Locked down in an abusive home
The lockdown against the Coronavirus outbreak has triggered an unforeseen rise in domesticviolence cases
While many countries around the world have been enforcing lockdowns in their attempt to contain the coronavirus outbreak, they have now begun to encounter a fresh set of problems. Alarming reports suggest a significant rise in the number of domestic violence cases globally during the lockdown.
Even closer home, in India, Rekha Sharma, the chairperson of the National Commission of Women (NCW), stated a couple of days ago that the commission received 58 complaints via e-mail during the lockdown — in the week between 23 and 30March.
Rekha attributes the surge in the number to men who vent out on the women at home their frustrations about being forced to stay home.
In a country such as India, which is no stranger to domestic violence, it is not surprising to see captivity at home, driving people crazy, leading to the increased abusive behaviour.
NON-AVAILABILITY OF LIQUOR
Upon talking to some people as well as experts, we learned that victims found a breathing space earlier, whether it was at work or when they stepped out for social reasons. However, given the lockdown, they are compelled to spend all their time at home with their abusive partners.
Andhra Pradesh Women Commission Chairperson Vasireddy Padma concurs that frustrated men forced to stay at home naturally trigger domestic violence and points out that the frustration levels have risen even because of the non-availability of liquor.
Then, revealing that the Commission received around thirty-eight cases in March alone, Padma shares,
“As domestic violence happens behind closed doors and comes to light only when reported or is escalated, this situation (the sudden lockdown) creates a very dangerous scenario. Perhaps the government could have set up a national helpline for domesticviolence victims specifically for this period”
Kavita Krishnan, Secretary, All India Progressive Women’s
Association
“Men were used to a certain type of lifestyle. But now as they can’t even step out because of the lockdown, which is an unprecedented scenario to them, most of the cases we have got are about men who are venting out their anger against the women at home.”
SETTING UP A HELPLINE
Women’s rights activists, who have also been receiving numerous complaints of domestic violence, find fault with the government’s impromptu decision regarding the lockdown. Some believe that an advance notice with respect to the lockdown may have even offered a little time to at least some vulnerable women,who could have chosen to move to a safer place it happened.
Kavita Krishnan, Secretary, All India Progressive Women’s Association, points out that the surprise lockdown decision may have devastating consequences. “As domestic violence happens behind closed doors and comes to light only when reported or is escalated, this situation creates a very dangerous scenario. For instance, women who’re already domestic-abuse victims are experiencing something akin to being paralysed,” offers Kavita. “Perhaps the government could have set up a national helpline for domesticviolence victims specifically for this period,” Kavita adds.
#MENTOO: THE MOSTLY UNHEARD ABUSE STORIES
Domestic violence, however, has never been solely about men abusing their wives. Though usually unheard of, there are enough instances of men being abused by their wives too.
Vaibhav Datar, one of India’s leading life and relationship coaches, has been dealing with such men facing domestic violence especially during the current lockdown.
“Modern day working couple staying together at home all day is something uncharacteristic. Over that if a stubborn wife starts to dictate terms regarding household chores, then men naturally become vulnerable,” explains Vaibhav, in reference to one of his clients.
Vaibhav, however, also thinks that home quarantine should be looked at positively. “Who knows, the couple might evolve over the 21-day period,which can even change the fate of a relationship,” he expresses.
“Men were used to a certain type of lifestyle. But now as they can’t even step out because of the lockdown, which is an unprecedented scenario to them, most of the cases we have got are about men who are venting out their anger against the women at home.” VASIREDDY PADMA, AP Women Commission Chairperson