It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone, but more so for women. And according to the 2020-21 report by the National Commission for Women (NCW), has revealed that it recorded an increase in over 25 per cent complaints by aggrieved women as compared to the previous year.
The NCW received 26,513 complaints from women, marking a steep rise from the 20,309 complaints registered in 2019-20. This translates into an increase of 25.09 per cent. According to the report, the maximum number of complaints were registered as a violation of the right to live with dignity; and an alarming 8,688 women approached the NCW saying that this right was violated.
The report also shows a steep rise in domestic violence cases with 6,049 women, nearly double the number as compared to 2019-20. Other categories that saw a troubling increase in violence against women are cybercrimes, and harassment due to dowry.
Rekha Sharma, chairperson of the NCW, stated that while there had been a worrying rise in crimes against women, the panel had made it easier for women to reach out and complain.
In a statement to The New Indian Express, she said, “At one point during the lockdown, our team was working in three shifts to record and address the complaints of aggrieved women.”
The report stated, “The committee notes that there was a sudden spurt in domestic violence and trafficking of women and children during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic outbreak,” adding that “this was mainly due to disruption in economic activities, work from home, and family spending more time at home during lockdowns.”