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The Lockdown curbs spurred Domestic Violence
Why is it in news?
- As per a new study, Domestic violence and online sexual abuse cases were higher in red-zone COVID-19 districts as compared to those in orange and green zones.
- The study report argues that gender-based violence shifted from streets to domestic spaces due to restrictions on mobility.
Details (As per the study):
- Domestic violence complaints rose by 131% and those on online abuse increased by 184% in red zone districts.
- Correspondingly, there was a significant decrease in harassment, rape, and sexual assault complaints in red and orange zone districts relative to green zone districts.
Background:
- Violence against women and girls has been defined as “any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women.
- As per the latest NCRB report for 2017, about 3,59,849 cases of crime against women were reported in the country.
- Majority of cases registered under ‘Cruelty by Husband or his Relatives’ (27.9%) followed by ‘Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty’ (21.7%).
General Causes of Domestic Violence:
- Women’s economic dependence on men.
- Poverty and the resulting early marriages often gives rise to sexual violence.
- Patriarchy and the social norm that it is alright to beat or abuse a woman.
- Cultural beliefs, illiteracy or ignorance.