History has been a witness to the fact that during any disaster, women’s bodies bear the worst brunt of the crisis. The current Covid-19 pandemic is a no different scenario. There have been reports that domestic violence has become widespread and is being under-reported. The condition is so serious that the UN has referred it to as the “Shadow Pandemic’.
Covid-19 has triggered a huge spike in domestic violence all over the world. In India too, the National Commission for Women has reported a huge increase in the number of distressed calls. In India, every third woman is a victim of domestic violence. As most of the countries all over the world, including India has called for lockdown, the situation has become worse as the home has become the most unsafe place to be quarantined. The major reason being that women have to live with their abuser.
Domestic violence can be verbal, financial, psychological, or sexual. The basic cause of domestic violence can be seen as rooted in the inequalities of power and control. And as the current pandemic has led to enormous loss of jobs which is associated with power and control, this has led to a kind of frustration, and men often vent their frustration on the women in their house.
There is more issue in the current situation. Lockdown prevents women from seeking help outside. In this situation, India can learn from Spain and France, where women go to a pharmacy and request ‘mask 19‘ or similar code is used. It is a code word that will alert the pharmacist to contact the authorities. The other issue is that the traditional forms of support that are available in a normal situation is not available in the situation of a lockdown like going to parents’ homes, complaining to the police, and reaching out to counsellors. So, in conclusion here are some of the possible ways forwards to tackle the situation:
- Helplines, psychological support, and online counselling should be boosted.
- Raising awareness through electronic media.
- Women should be made aware that domestic violence is a crime under IPC.
- SOS messaging facilities should be enhanced with geolocation facilities
- Police forces should be made more responsive.
Women are having a tough time staying indoors. It is up to the government that while formulating policies to deal with the pandemic, the issue of women’s safety must be prioritized.