LOCKDOWN BLUES: NCW receives 55 complaints of Domestic Violence from J&K

Jammu: The National Commission of Women (NCW) has received 55 complaints of domestic violence from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the lockdown period, which was imposed in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic.
Credible sources told The News Now, these 55 complaints were received between March-when lockdown imposed and till September 20, 2020.
“The 55 women from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir lodged complaint with NCW through different mode of communication including regular mode and whatsApp- a dedicate number for reporting domestic violence cases,” he added.
Giving month wise breakup they said that the 2 complaints were received in the month of March, 6 in April, 5 in May, 13 in June, 10 in July, 11 in August and 3 till September 20th.
The sources further informed that apart from these complaints, 6 were received through whatsapp during the lockdown.
It is pertinent to mention here that the NCW, in addition to handling complaints through regular mode, helps women in distress through a dedicated WhatsApp Number at 72177 35372 for reporting domestic violence cases.
Since the launch of this number on April 10th, 2020, 1443 cases of domestic violence have been reported on this number.
Further, NCW takes cognizance of the grievances relating to domestic violence reported in social media. The complaints received by NCW are acted upon by coordinating with victims, police and other authorities to provide immediate assistance.
In 2019, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed increase in number of cases of domestic violence as 1700 complaints were lodged in year here at Jammu based Women Cell. In the year 2018, as many as 1665 complaints were lodged.
“On an average, 10 to 12 complaints are received on daily basis and most of them are settled on the spot but those, which are of serious nature, FIRs are registered and then it is upto the Court to settle the dispute,” sources added.
They alleged that social media has become a major reason for domestic violence in view of the rising number of “extra marital” affairs.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have also come up with a “women helpline” wherein the victims can register their complaints.
Moreover, in May this year, in compliance to the directions of the Division Bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court headed by the Chief Justice, Justice Gita Mittal for evolving proper mechanism to provide payment of maintenance to the domestic Violence victims during lockdown, District Legal Services Authority, Jammu, established various Helpline numbers to facilitate those in distress.
“The helpline numbers can be approached any time by any Women, elders, Senior Citizens, Children for providing them legal aid/assistance, counselling on domestic Violence,” the DLSA informed.
In Jammu and Kashmir the women police wing was established in 1965 with a staff of one Sub Inspector, 2 ASIs, 3 HCs, 27 Constables.
Their duties included assistance to investigating staff in arrests, searches and interrogation of women offenders and suspects.
They were also used against women demonstrations and mob. Their other important duty was the screening of women passengers at Jammu and Srinagar airport.
The strength of women police in the state have increased manifold and some of the women officers of the state have been directly recruited as DySsP through Kashmir Administrative Services.