New Delhi: Ever since the lockdown began, there has been an increase in domestic abuse complaints. The lockdown has turned into a trap with the abusers for women and children. The Childline India has reached more than 92,000 calls asking for protection from the violence.

With restrictions in movement, it is difficult for the victims to seek help to escape from their abusers.  The victims are mostly women and children, who are now captive with their abusers all 24/7.

Women are scared to seek help from the police because in many cases the in-laws would torment them in their husband’s absence and when the husband would return, he’ll be a lot more violent and abusive.

Women with no financial security and the ones who are dependent on their partners for support are subject to more abuse. Women from low-income households are worst hit with their partners now out of job due to the outbreak would resort to abuse to take out their pent-up frustration. Many new cases have come up too, people with no traces of abuse in the past are now reporting violent episodes.

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The panic of the outbreak, which has led many people to lose their jobs and lack of alcohol is all adding to the frustration of these abusive men. Reports say that from March 24 till April 1, 257 complaints related to various offenses against women were received out of the 69 complaints are related to domestic violence.

The current lockdown with around 1.3 billion people asked to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed at least 149 lives and infected more than 5,100 people. This has led the domestic abuse complaints to double.

Helplines and NGOs are working to find aid for these victims by moving them to hostels or provide counselling online or over the phone. Yet, the lack of system from a government which is already under pressure due to the outbreak is also adding to the issues.

Child rights bodies recently wrote to the Prime Minister's Office, asking the government to declare 1098 toll-free and to make it a COVID-19 emergency outreach number for children or parents or caregivers.

Critical services & protection against violence, social protection, and child-sensitive cash transfer initiatives are needed to reach the most vulnerable children and poorest families.