Domestic violence cases shoot up in Punjab

Sanjeev Verma | TNN | Updated: Apr 14, 2020, 07:43 IST

Representative image

CHANDIGARH: The number of domestic violence cases has witnessed a spurt in Punjab after the curfew was imposed from March 23.
Manisha Gulati, chairperson of the Punjab women commission, said the commission has received at least 22 complaints through email since the curfew came into effect. This was not the case earlier She said apart from calls to the police helpline numbers, she was also receiving at least one call daily on her mobile number.
In view of the increasing domestic violence cases, the state women commission has now launched a domestic violence helpline-cum-WhatsApp number i.e. 7814103253. Those in need of help can also send email on punjabwomencommission@gmail.com.
Gulati said she is making arrangements for at least one or two staff members of the commission to start going to the office from Wednesday.
"The major problem is that all the male members of the family are stuck in their homes. A little stress in the relationship can now take a toll which can lead to depression, anxiety, physical violence or even suicide," said the chairperson. Such a situation has made it difficult for victims to stay at home. She said most of the complaints being received by the commission are from well educated women.
"Imagine the condition of women living in villages and who do not have access to mobile or email since they cannot even send a letter to the commission's address because of the curfew," says Gulati.
The commission used to receive an average of 50 complaints per day through letters from various parts of the state before the curfew was imposed.
Asked as to where should a male approach if he is the victim of domestic violence, Gulati replied, "They can approach us on our helpline number and we will definitely help them." Gulati received a call on Monday from a well-educated woman from Kapurthala who was thrown out of her house by her in-laws demanding dowry.
"A few days ago, a woman committed suicide in Pathankot in a domestic violence case," she added. The commission is trying to provide online counselling to the victims and her family members during the curfew and take the help of police where needed.