Locked in: An evidence based study on domestic violence during covid-19 in the hilly region of India

The study assesses the cases of domestic violence during Covid19 Lockdown in the Uttarakhand stateof India.The Covid19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has ledto social isolation, curtailment of social support system and increased incidences of domestic violence againstwomen in India and Uttarakhand in particular. Many steps have been taken by governments including helpline and counselling services. This article conducted follow up survey on 50 women to understand their experience of domestic violence in Uttarakhand.Since the implications of Covid19 is different than other emergencies so far, the reported cases of our study on domestic violence capture negative as well as positive consequences of it on individuals and families The sociologist MarianneHester argued that 'domestic violence goes up whenever families spend more time together'.As the National Commission for Women report suggests Uttarakhand has highest reporting cases of violence during lockdown. Our research finds that lockdown triggers the incidence of domestic violence in this state. Most of the women are burdened due to lockdown. Financial burden, anger, anxiety of husband has pushed the incidence of violence. Most of the men ventilates anger, anxiety on women without their fault.Copyright © 2021, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.