Domestic violence against women during Covid-19 pandamic

As the world is trying to cope with the current Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, many countries took resort to 'stay at home' orders. India is one such country, ordered a complete Lockdown nationally. Though steps such as these are essential to contain the global pandemic, this ‘Hobson's choice’ has brought along some unintended negative consequences. One of them is Domestic Violence (DV) against women.

According to UN Women 2020, The incidents of violence against women have increased worldwide since the lockdowns were implemented.

According to Government of India, such an act was passed by the government to protect women against domestic violence. This act was passed in 2005 by the Government of India.

What is domestic violence?

'Domestic Violence' is defined in The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (India, 2005) as “any act of commission or omission or conduct resulting in physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and economic abuse” and this can range from calling names, insulting, humiliating, controlling behaviour, physical violence to sexual violence.

What are the causes of domestic violence?

The main causes of DV during any natural disaster is multifaceted, precipitated through multiple, interdependent causes like stress due to physical confinement, economic disruption, slowed down businesses, possible unemployment, scarcity of basic provisions, limited social support. Though precedent for the current situation (lockdown) is limited, studies of past disasters and its effects can put some light on factors behind the current trend of increase in IPV.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, is the need of the hour.

What steps can be taken to protect yourself from domestic violence during COVID-19 pandemic in India?

According to the UN Women,

 “helplines, psychosocial support and online counselling should be boosted, using technology-based solutions such as SMS, online tools and networks to expand social support, and to reach women with no access to phones or Internet.” Other priorities include a more responsive police force and other government agencies who are not dismissive of domestic violence complaints. Social media posts mocking and patronising angry or “suffering” men in isolation who are helping in housework should be reported and acted upon. The electronic media can raise awareness in regional language infomercials since domestic violence is a crime under the Indian Penal Code. SOS messaging to the police already exists in several cities, but this should be enhanced with geolocation facilities.

This has to be stopped we are all in this together but that doesn't mean domestic violence is the answer.

We all should stand together, to protest against the domestic violation of women.

#protest_against_domestic violation_of_women_in India

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