Hyderabad: Pandemic sees spurt in domestic violence

Hyderabad: The cases of domestic violence have gone up during the Lockdown period, particularly in the early months when Covid-19 pandemic struck the nation. The organisations involved in counselling, medical and legal support have found that the fallout of job loss and financial problems have only contributed to the increased number of cases.

"The cases have seen a rapid increase in violence against women, between March and April, during pandemic. compared to pre-pandemic. One of many reasons could be financial difficulties, lack of work. Not only spousal violence shot up, but cases such as father beating up daughters and mothers surged as well," said Anita, founder of Sankalp Women's Support Alliance.

According to the annual report for 2019-20, of the 8,410 cases registered, the highest number was in Medchal-Malkajgiri district (1,193), followed by Ranga Reddy (894) and Hyderabad (614).

Speaking to The Hans India, Rukmini Naik, general secretary, All-India Samajika Mahajan Sangharshana Samithi, said approximately 60 per cent cases of dowry were solely from Hyderabad - Muslim families accounting for 50 per cent cases and Hindus 10 per cent. In most cases, families don't shed light on such issues and endure on the inside. The cases in areas such as Indranagar, Kishan Bagh, Rajendranagar, Laxmiguda are extensively high. "Some cases are disguised as suicide, but when we investigate door to door, we hear all sides of the story. We've given counselling to more than 200 people. Cases such as in Warangal, where wife was harassed for dowry and tortured for finance and many more cases go unreported. The government must introduce stringent laws and set up fast track courts to expedite cases of women."

Anjum Sultana, a victim of domestic violence, was chased away by in-laws and husband, along with three grown-up children without assigning any reason. After her own hardship in life, she became part of the campaign for bringing in justice to many like her. "The cases are many; therefore, we have launched a movement to reach from corner to corner to counsel families against women violence, especially dowry. We've seen positive changes in due course. Women will reform entire society; bring a peaceful environment. By and large, the parochial attitude of people must change to flourish. Hundreds of thousands of young girls are unable to get married due to mammoth demands of dowry," said Anjum.

According to activists, the regressive practice of dowry still exists, disguised under various names even though the Dowry Prohibition Act,1961. Recently a group of women affiliated to various organisations, NGOs and political parties came under one umbrella to raise voice against atrocities on women which are on rise daily. These women fight tooth and nail to render justice to victims, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and region. They started an awareness campaign "movement against domestic violence on women."