Indian Penal Code, 1860, The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 which have been implemented in order to safeguard the rights of the women. One key take away from the above-mentioned laws is that, despite their existence the violence against women has been rising continuously.
SOCIAL STIGMA
Domestic Violence is often regarded as a family matter and this discourages women from seeking any kind of remedies. The victims are often recommended to settle matters outside the court. Most of the people outside don’t interfere or help the victim to rescue form the place of violence. Almost 75% of women do not get any help. [4]In rural areas even the police refuse to register the case and the victims are asked to settle their scores inside the house. In most of the cases in rural areas even the in-laws do not try to help the victim.
IMPACT ON WOMEN’S HEALTH AND RIGHT
Domestic violence leaves a great impact on the health and well-being of women. Women who are the victim of continuous physical and mental abuse are reported to have poor health conditions and psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. With limited resources and health care facilities in rural areas women are unable to take proper counseling or address her grievances. With endless fear of beatings and abuses most of the women refuse to raise her voice against her husband and in-laws.
MEASURES
The National Commission for women has been extending as much help as they can and are encouraging the women to speak up. They have introduced a complaint portal and provided a special WhatsApp number to help the victims. Women Entrepreneurs for transformation has taken a red-dot initiative, in which the women needs to draw a red dot on her hand in order to alert the neighbors and the authorities. State Government must ensure that 181 helpline numbers are continuously running and addressing the grievances of the women. It is important that the person who is responding to the grievances are well- trained and can provide immediate remedies to the victim. Greater social awareness and better policies need to be created. Improving easily access to abortion, pregnancy testing’s and providing safe shelters to women who face domestic violence can help women to fight this silent pandemic. It is important that the laws that are formed to help women are implemented in a proper way. A separate committee must be formed to track the proper implementation of the laws.
[1] https://family.findlaw.com/domestic-violence/what-is-domestic-violence.html
[2] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/ncw-says-domestic-violence-cases-rising-since-lockdown-69-complaints-received-since-march-24-820382.html
[3] https://www.epw.in/engage/article/covid-19-domestic-abuse-and-violence-where-do
[4] https://thewire.in/women/covid-19-lockdown-domestic-violence
Due to the imposition of lockdown, the women who are victims of physical and verbal abuse are unable to seek any help from the local police. Most of the women are scared of complaining thinking that the harassment against them will increase more. Almost 57% of Indian women do not have access to mobile phones and are unable to contact the helpline numbers. Recession studies have shown that women who were victims of endless torture would run to their parents or friend’s house to seek temporary relief but the lockdown has caged them inside their house with their hands tied. [3] Alcohol consumption and domestic violence often go hand in hand. There was a sharp increase in the cases of domestic violence after the Government relaxed restrictions on alcohol sales. Opening liquor shops have generated revenue for the states on the other hand it has violence at home. NCW received more calls and complaints after the liquor shops were opened.
WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS
The violence of domestic abuse is endless in the poorer sections of society. With families forced to stay at home in one small place has increased the risk of interpersonal violence. With no jobs and work most of the men take out their frustration on women. For women in rural areas seeking help from the neighbor’s is itself a challenge. They categorize domestic violence as ‘private matter’ and refuse to intervene. Most of the women in the rural areas refuse to file any case against her husband as she would be endlessly tortured by her in-laws. With no help the victims are often frightened to choose between the options such as possibly spending the night on the street alone or go back to the abusive partner at home. The situation becomes worst when children are involved and are alone at home. Due to the economic crises and no access to money it becomes difficult for the victim to find transportation and escape.
LAWS IN FORCE
The Domestic Violence Act 2005 consists of various sections that provides relief and help to a woman who has been a victim of physical and mental abuse. There are various other laws such as The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION, and REDRESSAL) Act, 2013, The Indian Penal Code, 1860, The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 which have been implemented in order to safeguard the rights of the women. One key take away from the above-mentioned laws is that, despite their existence the violence against women has been rising continuously.
SOCIAL STIGMA
Domestic Violence is often regarded as a family matter and this discourages women from seeking any kind of remedies. The victims are often recommended to settle matters outside the court. Most of the people outside don’t interfere or help the victim to rescue form the place of violence. Almost 75% of women do not get any help. [4]In rural areas even the police refuse to register the case and the victims are asked to settle their scores inside the house. In most of the cases in rural areas even the in-laws do not try to help the victim.
IMPACT ON WOMEN’S HEALTH AND RIGHT
Domestic violence leaves a great impact on the health and well-being of women. Women who are the victim of continuous physical and mental abuse are reported to have poor health conditions and psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. With limited resources and health care facilities in rural areas women are unable to take proper counseling or address her grievances. With endless fear of beatings and abuses most of the women refuse to raise her voice against her husband and in-laws.
MEASURES
The National Commission for women has been extending as much help as they can and are encouraging the women to speak up. They have introduced a complaint portal and provided a special WhatsApp number to help the victims. Women Entrepreneurs for transformation has taken a red-dot initiative, in which the women needs to draw a red dot on her hand in order to alert the neighbors and the authorities. State Government must ensure that 181 helpline numbers are continuously running and addressing the grievances of the women. It is important that the person who is responding to the grievances are well- trained and can provide immediate remedies to the victim. Greater social awareness and better policies need to be created. Improving easily access to abortion, pregnancy testing’s and providing safe shelters to women who face domestic violence can help women to fight this silent pandemic. It is important that the laws that are formed to help women are implemented in a proper way. A separate committee must be formed to track the proper implementation of the laws.
[1] https://family.findlaw.com/domestic-violence/what-is-domestic-violence.html
[2] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/ncw-says-domestic-violence-cases-rising-since-lockdown-69-complaints-received-since-march-24-820382.html
[3] https://www.epw.in/engage/article/covid-19-domestic-abuse-and-violence-where-do
[4] https://thewire.in/women/covid-19-lockdown-domestic-violence
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