Domestic violence cases since the imposition of lockdowns

Context: Recently, There have been reports of a significant increase in domestic violence cases since the imposition of lockdowns in many parts of the world.
Violence against women in India

• The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data show that 24% of women faced domestic violence in 2015-16 not seeing any reduction since 2005-06.
• Compared to above survey results, the actual reports of domestic violence to the police are negligible at 58.8/ one lakh women. 
• The disparity between the crimes reported in a survey and registered with the police highlights how women are unlikely to seek help. 
• As per NFHS data is perhaps that 52% of the surveyed women and 42% of the surveyed men think there is at least one valid reason for wife-beating. 
• The NFHS data also highlight how the proportion of women reporting violence is increasing among families with lower wealth.

Reason for increasing abuse during lockdown

• When men and/or women get employed, domestic violence tends to fall as interactions between couples reduce.
• Under a lockdown, interaction time has increased and families have been left without access to the outside world.
• Violence is a way for the man to assert his notion of masculinity. The current atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, food insecurity, and unemployment may create feelings of inadequacy in men.
• The lack of access to friends, family and support organisations is expected to aggravate the situation for abused women further.

Suggestions

• Acknowledge and accept that domestic violence happens and work to reduce the stigma attached to the victims of such violence. Such support may prompt abused women to seek at least informal means to redress their issues.
• The provision of cash transfers and ration support are likely to sustain the family and also reduce stress in the household leading to lower violence against women.
• The National Commission for Women (NCW) could increase its advertising expenditure on TV to relay messages requesting women to contact the police station for help. The 181 helpline number set up for this reason should remain active, and women should be reminded of this number via TV ads.
• The government could also send mass SMS messages as it did during the onset of the COVID-19 crisis as most women have access to at least a basic phone.