MARGAO: Fearing that the lockdown due to COVID-19 may result in domestic violence against women, the Goa Women’s Forum has written to Collector South Ajit Roy to take preventive steps in the South Goa district to protect women.
Referring to media reports indicating an increase in the number of domestic violence cases not only in India but also worldwide, Lorna Fernandes, convener of the Forum said that staying at home during the lockdown results in men, women and children being together for long periods of time which is not the normal case.
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Besides, there is the constant worry about the job and also of not getting the salary in time; thus, leading to financial instability which could result in the man losing his cool and resorting to verbal abuse and violence thus causing domestic violence.
Hence the forum has urged the Collector to publicise the women’s and children helpline of the Goa police so that women and children can immediately report any case of domestic violence.
Besides asking for a nodal officer to be appointed for the district to handle such cases, the forum has also asked to activate all women’s organizations, NGOs and female elected representatives in the panchayat and municipal councils.
