Poonam Pandey was a victim of domestic abuse: Here's how you can help a domestic violence victim

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Mar 04, 2022, 00:27 IST

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Actress Poonam Pandey recently opened up about the domestic abuse she faced at the hands of her ex-husband, Sam Bombay on a contestant show, Lock Upp. While speaking to another contestant, Poonam revealed how often she would get beaten up by her husband at the same spot on her head which has led to the loss of her sense of smell. Not only this, allegedly, her husband also beat her up whenever she tried to cuddle or sleep with her dogs.

Poonam Pandey was a victim of domestic abuse: Here's how you can help a domestic violence victim

Actress Poonam Pandey recently opened up about the domestic abuse she faced at the hands of her ex-husband, Sam Bombay on the show Lock Upp. While speaking to another contestant, Poonam revealed how often she would get beaten up by her husband at the same spot on her head which has led to loss of her sense of smell. Not only this, allegedly, her husband also beat her up whenever she tried to cuddle or sleep with her dogs. Adding more to her grief, Poonam said that her husband’s drinking habits forced her to endure this torture day in and out. Furthermore, Poonam shared, her husband tried to dominate her space in her house all the time. She couldn’t have her alone time in her own house as her husband tried to take away her phone or supervise her under his eye.Why do people still succumb to these dreadful actions? Women across the world are a victim of this criminal offence that rips apart their soul, body and mind, leaving them nothing but broken. Domestic abuse is very common, in many large parts of the world. Whether out in public or behind closed doors, women and men alike face thrashing hits, physical and verbal abuse by their spouses or families, especially in-laws. When faced with a blackened eye, their spirits unfurl in a ghastly manner, leaving close to little or no space for revival from such atrocity.

Ever since the pandemic restricted people to their homes in 2020, the rate of domestic abuse rose even more. The complaints of women facing domestic abuse rose to 26% in 2021 as police officers faced a throng of victims filing complaints against their partners for domestic abuse. The saddest part of this reality is that most women of all ages and fields have faced domestic abuse at least once in their life.According to Observer Research Foundation, in India, 30 per cent of women have experienced domestic violence at least once from when they were aged 15, and around 4 per cent of pregnant women have experienced spousal violence. Across the globe, 27% of women aged 15 to 49 years who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.

Why do women face domestic abuse?
Women face domestic abuse due to a lot of reasons. Some people take out their anger and frustration on women, while some torture them related to dowry reasons. Women even face mental, emotional and physical abuse when they give birth to baby girls in places where female infanticide is still in practice. Patriarchy or superiority complex is one of the psychological reasons why women face such issues at large.
Why is it necessary to reach out for help
No one should have to face such situations in their life. No person deserves to go through physical, mental and emotional abuse at the hands of anyone, let alone their spouse or in-laws. Abuse in any form is still abuse.
What can people do when they see a case of domestic abuse
Turning a blind eye to a case of domestic abuse or sexual abuse is NOT OK. If you have witnessed a case of domestic abuse, you should alert authorities or women’s helpline numbers that will redirect the situation, to help the victim. Spreading awareness about why speaking up against such crimes is also a necessary. With one tiny step, courage and effort, you can curb domestic abuse against women at large.
What can the victim do in a case of domestic abuse?
REACH OUT FOR HELP. Don’t be afraid to turn up to the police station or ring up the Women’s helpline numbers if you are facing domestic abuse. Speak to others if necessary and talk about your problems. Don’t be afraid to reach out for legal help. Ask your close ones to support you every step of the way. And lastly, be open to taking up domestic counselling services. You might need professional help to recover from such atrocities and this is a necessary step you should take, in order to move forward. One can lodge a complaint on the basis of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code as it deals with ‘Matrimonial Cruelty’ perpetrated on a woman. Matrimonial Cruelty in India has now been made a cognizable, Non- bailable and Non-Compoundable offence.
What are the helpline numbers for women?
Women Helpline Domestic Abuse - 181National Commission For Women (NCW) ( Domestic violence 24x7 helpline for Sexual Violence and harassment ) - 7827170170Women Helpline ( All India ) Women In Distress - 1091