The Childline India helpline received more than 92,000 SOS calls asking for protection from abuse and violence in 11 days, a stoic indication that the lockdown has turned into extended captivity not just for many women but also for children trapped with their abusers at home.
Data reveals that of the 3.07 lakh calls received by the ‘CHILDLINE 1098’ helpline for children in distress across the country between March 20-31, covering the first week of the lockdown, 30% were about protection against abuse and violence on children. This comes to 92,105 calls. The number of calls after the lockdown, which started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on March 24, has increased by 50%.
Calls received following the lockdown dealt with physical health (11% of calls), child labour (8%), missing and run-away children (8%) and homeless (5%), according to figures shared by Walia. Many women who are victims of domestic violence are also more vulnerable during the lockdown.
Data by the National Commission of Women shows domestic violence complaints have been increasing by the day since the nationwide lockdown was imposed with 69 complaints received just through email.
From March 24 till April 1, 257 complaints related to various offences against women were received. Of the 257, 69 complaints are related to domestic violence, the latest data released by the NCW showed. It is speculated that the number of cases of domestic violence must be much higher, but women are scared to complain due to the constant presence of their abusers at home.
Women are not approaching police because they think that if they take their husband away, her in-laws will then torture her. On his release he would, torture her more when he gets out of the police station. Earlier, women could go to their parents but now they are unable to reach them.
Confinement is fostering the tension and strain created by security, health, and money worries. And it is increasing isolation for women with violent partners, separating them from the people and resources that can best help them. It’s a perfect storm for controlling, violent behaviour behind closed doors.
To overcome the immediate and long-term impact of the crisis, the government should ensure, on priority basis: access to critical services such as healthcare, nutrition, food security, mental health and psychosocial support, protection against violence and ensure social protection and child-sensitive cash transfer initiatives to the most vulnerable children and poorest families.
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