Domestic violence on rise

NASHIK: The number of domestic violence cases has been increasing steadily in Nashik, with the city police receiving 465 such complaints so far this year.
According to the police, extra-marital affairs and social media are the two main reasons behind rise in domestic violence cases.
Altogether 227 days have gone by since the beginning of year, with the women's cell working to help those in distress receiving almost double the number of complaints.
"Of the total complaints received, the city police have resolved 84 cases wherein husbands refused to take care of their wives. As many as 93 other cases have been sent to the court, while 65 complaints were related to crime against women. There were over 70 cases wherein either of the families did not report to the police. The remaining cases are pending and being resolved through mutual consent," said assistant police inspector Manisha Kashid.
She said over 356 complaints have been solved by the police, while over 92 complaints are pending. Last year, the police received 648 complaints about domestic violence.
Kashid said harassment of women for dowry, suspicion on character and other family disputes were the primary reasons behind such complaints. "After registering complaints, both the families under dispute are called to resolve the issue. If the disputes are not resolved, the case is directed to the court," she said.
Kashid said some of the complaints were also lodged with an aim to harass in-laws. Hence, only genuine complaints are dealt with, the officer said.
"Other reasons involve harassment from in-laws, misbehaviour and insult by husband, relationship outside marriage, husband spending lot of time on social media and other family disputes," Kashid said.
In the meantime, 125 other cases of domestic violence have been registered at different police stations across the city.
Kashid said continuous counselling and awareness among couples is carried out, wherein they are urged to understand each other. "Youngsters in colleges are also counselled to act responsibly and understand independent existence of wife," she added.