The rise in domestic abuse has been steep across jurisdictions, from north to South. Activists and survivors say that they are already seeing an alarming rise in abuse. If we are to analyse the vicious cycle of domestic violence, once ‘tension is high’ any trigger can set off ‘abuse’. It is noteworthy that tensions are generally high due to ongoing socio-economic circumstances and even a minor ‘trigger’ can set off an abuse.
Since the lockdown men usually have nothing of substantial to do at home and thus a good majority of them feel having a secondary importance at home. There have been cases where men did not take this thing sportingly. Cases of domestic violence where women are invariably the victims are on the rise and every day we hear of scores of women getting fatally injured at the hands of their husbands.
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Even though in Kashmir the cases of domestic violence are few but still cases have been reported. Men and women should understand that this situation is a temporary period. Sooner things would get better. You can take an equally dominating position in your home by helping womenfolk in the daily chores. This way men can also get acquainted with the struggles that the women folk have to endure on a daily basis.
There need to be counselling sessions on Radio and TV about the importance of maintaining peace in families at this critical junction of our history. We must remember that Covid-19 is a once in a generation thing. It will test us on all fronts. We need to be patient and courteous to each other.
One of the potential solutions is for the government to generally reassure its citizens about the ongoing situation through policy frameworks that promote mental health, and through monetary reparation (even temporary). Most importantly, counselling is the need of the hour.
Let us respect each other’s mental space when we are crowded up. Nothing is permanent, not even Covid-19.
