INCREASED TREND OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Might is right is a prover that truly reflects the attitude of most societies. Domestic violence is as old as the development of human societies. Factors such as poverty, substance abuse, and a lack of education are the key factors associated with an increase in the likelihood of men being violent against women. But the domestic violence cases are on the rise with the country under partial lockdown due to coronavirus aka COVID-19.
Domestic violence is now commonly defined broadly to include “all acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence” that may be committed by a family member or intimate partner. This is a kind of act where women and children feel alone and insecure at home. Violence against women is highly prevalent, and close partner violence is the most common form of violence. During health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, violence against women tends to increase.
World Health Organization (WHO) finds that “data are scarce, reports from across the world, including China, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and other countries suggest a significant increase in domestic violence cases related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports from other countries suggest a reduction in survivors seeking services due to a combination of lockdown measures and not wanting to attend health services for fear of infection”.
WHO further finds the reasons behind an increase in domestic violence due to the on-going pandemic? Stress, the disruption of social and protective networks, loss of income and decreased access to services all can exacerbate the risk of violence for women. WHO further reveals that “in many countries, where people are encouraged or required to stay at home, the risk of intimate partner violence is likely to increase? Besides, access to sexual and reproductive health services will likely become more limited. Other services, such as hotlines, crisis centers, shelters, legal aid, and protection services, may also be reduced, making it difficult for women to access the few sources of help that would usually be available.
Domestic violence is violence against women. Women who are displaced, who are migrants or refugees, and those living in conflict-affected areas, older women and women with disabilities are particularly at risk of violence and are likely to be disproportionately affected by violence during COVID-19.
Domestic violence is quite dangerous. It may affect in diversified ways. Studies show that living with domestic violence can cause physical and emotional harm to children and young people in the following ways viz. ongoing anxiety and depression, emotional distress, eating and sleeping disturbances, physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches, the victims find it hard to manage stress and low self-esteem.
Pakistani societies are low educated with so many self-developed values and customs. It looks live male-dominated society, where women are deprived of their social rights. In certain cases, an earning female is made to surrender her capital earning before the head of the house, husband in most of the cases. She even has no right to choose her to wish on the salary she earns.
In Pakistani society, only a submissive woman survives better. Baring a little percent of the population, this is the trend. The fact is that a woman is the first person in the house who wakes up and last to sleep. Even she is an earning hand, yet her domestic responsibilities may not be excused at any cost.
It is noted that during an on-going pandemic, due to lockdown, males are made to be at home, but most of them would not impart their input in domestic activities as if it is ill activity.
Domestic violence is aa crime and there are laws to curb the crime. When it comes to Domestic violence laws, each province has its own set of legal statutes addressing this issue except Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The laws of Sindh and Baluchistan have a very detailed definition of the ‘Domestic Violence’, whence this definition can include emotional, psychological and verbal abuse; harassment; physical abuse; stalking; sexual abuse; trespass; economic abuse; wrongful confinement; criminal force; criminal intimidation; assault; etc. Furthermore, these laws also include information about the protection committees and the appointment of officers to these committees.
The passing of the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Bill in 2016 protects women against a whole variety of crimes. These crimes include protection against domestic, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, stalking, and cybercrimes. Furthermore, for the first time in the history of Pakistan, this bill includes an implementation mechanism through the district of Violence Against Women Centers (VAWs), court orders, and has clauses about the GPS tracking of offenders to enforce protection of the women.
Despite these laws, the attitude of society is not fair, and the practice of domestic violence is increasing as ever. In that case, if you are experiencing violence, WHO suggests “it may be helpful to reach out to family, friends, and neighbors, to seek support from a hotline or, if safe, from online service for survivors of violence. Find out if local services (e.g. shelters, counseling) are open and reach out to them if available.
WHO further suggests “making a safety plan in case the violence against you or your children escalates? This includes identifying a neighbor, friend, relative, colleague, or shelter to go to in case you need to leave the house immediately for safety. Have a plan for how you will exit the house safely and how you will reach there (e.g. transport). Keep a few essential items (e.g. identification documents, phone, money, medicines, and clothes) available, and a list of telephone numbers in case of an emergency. If possible, develop code with a trusted neighbor so they can come to your aid in case of an emergency.
Note: The author is Chairman Department of Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam
