Domestic violence helpline calls up 52%

PCSW facility records 38% more complaints of kidnapping in 2021

LAHORE:

Punjab Women's Helpline 1043 received 52% more calls about domestic violence from different parts of the province in 2021 as compared to the previous year.

As many as 3,481 calls regarding domestic violence were made at the toll-free helpline managed round the clock by the Punjab Commission of Status of Women (PCSW).

PCSW Secretary Tariq Niazi told The Express Tribune that an all women staff at the helpline addressed the inquiries and complaints related to workplace harassment, gender discrimination, property disputes, inheritance rights, domestic violence, hostels, day-care centres and other facilities for working women, increased women's participation in government decision making bodies, quota in public sector jobs, skill development, changes in employment policies and other socio-economic and legal issues.

An increase of 13% in violence outside homes was reported as 497 such cases were reported in 2020 as compared 563 in 2021.

An alarming 38% rise was recorded in the number of kidnapping cases reported. At least 106 cases were reported in 2021 as compared to 77 in 2020.

Complaints by women about property dispute rose by 168% to 51 from 19 a year earlier.

Calls against child marriage increased by 31% to 84 from 64. Complaints about maintenance expenses increased from 371 to 441.

The helpline received 35% more calls for custody of children, up from 155 to 209.

On the other hand, there was a decline in complaints about inheritance share and forced marriages.

About 12% less calls regarding inherited property were received at helpline 1043 during 2021.

The figure for the year 2020 was 2,196 as compared to 1,939 in 2021.

Complaints against forced marriage decreased by 35% to 92 in 2021 as compared to 141 in 2020.

No noticeable variation recorded in the number of complaints related to murder, rape and Khula received on the helpline.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2022.