The Covid-19 pandemic has forced people into their dens. And there is a high possibility that for the majority of men, this is the longest they have been in their houses in a single day. However vast the courtyard, however spacious the living room, however delicious the food, the restrictions are sure to poke out the devil inside if not careful. People who used to work 10 hours a day, 6 days a week are now left with nothing, but their family. There sure is a group that takes advantage of the situation and bond even more with their family members. But depressingly, this is not always the case; a considerable amount dumbs down their frustration upon their women as well. Behind those closed doors, are women safe?
Domestic violence isn’t a novel concept for the world. This global pandemic has always been with us. We seldom noticed it or we turned our heads away. But statistics round up the global rate of domestic violence to more than 243 million in the last 12 months. And this value only reflects the cases we are aware of. The actual number would be at least 3–4 times bigger than this. UN Women, an organization established under the United Nations for the well being of women, predicts that this number is likely to increase due to the heightened tensions from the health, security, and money worries and strains from confined living conditions. And, this trend is starting to show on the graph.
This demonic practice of domestic violence is not indigenous to any country or continent- it is a global phenomenon. And the closed doors has been a very potent catalyst. Reports of domestic violence in France have increased by 30% and emergency calls for domestic violence cases have increased by 25% in Argentina since the countries went into lockdown. Helplines in Singapore and Cyprus have registered an increase in calls by 33% and 30%, respectively. Increased cases of domestic violence and demand for emergency shelter have also been reported in Canada, Germany, Spain, the UK, and the US. As per UN Women, domestic violence shelters are reaching capacity, or unable to take new victims due to lockdown and social distancing measures.
Even with a massive population, India has a lower rate of cases reported on domestic violence in comparison with other countries. Don’t be deceived by the numbers- it doesn’t mean that all Indian men have immense respect for their women, but the women are tolerant towards this heinous act. The majority of the victims are either scared of the consequences of pointing fingers or believe they are entitled to the pain and suffering. As per UN Women, less than 40% of women who experience violence seek help, and less than 10% of the women seeking help go to the police. The numbers are still further down the curve in India.
Even then, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) said that compared to the week before, the number of cases of domestic violence reported to NCW doubled in the week after the lockdown. And in response, NCW has launched a WhatsApp alert number (+91 7217735372) to help women experiencing domestic violence in the wake of the lockdown. This issue should also be addressed at regional levels. Women deserve every ounce of respect and love men have to offer and they have every right to demand it. Psycho-social counseling programs, online awareness campaigns, etc can be set up to cope up with the situation at the moment.
After the lockdown period, we should come out all bathed in love, not hatred. The ones who share the shelter with us, whoever they are, could be the only human contact we have for the next few days (hopefully). Rather than dumbing down our frustration upon them, let us share with them- love and joy. And when the Corona bids goodbye- the world will be a safer place- for both men and women.
