Uttarakhand Records Most Number Of Domestic Violence Cases During Lockdown: Reports   

Uttarakhand recorded the most number of domestic violence cases amid the nationwide lockdown to fight coronavirus, followed by Haryana, and Delhi, a report says. Cases that came to light until May 15 were recorded by National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

NALSA has released the data. As per the Authority's interim report on legal aid provided during the period and as per the data, 63 cases of domestic violence came to light from the national capital, 144 from Uttarakhand and 79 from Haryana. The aggrieved women sought help from counsellors after contacting them.

The women helpline's data procured in Haryana indicated a decline in domestic violence complaints. The reduced availability of liquor during the lockdown in the state is understood to be one of the possible reasons contributing to the decline.

The number of calls received by the women helpline ‘1091’ was  5,935 between 25 March and 13 May whereas 6,060 calls were received in the corresponding period during 2019. Out the 5,935 calls received, 26 FIRs were registered as per Haryana DGP Manoj Yadava.

This report mentions that officials believe that the number of "FIRs during the lockdown period may increase subsequently".

Kamal Deep Goyal, SP, Crime Against Women wing has been quoted as saying:

“In most of the cases, women lodge complaints against their husbands after quarrels at home while few complaints are lodged against the father-in-law too. After receiving a formal complaint, both parties are called for their version. Many times, couples are referred to mediation centres too for counseling.”

Yadava points out that there may be an unwillingness in people to take help from police during the lockdown.

Data provided by the National Commission of Women (NCW) during mid-April suggested that were was almost 100 per cent increase in domestic violence during the lockdown -- between March 23 and mid April.

This report says that 727 domestic violence cases were reported to Legal Services Authorities and Uttarakhand, one of the least Covid-affected state account for 144 out of the 727 -- the highest in the country. Uttarakhand reported the highest number of cases of eviction of people by landlords during the lockdown.