Addressing Domestic Abuse of Women amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Human Rights Perspective

Domestic Violence against women is pervasive and its ubiquity cannot be denied which has surpassed all boundaries across all sections, communities and classes. Domestic violence includes marital rape, sexual harassment, forced pregnancy, forced abortion , forced sterilization etc. within the four corners of houses resulting in serious impact on women’s health and well being. It has tremendous effect on the families including the children for generations. Despite commendable legislations and institutional support, violence against women in India could not be significantly eradicated. On the contrary, there has been a sharp rise in such cases post the outbreak of COVID - 19. In a health emergency like this, when the world is fighting to get rid of the lethal virus, domestic violence is yet another virus that has deprived the womenfolk of their basic rights. The present paper seeks to attract attention on these issues and makes a humble effort to find measures in restoring their right to live with dignity and also empowering them.