The Delhi High Court has agreed to have an urgent hearing to the petition on a report about the increase in domestic violence ever since the lockdown started. The plea was filed by the NGO All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice which seeks the direction of all concerned authorities to implement measures for victims of domestic and child abuse, according to an ANI news report.

The report also says that the plea was filed by advocates Mithu Jain, Arjun Syal, and Vidisha Kumar and requests the authority to now intervene as the lockdown is giving a steep rise to domestic violence and child abuse.

Ever since the lockdown began there have been many SOS calls made to Childline India, reporting various cases including child abuse. It was reported that in the first 11 days of the lockdown, 92,000 calls were made to the Childline. Reports of domestic violence increased rapidly as women were now trapped with their abusers without an escape, the movement restrictions meant they couldn’t seek help or take temporary shelter elsewhere. Women were afraid to report to the police as they feared that their husbands would retaliate even more violently after he is released from prison, also the in-laws would abuse them in their husband’s absence.

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. The High Court’s decision and implementation of effective measures can make a substantial difference and give relief to the victims.

PM Modi extended the lockdown to May 3rd, which was initially supposed to end on April 14th, the lockdown is an important measure to enhance social distancing to curb the spread of Coronavirus.