Domestic Violence in Punjab Rose During Lockdown

Coronavirus lockdown has led to an increase in domestic violence against women during the lockdown in Pakistan. This year, some 2,018 complaints regarding domestic violence have been registered in Punjab only.

Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) received a total of 19,386 complaints on harassment, family matters, violence, and other issues.

How has 2020 been for women?

The growing trend of social and gender bias in Pakistan is a matter of concern while escalation in domestic violence cases in Punjab is a manifestation of it.

According to the report of the commission, the number of cases related to women has increased in 2020.

The helpline 1043 received 1,439 calls on family matters, 319 on criminal offenses, 1,778 on property rights, 1,965 on harassment and 2,018 on domestic violence from different districts.

According to the latest report, unemployment and mental stress are the main causes of domestic violence cases during the lockdown.

Madiha Munawar, a legal adviser at PCSW, said, “All the cases have been referred to the concerned agencies. 40% of women could not pursue cases due to a lack of proper legal guidance”.

The number of various complaints from Lahore was 3,623, she added.

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Madiha Munawar told that the incidents of violence against women are becoming very common across the country, including Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab.

Why is it difficult to talk about such events?

When it comes to violence against women at homes, it is condemned by our society. Domestic violence is an issue in Pakistan that is not easy to talk about.

According to the report, if a woman dares to report a domestic dispute, various questions are asked from the affected woman, such as why did she not file the complaint before?  the victim is required to show evidence etc and is further subjected to emotional harassment which increases her suffering.