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Stuck with an abuser: Rapid increase in cases of Domestic Violence during lockdown

Dated: May 17, 2020

                                                                                                                                                          - By Megha Bhatia

The current situation caused by COVID-19 throughout the world has left everyone with no option, but to stay at home. The terminology ‘lockdown’ itself is quite overwhelming and gives a sense of being trapped. While home can be considered a safe place for some, it is not the safest place for everyone. In fact, with the COVID-19 lockdown in place, there has been an increase in cases of domestic violence. 

Victims of domestic abuse around the world are more vulnerable and at risk of a frighteningly new degree of violence. The first week of the nationwide lockdown, which left millions facing employment cuts, income insecurity, forced isolation, and dysfunctional families, has contributed to a dramatic rise in violence against women.

For most of us, the effect of the national lockout due to COVID-19 has been limited to fairly minor inconveniences that result from: working from home, not being able to walk or drive, not going to restaurants, or not engaging with family and friends outside our homes. But for others, the effect is much more dangerous-it can mean less access to vital services, health hazards and complications, or living in isolation with an abuser at home. The panic of the outbreak, which has led many people to lose their jobs and lack of alcohol is all adding to the frustration of these abusive men. 

National Commission for Women (NCW) – a support system for women

The National Commission for Women (NCW) in India has expressed concerns about the rise in the number of cases of domestic violence and harassment in the country during the lockdown period following the coronavirus outbreak. Domestic violence has a history of psychological, physical, social, financial and emotional misconduct. Acts of assaults, humiliation and coercion are often known to be acts of abuse.

National Women’s Commission Chairman Rekha Sharma says she receives complaints about domestic violence mostly via email. The Commission can only come to learn the real situation at the conclusion of the lockdown. One thing is clear: during the lockdown, the country had not introduced any steps to deter domestic violence. The central government has announced economic relief for the poor, for the workers affected by the Covid-19, but there is no special package for victims of domestic violence.

The NCW support mechanism for victims to register complaints includes physical visits to commission offices in different states, postal communications, telephone calls, online complaint registration, e-mails and via social media. Under lockdown, only three forms of complaint filing are open to victims: social media, email, and online registration.

The petition filed by the NGO All India Human Rights , Liberties and Social Justice Council in the Delhi High Court states that 92,000 calls have been received across the country to record domestic violence and harassment in the first 11 days of the lockdown.

What health risks are involved with victims of domestic violence?

In addition to human rights violations, victims of domestic violence may face a number of physical and mental health challenges such as chronic disease , depression, sexual disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and substance abuse. Disconnection from social support networks is one of the causes for an increased risk of domestic abuse during these times. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for seeking protection or help for victims. Normally, the victim could flee a violent situation by staying elsewhere, but this option is not available at the moment.

What are victims supposed to do when they are attacked?

What victims of domestic violence have to remember is not to blame themselves for what is happening to them. Violence is unacceptable and perpetrators are fully responsible for their acts. The victims must not make excuses for the actions of the perpetrators, because none of them exists. Acceptance of these acts may lead to a vicious cycle of violence.

1. The possibility of reporting domestic abuse to the police is always available. However, if the victim does not want to do so, they should set up a protection plan for themselves, with a safe word to warn the people with whom they stay when faced with a threatening situation.
2. It is advisable to keep a friend, family, neighbour or someone in close proximity updated in the event of an escalating danger. It is also important to address this with trusted family members or friends and to create the guilt of the perpetrator. There are also a range of helplines for domestic abuse and free online support services that victims can use for recovery purposes.
3. Individuals with previous violent, offensive behaviours and anger management issues must try to keep their tension as low as possible. Practicing self-care, restricting media access, taking on online impulse management services or finding support via therapy will make them better off. Parents must bear in mind that their momentary lack of control can have more effect on their child than they do.

Guidelines issued by Delhi High Court

The High Court of Delhi on 24 April directed the Government of Delhi and the Central Government to ensure the effective implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 following the increase in cases of domestic violence during the lockdown.

The petition urged the Court to take some steps to monitor the ongoing crisis. Which include: extensive awareness about NGOs and other organizations working for women and children; providing free tele and online therapy to victims and abusers; identifying and publicizing emergency shelters for victims of violent abuse; relaxation/exemption for those who could breach the lockdown requirements for reporting violence and the police officers also need to be made aware of the matter; 24-hour area wise hotlines and silence calls/helpline numbers.

In its final judgment, the High Court of Delhi claimed that, on the basis of the comprehensive reports and responses submitted by the respondents, the Court instructed the respondents to ensure the proper implementation and training of workers attending the helpline numbers. The Court urged respondents to consider the suggestions of AICHLSA provided by the petitioner concerning the temporary appointment of “Protection Officers as envisaged by the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 may also be considered by the respondents before the permanent appointment of Protection Officers is provided by keeping in mind the changing needs of the circumstances.”

Views of UN Secretary-General

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterrens said that the ever-increasing prevalence of the corona virus in the world has adversely affected the social and economic status of women, and has contributed to a marked rise in social disharmony towards them. The Secretary-General also said that women's health, economic conditions and social security have been severely affected by this epidemic, while violence against women has also increased considerably.

He said that the importance of women against Covid-19 and the role of the organizations associated with them must be understood. Social and economic policies should aim to keep the future of women at the centre of the objectives of sustainable development.

     Helplines and NGOs are working hard to find aid for these victims by moving them to hostels or provide counselling online or over the phone. Yet, the lack of system from a government which is already under pressure due to the outbreak is also adding to the issues.