Domestic violence: A silent panendemic on the rise during COVID-19

Abstract

Staying at home is the best way to beat COVID-19. But nobody ever bothers to think about the victims who are stuck up in abusive relationships with their partners. Naturally, lockdown has forced them to suffer even more. Their sufferings have increased in numerous ways. The data around the globe also shows that domestic violence has been on the rise as the entire world was staying indoors. The National Commission for Women (NCW), which is the government body that receives complaints of domestic violence from all parts of India, has recorded more than twofold rise in gender-based violence during this lockdown. Domestic violence cases can go across social, racial as well as economic boundaries. Shattered dreams, bruised mentally and physically, these victims are either shy or afraid to raise their voices against domestic abuse. Attention and care is needed not only for the visible physical injuries, but also for the psychological and emotional hidden trauma. The foregoing article takes stock of domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdown.