'Ten cases of domestic violence reported daily'

The women empowerment is a powerful tool but the statistics of women helpline reveals the lack of modernisation in the realm. According to statistics, over 10 cases of women in distress are recorded on an average daily. Some of these cases are resolved after counselling by the Dehradun Women Helpline. A woman facing any problems can call on helpline number - 0135-2716239.

Dehradun Women’s helpline in-charge Deepika Rana said that a total of 1692 complaints of domestic violence were reported between January 1 and December 31, 2014 out of which around half of them were redressed through counselling. Some complaints were referred to police stations and district court. 

In around 50 such cases, one of the parties involved stayed away from counseling. A total of 718 such complaints were received on the helpline since January this year. 341 complaints were resolved through counselling. FIRs have been lodged in 61 cases, she added.Cases of domestic violence are increasing with 10 cases being registered on daily basis, she added.  Placed in the SSP office, it is a small workplace for officers who manage the women helpline. However, it is an initiative which is proving to be a blessing for the women in distress. The matters which come up daily are mostly related to adjustment issues, alcoholism, extra-marital affairs, raised expectations, dowry and domestic violence.

Rana said, “Alcoholism related problems are more prevalent in the lower or middle class, while the upper class has highest reported cases of extra-marital affairs.” The helpline has a staff of 10 women constables who attend to the phone calls. “In complaints related to dowry, marital disputes, domestic violence and other disputes, appropriate sections of IPC are invoked against the accused”, she added.

Sarojini Kaintyura, chairperson, Uttarakhand State Commission, said “Women must be aware of their rights. They would be heard by the helpline and supported. If they continue to depend on men they will never learn the importance of being self -reliant.”She said adding that the commission is providing all possible assistance, including legal advice, to the financially weak women seeking justice.

“The cases have shown a 10 per cent improvement from the past analysis. Awareness plays a vital role here. The cases which are recurring consist of teenage marriages,” said women protection, sub-inspector, Rekha Danu.Generally, three rounds of counseling are held to resolve the cases. If the cases are more of a typical nature they are sent to the special committee. The special committee consists of a psychologist, a social worker, an educationist, legal advisor and a women protection sub- inspector. While the cases are in the procedure of third and final counseling the panel decides if the case is to be sent to the court. After the case is resolved, the consensual parties are made to sign on stamp papers, she added.