Rise in suicide and domestic violence during the lockdown

 

The spread of coronavirus has put a pause in our lives since the lockdown was imposed. Lockdown was obviously implemented to safeguard us from the dangerous virus, but it has become a lockdown to the voice of the victims suffering from depression and domestic violence. Domestic violence has been on a great rise against women across India in the different phases of lockdown.

The lockdown in India came into action on March 23 2020 which has caused a great amount of economic slowdown. Services like schools, colleges, and other educational institutes are closed from then and might open next year. Likewise, most of the offices are still closed and the employees are working from home. In the current scenario, many people have lost their jobs which have given birth to their anger and depression. MD and CEO of Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), said that the employment rate has fallen down from 40 percent in February to 26 percent towards the last quarter. This means that 14 percent of the working-age population has lost their jobs. The anger comes out on the women in the form of violence. Be it the rural area or urban area domestic violence has been taking place in great numbers. Between March 25 and May 31, 1477 complaints were filed by women for domestic violence. Where the data also shows that 86% of women suffering from domestic violence do not seek help in India. A few weeks ago, an incident came up in news where a minor tested with COVID positive was admitted to a COVID care center in Delhi. She was sexually assaulted inside the center on July 15. According to a PTI report, the Childline India helpline 1098 has received over 92,000 SOS calls in the first two weeks of lockdown from across the country seeking help for abuse and violence. An attempt has been made to put an end in the rise of domestic violence, a senior official has mentioned that the victim may inform their area police station or can send an application to Crime Against Women cell via email, handwritten note copies or fax. National Commission for Women (NCW) has also launched a WhatsApp number – 7217735372, to report cases.

A survey shows that during the lockdown the rate of people committing suicide and self-harm has increased in India. The lockdown has affected the mental health conditions in the country to such an extent where people are committing suicide in great numbers. It’s been months to the lockdown where people are forced to adopt the ‘new normal’, many people from the huge population are just unable to adapt it and ending their lives. On normal days, children went to schools and colleges and the adults went to work. In this lockdown, everyone is at home. As there is a rise in the unemployment rate, this has also become a reason for depression and suicide. According to a survey by Mavericks India, 61% of Indians are experiencing mental health issues during the lockdown. From a sample collection of the suicides in India, up to 37% took this step due to financial distress (unemployment and financial loss included) which is the prime reason.  Where other major reasons are fear of infection or death, and loneliness, or a lack of freedom of movement.

People are not sure when the situation will be normal and for how long the virus can be affecting our lives. But all we can do is taking all the possible precautions and stay safe at home and other more important things is that one should share about their mental health with their family or friends.