Recent data released by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) suggest that the nationwide lockdown has led to a rapid increase in cases of domestic violence. The data, which is categorized according to cases in different states suggest that Uttarakhand recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases in the last two months of lockdown. Haryana ranks on number two and the national capital Delhi on number three.
The report by NALSA documents cases from the start of the lockdown till May 15 and was collected through 28 State Legal Services (SLAs). Some shocking numbers were revealed in the report which mentioned that a total of 144 cases of domestic violence were reported in Uttarakhand. From Haryana, the number of cases were 79 and a total of 69 cases surfaced from Delhi.
Women in Telangana had to face a spike in domestic violence too. As per cases registered through Sakhi One Stop Centers (centers that provide integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces in a phased manner) in April, 89% of the total number of cases registered were of domestic violence.
As per Prof U Vindhya, Sakhi OSC Project Leader and Deputy Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Hyderabad campus, these numbers would help in supporting the current worldwide research about the increased risk of violence within the home because of the lockdown.
The situation of increase in cases of domestic violence is not restricted to only India. The lockdown has brought the world to a standstill. The lives of women across the globe, who are in an abusive relationship have also come to a halt. The same violence is repeated and perpetrated frequently, and on a regular basis during the lockdown. Various domestic violence helplines and organizations all over the world are working constantly to deal with this global issue.