The recent statistics gathered by the National Commission for Women (NCW) have highlighted a more than twofold increase in gender-based violence, raising concerns about the well-being and safety of women. The primary factors contributing to this escalation are seemingly linked to the national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A closer look into the data reveals job losses, uncertain income, enforced isolation, and increased household stress as significant catalysts behind this rise.
Data Analysis and Key Findings
A comparative analysis of the total complaints registered by the NCW shows an alarming increase from 116 in the first week of March to 257 by the end of the month. Various categories of reported offenses against women have also seen a sharp increase. Incidents involving rape or attempts to rape have escalated from 2 to 13, while domestic violence cases have more than doubled, growing from 30 to 69 within the same period.
The enforcement of the lockdown has resulted in police forces dedicating most of their efforts towards maintaining order and curbing the spread of Covid-19. Subsequently, overall responsiveness towards women’s issues has declined, with police apathy witnessing an almost threefold increase. Cases linked to women’s right to live with dignity (Article 21), encompassing discrimination based on gender, class, or caste, rose from 35 to 77. However, these numbers are believed to represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as many women may not be able to report violations due to various reasons.
Factors Contributing to the Rise in Violence
Several issues contribute to the underreporting of these occurrences. The restrictions on movement coupled with a lack of privacy within households could prevent women from reaching out confidentially. As families stay together for extended periods, women are left without private spaces and assurances that searching for help will not lead to further complications.
Additionally, heightened anxiety levels regarding job security, salaries, and livelihood could contribute to increased frustration among males in patriarchal societies. Women often become easy targets for venting out such frustrations. Moreover, the lockdown has limited escape routes for women facing violence, such as relocating to their natal families or accessing local police.
Proposed Measures to Mitigate Violence
Given the grim reality of these circumstances, alternative arrangements are imperative for victims of domestic violence who cannot consider the police as their first point of contact. The government should mobilize resources to aid distressed women, with a special emphasis on including healthcare services and abortion as essential services during the lockdown period.
The authorities can derive inspiration from nations like France, which has announced the funding for 20,000 hotel bookings and a contribution of €1 million to domestic abuse-fighting organizations, along with setting up assistance points at supermarkets and pharmacies.
About the National Commission for Women
Established as a statutory body in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act 1990, the NCW’s mission is to ensure women’s equality and active participation by securing their rights and entitlements through suitable policy formulation and legislative measures. The Commission reviews constitutional and legal safeguards for women, recommends corrective legislative measures, facilitates grievance redressal, and advises the government on all policy matters affecting women.
