2878 domestic violence cases reported during the lockdown: WCD Minister

The Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani informed the members in the Rajya Sabha that 2878 domestic violence cases were reported during the first three months of lockdown between April 2020 to June 2020.

"As per the information received from National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for the period from April 2020 to June 2020, legal aid and assistance have been provided in 2878 domestic violence cases and petition has been filed in 452 cases under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA). 694 cases have been resolved through counselling, mediation," Irani said.

The Ministry had issued its advisory on March 25 to ensure that during the nationwide lockdown, its One Stop Centres (OSCs) under One Stop Centre Scheme and Women Helplines (WHL) under the Universalisation of Women Helpline Scheme (through toll-free telephonic shortcode 181) which support women on matters pertaining to safety, remain operational.

She said that in the same advisory, Protection Officers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and ‘Dowry Prohibition Officers’ under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 were also directed to continue their services related to providing protection and support to women affected by violence during the lockdown.