Violence against women rages as couples spend more time together

‘Almost all have suffered stress during Covid’

By Priya Pathak

AsCovid seems to decline, domestic violence cases show no sign of receding, according to Bengaluru police data

Cases of dowry harassment from January to August 2022 in the Shivaji Nagar police limits alone number 132 “There were 800 Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) cases registered in the first eight months of 2022 alone,” said Shivaji Nagar Inspector Savita. Similarly, out of the 72 cases registered at the Indiranagar Police Station during the same period, 31 pertain to domestic violence

A hybrid work culture has increased the time people spend at home, causing disagreements that lead to violent actions and challenging situations for families and couples living together Most women do not complain, while some muster courage and approach the police

Gayathri, a victim’s friend, said: “Preeti, 26, a freelance designer, got married to Gaurav, a 33-year-old supply chain distrib- utor, in December 2021 He had promised to support her , but due to extra expenditure in the marriage, he backed out As she was looking for a job change, disagreements started between them He started consuming alcohol post-marriage which led to abuse physically and mentally As her in-laws got involved, the fights led to frustration, and she was hospitalised As both felt sui-