HC to hear plea for protecting victims of domestic violence, child abuse during lockdown

Delhi High Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking immediate implementation of measures for safeguarding victims of domestic violence and child abuse amidst coronavirus lockdown in country.

petition moved by an NGO -- All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice (AICHLS) -- highlighted increase in domestic violence incidents since lockdown last month, w extended till May 3, and sought court's urgent intervention in interest of women and children.

Advocates Mithu Jain, Arjun Syal and Vidisha Kumar, representing NGO, said matter was mentioned before high court on Wednesday and y were informed that plea for urgent hearing has been allowed.

petition, which is likely to come up for hearing on Friday, has sought certain immediate and effective measures to be adopted to help victims of domestic violence and child abuse during lockdown.

It said incidents of domestic violence and child abuse have gripped t only India but countries such as Australia, UK and USA and reports suggest that re is a horrific surge in such cases since COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown.

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plea claimed that helpline numbers across country received about 92,000 calls based on domestic abuse and violence in first 11 days of lockdown alone and sought that dal officers be appointed to attend to such distress calls.

It furr prayed for giving wide publicity to helpline and WhatsApp numbers as well as contact details of concerned NGOs and government representatives who would be able to assist victims immediately and round clock.

NGO sought intervention of court saying in view of this peculiar situation, access to or ordinary channels such as courts, police, protection officers, friends and relatives is remote.

“ lockdown also is a breeding ground for child abuse as well since y are deprived of networks that help m cope up with, like ir friends, teachers, coaches, relatives who usually provide an escape from ir abusive environment,” it said.

plea has arrayed Centre, Delhi government and national Commission for Women as parties. 

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