Coimbatore: The number of domestic violence cases reported in the district has been increasing steadily in the last few years.
More than 60% of the complainants had sought the intervention of the court to resolve the issue.
While 374 complaints were registered in 2020 in the district, 183 complaints were filed in 2017.
Of the 374 complaints, 111 complaints were received during the lockdown period between March and September and the number is 30% higher than the number of complaints received in 2019, said an official from the social welfare department. More than 10 complaints were registered this month alone.
Domestic violence complaints are registered directly with the social welfare department, women helpline number (181), in courts and through counsellors.
The official said, “Financial and mental distress caused during the lockdown period is considered as the main reasons for increase in complaints this year. Of the complaints registered during the pandemic period, all the cases except one were resolved through counselling sessions.”
Explaining that more than 60% of the cases registered before and after the lockdown were taken before courts to find a solution, the official said that 185 complaints filed in 2019 and 164 in 2018 were now dealt in courts.
Activists and psychiatrists said combined action from multiple government bodies and society is required to reduce the instances of domestic violence cases.
“Instances of physical assault and verbal abuse are equally high in recent times. While some men indulge in such activities under the influence of alcohol or drugs, some others take out their frustrations on their wives due to their economic condition or due to ego clashes. Even though families do not demand dowry directly from the bride, they continue to keep their expectations high and if it is not fulfilled, they take it out on the women,” Dr GP Godhanavalli, a family and student counselor, said.
On an average, it takes about two years to pronounce judgment in a case, she said. Most of the time, the case itself gets diluted due to the delay, she added.
In some incidents, women are hesitant to file a complaint and continue to undergo the abuse or assault, she said, pointing out that not all the cases are reported.
City-based psychiatrist Dr NS Mony pointed out that a 21-member committee formed to reduce violence against women in the district is not functioning for the past four years. “It is the combined responsibility of the government and society to reduce violence against women,” he added.
Explaining that men who are emotionally unstable or found to be suffering from depression, anxiety disorder and delusion disorder, also indulge in such activities, he insisted that mental health awareness needs to be created among the public.
“Most of the time, problems caused due to mental health illness could be sorted out with therapy and counselling,” he added.
Managing trustee of Aram Foundation and charitable trust Latha Sundaram said the attitude of the people should change and definitely a woman cannot be taken for granted to take out their frustrations. “Quick and stringent punishments could instill a sense of fear and it in turn would help to reduce violence against women,” she said.