Increase in Domestic Violence
Why in News?
The National Commission for Women (NCW) registered an increase of at least 1.5 times in domestic violence complaints since the nationwide lockdown.
News in Detail:
- Between March 25 and May 31, the NCW received 1,477 complaints of domestic violence. The total complaints during the 68-day period were 1.5 times the 607 of complaints received between March and May last year.
- Non-governmental organization Swayam, working in the area of women’s rights, has seen a more than two-fold increase in domestic violence complaints, which have gone up from an average of 22 complaints each month before COVID-19 to an average of 57 complaints per month on their helplines or through email.
About National Commission for Women:
The National Commission for Women was set up as statutory body in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 to
- review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women ;
- recommend remedial legislative measures ;
- facilitate redressal of grievances and
- advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women.
Composition of National Commission for Women
The Commission shall consist of
(a) A Chairperson, to be nominated by the Central Government.
(b) five Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry potential of women, women’s voluntary organizations (including women activist), administration, economic development, health, education or social welfare; Provided that at least one Member each shall be from amongst persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively;
(c) A Member-Secretary to be nominated by the Central Government who shall be :-
- an expert in the field of management, organizational structure or sociological movement, or
- An officer who is a member of a civil service of the Union or of an all-India service or holds a civil post under the Union with appropriate experience.
Powers and Functions
The commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely :-
- Investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws;
- present to the Central Government, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguard;
- make in such reports recommendations for the effective implementation of those safeguards for the improving the conditions of women by the Union or any state;
- take up cases of violation of the provisions of the Constitution and of other laws relating to women with the appropriate authorities;
- look into complaints and take suo moto notice of matters relating to deprivation of women’s rights;
- participate and advice on the planning process of socio-economic development of women;
References;
http://ncw.nic.in/commission/about-us
https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/ncwact.pdf
