Pandemic for women

when lockdown  began a young woman in Delhi was scared of domestic violence and went to her brother's home. As the lockdown extended it was not possible for her to return back. Gradually, she became a burden on her brother because his income got squeezed. The women became a victim of his anger and got beaten up like an animal.

Another woman in Hyderabad was beaten up badly by her husband who was addicted to alcohol and could not have it because of lockdown restrictions.

According to a report of National commission of Women there was an almost 100% increase in domestic violence during lockdown. Gender based violence has been a hidden consequence of the pandemic. In our society patriarchy prevails and women are more vulnerable to the frustration of their spouses.

The above mentioned stats regarding cases of domestic violence exhibits only those cases which were reported but woefully there are  number of cases which do not even get registered.

Unexpectedly, it is observed that in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi cases of domestic violence have decreased. The  statistics may not reveal the real extent of the problem because some women are impotent to lodge a complaint against their family member. Also women from weaker background don't have access to internet or helpline numbers, in most of the cases they are unaware of the rights they have. Furthermore there has been a transportation issue during lockdown due to which women could not escape and seek help.

During lockdown, the men who worked outside for the whole day were forced to stay home, moreover their income got shrinked . Alcoholic men could not manage to get alcohol and ultimately cursed females of their family. Women became the victim of  frustration of their intimate partners and even some had to face forced pregnancy.

Few women who lost their jobs during lockdown also faced verbal abuse and violence from their family members. Many cases have been reported where wives got beaten up by their husbands for not giving money. Some men feel that women are their slaves and they can vent their anger on them for everything.

Young girls are also vulnerable during the time of COVID-19 , a recent spike in cases of marriage of minor girls is highlighted in Karnataka. The situation is so grim that the girls who tried to prevent marriage faced physical violence and could not reach the police or helpline.

Our society runs in a feudal and patriarchal way that's why during any crisis females are the immediate victims. When there is a shortage of food they are asked to adjust their diet because it is presumed that women are inferior to men and it's their foremost responsibility to look after the family. Hence, during any emergency cases of women in abusive relationship increases dramatically.

Government took measures to protect the population and keep their health system sound but it failed to consider the impact of the pandemic on families and their female members.

The consequences of gender based violence will not end when medical crisis are contained. COVID-19 will have a long lived effect on our lives.Women should be aware of the threat they have during times of crisis and the rights they can avail. There should be awareness programs for women regarding the ways to seek help especially for uneducated and weaker sections.

It is our responsibility also that if we find any victim of domestic violence or harassment we must help her to reach a safe place and immediately inform police or helpline.

-Ritika