GUWAHATI: As the world commemorated International Women's Day on March 8, shedding light on women's achievements and challenges, the reality in Guwahati reveals the brutal truth—domestic violence continues to afflict the lives of several women across the city.
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Despite Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's announcement on December 6, 2023, boasting a significant drop in crime against women and children, recent data raises questions about the persistence of domestic violence.
Referring to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, Sarma emphasized a remarkable 50% decline in the overall crime rate since 2021, attributing it to the state government's commitment to systemic reforms in law enforcement.
The Chief Minister had commended stringent actions taken by law enforcement against perpetrators, resulting in a notable reduction in crime.
However, a closer look at the numbers reveals a different story.
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According to the City Police Commissioner's data shared on January 6, out of 627 cases registered in 2023, only three were found not guilty, while 265 resulted in acquittal.
In 2022, out of 637 cases, 12 were not found guilty, and 248 ended in acquittal. Shockingly, in 2021, despite 1656 registered cases, none resulted in a conviction.
The question however remains - While the government touts a decline in crime against women, does domestic violence remain an unaddressed issue?
Speaking to GPlus, an official from Sakhi One Stop Centre said that 427 cases of domestic violence were registered from January 1, 2023, onwards. These figures challenge the narrative of a comprehensive decrease in crimes against women.
Baharun Saikia, a senior advocate from Guwahati, echoed these concerns, stating, "Domestic violence cases have not decreased."
Saikia emphasised the urgency in addressing grievances under the law, noting that applications for maintenance or shelter must be disposed of within 60 days. However, many cases linger unresolved, indicating that the claim of a decrease in cases may not be true.
Domestic violence refers to any harmful behaviour within a household that causes physical, mental, or emotional harm to a family member. In the Indian Constitution, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, enacted in 2005, is a crucial legal framework addressing this issue.
The Act aims to provide legal protection and support to victims of domestic violence, mainly women, by offering remedies such as protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief. It recognizes various forms of abuse, including physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. The legislation emphasizes the importance of immediate assistance to victims and strives to create a safer environment within homes. Additionally, the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 works to curb the practice of dowry, which is often linked to domestic violence cases in India. These legal provisions collectively work towards safeguarding individuals facing domestic violence and promoting a more secure living environment.