After our country underwent the nation-wide lockdown to combat the coronavirus, there has been a rampant increase in the reports of domestic violence. Though many chose to suffer in silence, a few are coming forward to let the society know that they won’t suffer at the hands of their abuser.
They have shown the guts of standing for themselves and their family and filed the police complaints to make sure their husband learns the lesson.
One such courageous woman from Patna refused to become the victim of domestic abuse. Belonging to the posh Boring Road locality, the accused reportedly assaulted his wife and threw household items out of the house.
As per Deccan Herald, pained over the physical assault, the wife dialed the police to inform how her husband, a businessman-cum-contractor, had brutally beaten her during a row.
When the police reached her house, initially the police counseled the husband. They told the couple that amid lockdown, there has been an increase in such incidents. But when the wife told police about bottles of liquor in the house, the police eventually arrested the accused.
While sharing the details, the source aware of the developments informed Deccan Herald:
“While the cops were trying to pacify the aggrieved wife, and counsel the agitated husband, the complainant went to her bedroom and brought three bottles of liquor kept in the almirah.
Once the liquor was recovered, the police had no option other than to arrest the husband, identified as Praveen. The man was put behind bars as consumption of liquor is a cognizable offense in a dry state like Bihar since April 2016.”
It is heartbreaking to see how lockdown has hit women with abuse, overwork, and pain. In tough times like these, it is sad and depressing how women are facing the ugly face of our patriarchal society.
In order to handle the increasing cases of domestic violence during the coronavirus lockdown period, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched a WhatsApp number on Friday to report cases of domestic violence.
@NCWIndia have launched a ‘WHATSAPP NUMBER’ for help & assistance to women experiencing #DomesticViolence at wake of #Covid19Lockdown.
Send ????WHATSAPP ALERT????
???? 7⃣2⃣1⃣7⃣7⃣3⃣5⃣3⃣7⃣2⃣#HelplineSupport#IndiaFightsGenderAbuse#SayNOtoDomesticViolence pic.twitter.com/qhQmJTisZm— NCW (@NCWIndia) April 10, 2020
The NCW said the WhatsApp number ~ 7217735372 ~ is in addition to the online complaint links and emails which are already operational.
In a tweet, the NCW urged people to report such cases through WhatsApp on the number so that the agency can provide support and assistance to the women in distress or experiencing domestic violence. The number has only been launched for the period of lockdown till normal offices resume.
Times like these are a clear reflection of how patriarchy, which is deeply rooted in our mindset, can leave even educated and independent women helpless and hopeless.
At IFORHER, we hope many women, struggling with domestic violence, would seek inspiration from this brave wife, to stand for their own dignity and self-respect.