COVID-19 Pandemic and Domestic Violence: A Serious Issue

Abstract

People across India are staying indoor during pandemic COVID-19 to stop the spread of corona virus. Though the measures are yielding positive results, it is dangerous scenario for women who face domestic violence. National commission for women received 587 complaints from march 23, 2020 to April 16, 2020 out of which 239, were related to domestic violence. This high number can be attributed to lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 outbreak, which has locked the abusers and the victim together. Destitute women can often be made more vulnerable to domestic violence as they have no place to escape. There are several factors responsible in the rising of violence against women and children in India during pandemic COVID-19. Unemployment due to lockdown causing a lot of uncertainty, stress and frustration, reduced income, limited resources, alcohol abuse and limited social support are likely key factors for domestic violence.  It is also important to ensure that the measures cater to women across level of education, access to technology and ability to use it. In more typical circumstances, support provided by government and non- government organizations are available to women who face domestic violence. Tackling domestic violence should be a key part of the national response plans that are currently being developed to handle the COVID-19 crisis.