Domestic Violence amidst COVID-19
INTRODUCTION
Globally for the past 2 years, the world is facing a crisis in all sectors due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are numerous lockdowns imposed all over the world in order to protect the people and keep them safe. Talking about safety according to the United Nations Women (UNWOMEN) one out of three females undergo sexual assault and domestic violence during the pandemic. The boundary is not limited even to Frontline workers. Yes! The female doctors, nurses, officials are also targeted by all means. Reports also say that there is no change in the figures of assaults before and after the pandemic. On the other hand, it is more severe in the later time frame. So instead of focusing on how to control the crisis caused by the pandemic, the administration has to focus on the women's safety, even in their shelter!
This brings us to a big question is are females not safe in their own homes?
If yes then what is the precaution and what are the immediate actions to be taken in order to stop this? But before that one needs to understand what is the concept of domestic violence.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The term domestic means 'family' or 'home' and the term violence means 'behavior involving physical force intended to hurt. Domestic violence in general means a physical or mental injury caused by the victim's circle which may include parents, in-laws, husband, ex-husband, friends, relatives, etc. Domestic violence includes any type of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse done on the victim. This abuse includes:
1. Verbal abuse
2. Physical abuse
3. Psychological abuse
4. Financial abuse
5. Religious abuse
6. Harassment
7. Stalking
8. Reproductive abuse
9. Image-base abuse
I: How to know whether one is a victim of domestic violence?
If he/she is suffering from any of the above abuses from his/her close one's then he/she is a victim of domestic violence.
II: What to do after knowing that he/she is a victim of domestic violence?
Prioritize yourself first and get out of that place. Report your situation to officials. If not go to an NGO or make contact with National Commission for Women (NSW, helpline:- +91-7217735372) or dial-up women's helpline (number:- 181 or 1091)
JUDICIARY ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
In India, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 is the legislation specified for Domestic Violence. According to Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 498 A. Whoever, being the husband or relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine. Pinpoints cruelty as a responsible factor in the deed.
In India, reports have shown that in the majority of the cases, Domestic violence complaints are filed against the family members not necessarily blood-related or individuals living with the victim.
The victim or anyone on the behalf of the victim can file a complaint in a police station. The officer would register a First Information Report (FIR) or Direct Information Report (DIR). While filling the DIR, a Protection Officer comes into the picture as he/she is the prime official in that district who handles the domestic violence cases. The Protection officer would help the victim to file a complaint in the police station and the court as well. Lastly, the National Commission for Women (NCW) holds the power to investigate any kind of domestic violence that comes into their hands. NCW acts like a mediator/counselor in such cases along with supervising the investigation of the local police. The NCW has an online portal where the victim can directly file the complaint and get in touch with them.
CONCLUSION
Most of the domestic violence victims do not acknowledge that they are in a dangerous situation concerning their individuality. It is often our patriarchal society that supports such behavior and expects the victim to keep quiet. However, the situation gets worse to such an extent that the victim chooses death over survival. So, it is the responsibility of society to discourage this kind of behavior and encourage the victim to speak about their condition freely.
Thus, domestic violence is not a part of every victim's life. We should not act as if it is one.
CONTENT WRITER:
NAME- Prajakta Badadare
COLLEGE- TILAK MAHARASHTRA VIDYAPEETH
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