Domestic Violence during COVID-19: Recognize Patterns, Perception and Awareness against Females in Kanpur City

Abstract

Domestic violence against Women is an age old phenomena of human society. Domestic violence has become a global social problem affecting women and girls across different culture and socio-demographic.Domestic violence cases were vast in Uttar Pradesh, and the numbers were further aggravated at an alarming rate in Kanpur City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Present study enumerated female victim’s cases of last 2 years (August 2020 to 2022) from study period that were analyzed to explore the issues related to the surge in domestic violence incidents during COVID-19 lockdown period. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on female victims was unprecedented and worse which were investigated in findings. Home containment as a measure to protect the health and wellbeing of the general public has resulted in increased sufferings for women intense of both sufferings from diseases and increased domestic violence. The present study tried to enlighten the actual scenario of domestic violence in our society. The study is limited to view perception pertaining to domestic violence through semi structured questionnaire by Random Sampling. The study was conducted in the small sample of Kanpur City (Sample size = 150 female victims). Though, the study is confined to analysis the patterns, perception and awareness of victims. In the present study the findings revealed that domestic violence is mainly reported in form of physical, sexual and emotional violence. The study concluded that victims’ perception about domestic violence is highlighted towards to revolt with the act of domestic violence and community should be aware about counseling centers, NGO’s, and social service centers regarding the help of female victims during COVID time.