The government of India took strict measures to stop the spread of coronavirus by announcing a nationwide lockdown starting from March 24 to April 14 and further extending until May 3. But within the first 11 days of the initial lockdown, the number of incidents of domestic violence against women and children skyrocketed in the country.
According to Harleen Walia, the deputy director of Childline India, between March 20 and March 31, the childline service had received around 307,000 calls of which 30 percent were regarding abuse and violence against children.
Walia pointed that the number of calls had jumped by 50 percent after the lockdown was announced on March 24.
She also stated that women are more vulnerable to domestic violence during the coronavirus lockdown as they are trapped with their abusers.
Sister Lucy Kurien, founder and director of Maher, a community and interfaith organization for abused and destitute women and children, told UCA News that "There is no doubt that during the lockdown violence against women and children has increased manifold, which the government is aware of and even the media has reported."
According to Sister Kurien, men are becoming more aggressive as they are confined to one place unlike normal times when they could go anywhere, socialize and do their jobs.
She believes alcoholism, uncertainty, insecurity, debt and irritation due to being unable to leave the house could have increased the number of violence against women and children during this period.
The lockdown also leaves no option for women and children to go out and instead be locked with the abuser at home.
Father Savarimuthu Sankar, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Delhi told UCA News that "The lockdown was necessary to combat Covid-19, but in its hurry to implement the measure the government has failed to address domestic violence and abuse."
"The government must also address the issue of domestic violence during this critical time because it is equally important, otherwise we may even lose some precious lives."
According to Rekha Sharma, chairperson of the National Commission of Women (NCW), after the nationwide lockdown, the number of complaints against domestic violence have risen on a daily basis.
Based on the latest data released by the NCW, 257 complaints related to various offenses against women were received between March 24 and April 1, of which 69 were related to domestic violence.
Sharma believes that the number of incidents of violence against women must be much higher than what is being reported as women are scared to speak out with the abuser staying right next to them at home.
Looking at the number of calls flooding the helpline number seeking protection, Christian leaders and activists have urged the government to take strict measures to prevent women and children who are being abused under extended captivity during the lockdown.
