SHILLONG, Aug 7: With COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown triggering unbridled cases of domestic violence across Meghalaya in 2020, this year does not seem to be any different at all. With the gradual lifting of COVID-19 strictures, the curtains too are being gradually raised on cases of domestic violence that have been reported in Meghalaya this year.
Corroborating this, Director of Social Welfare department, Dikki D Shira, has said that cases of domestic violence in Meghalaya have seen a surge, with sporadic incidents being reported this year too.
Speaking to media persons, Shira expressed concern over the increasing cases of domestic violence in the state.
The official said that while many were reluctant to disclose their adversities, some did come forward and reported it to the department, following which prompt actions were initiated.
“There were many who were admitted to our One Stop Centres where they were provided accommodation, food, counselling and even legal aid,” he said.
One Stop Centres (OSCs) are intended to support women affected by violence, in private and public spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace. Women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, irrespective of age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race and culture are facilitated with support and redressal.
When asked about the reason behind the spike in cases of domestic violence, the official said that poverty and lockdown-induced stress seems to be the prime factor.
“There is a need for multi-pronged approach and everyone from the community, NGOs and society have to work in tandem to solve this issue,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the number of complaints of domestic violence received by the National Commission for Women rose sharply from 2,960 in 2019 to 5,297 in 2020, the year when most people were confined to their homes due to COVID-19-induced nationwide lockdown. The trend, to people’s dismay, continues in 2021 as well.
Meanwhile, when asked about the difficulties faced by the sex workers amid COVID restrictions, the official informed that the department, along with NGOs and Meghalaya Aids Control Society, is identifying them so that relief can be rendered.
“Last year, we had identified few of them and this year too, identification is going on,” he said.
