Due to this Pandemic situation, many countries have been and are going through this lockdown situation. Unfortunately, domestic abuse cases are underreported across the world, especially in times of global emergencies like COVID-19. Even then, several countries have experienced high spikes in domestic violence reports during this lockdown. Why are women not reporting and how can we help victims receive help?
How can a victim of domestic violence get help?
The first and most important thing we can do is check in with our friends, family and people around us who are at risk. Due to this pandemic situation it can be quite difficult to report such things. A woman who has been in a domestic relationship or is in one right now with the respondent can file a complaint of domestic violence. Who can it be filed against? A report of domestic abuse can be raised not only against the husband or male partner, but also against a relative of the husband or male partner when they are in a relationship of a marriage or in a relationship in the nature of a marriage. National Commission for Women has also launched a special WhatsApp helpline number: +91 7217735372, which will act as an exclusive helpline
for domestic violence complaints during the period of lockdown. This will be in
addition to the emails, online complaints links, and helpline numbers (Women Helpline (All India) Women in Distress -1091; Women Helpline Domestic Abuse- 181; Police- 100) which are already functioning. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir has ordered all courts in Ladakh and J&K to treat cases of domestic violence as 'urgent' and has recommended that the government designate certain pharmacies or grocery stores as safe spaces for women, increase the availability of tele/online legal and counselling facilities, and raise awareness in the campaign increasing the publicity of steps being taken by the government.
What’s stopping women from reporting?
The first reason is obviously because we are restricted to move around during this pandemic. It’s definitely tougher for women to move into safer environments. Another thing is the issue with communication. Even though a whatsapp number was launched by the NCW, it’s reach was limited because more than half of the women in India still don’t have a phone or internet. When being put in a situation where the perpetrator is constantly around it makes it much harder for the victim to contact their trusted friends/family or anyone for a matter of fact. The protection officers that were supposed to be an essential part of women’s protection from domestic violence were also not able to go to the household of many victims.
What are some safety measures we can take?
First of all, it’s better to share any concerns with any trusted family members or friends. Making plans to communicate with them secretly when you need help is a good idea. Thinking of strategies to escape or get access to a phone. For example, saying that you need to go to the grocery store and, after arriving , asking to use the phone for calling help. One other important thing is to learn to identify the patterns in your partner like when he/she will become violent or abusive. If you know someone going through this situation, reassure them that you’re there for them and they’re not alone because support and help are available. Being empathetic and listening to them carefully would give them a sense of comfort and hope.
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