Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: The winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir has seen increase in the number of cases of domestic violence and so far, in the nearly first half of the current year, 773 complaints were lodged in the Jammu Women Cell.
The figure is much higher as compared to first half of 2018 wherein the number of complaints received were 495.
Sources in the police department said that by June first week so far, 773 complaints have been lodged by women including the newly married besides the male members also, facing alleged harassment in the hands of their better halves.
“So far 773 complaints have been lodged in Jammu stationed Women Cell,” Arti Thakur, Station House Officer, Women Cell Jammu said.
She added that lot many complaints are being received on daily basis but many of them are either not lodged in the complaint book or ignored as the cases are settled on the spot with a compromise between both the parties.
They said that out of 773 complaints, 208 were disposed off at the Women Cell only by counseling both the partners and their families, adding, “the pending cases are being handled depending upon their sensitivity.”
The lady officer further said that out of the total complaints lodged, FIRs were registered in 13 cases, which are to be settled in the Marital Court.
“On an average, we are receiving 20 complaints on daily basis and most of them are being settled on the spot but those, which are of serious nature, FIRs are registered and it is Court that settles the dispute later,” added the SHO.
She however, also alleged that social media now a days has become a major reason of domestic violence in view of rising number of “extra marital” affairs.
The lady officer added that the Jammu and Kashmir Police is also soon coming up with a “women helpline” wherein the victims can register their complaints.
As per figures, in 2018, in the first half, 495 complaints were received, which are far less than the complaints received in first quarter of this year.
“Our first priority is peaceful settlement between both the parties and for that matter, lot many domestic disputes were being sorted out with the help of counseling,” said Ms Thakur.
She asserted that only those cases, which do not settle down amicably, are registered and referred to the Court for further action.
Meanwhile in the year, 2016-2017, as many as 747 cases of domestic violence were registered across the State.
In total 747 cases including 348 cases in 2016 and 399 cases in 2017 were registered for domestic violence in the State.
Highest number of cases were registered in Jammu district in this period.
In 2016, 93 cases and in 2017, 65 cases were registered while Srinagar followed Jammu with 42 and 55 cases in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Leh and Kargil Districts of Ladakh Division recorded zero registration of Domestic violence cases in this period.
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