STATISTICS OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In Pune, Mumbai, Nashik and Ahmednagar districts, the number of cases of domestic
violence registered in the state has been steadily growing, according to a study published by
the State Commissioner for Women and Child Development. The number of domestic Indian
reports increased from 31 in 2009 to 220 in 2013 in the Pune district, a seven-fold increase. A
DIR is a receipt from an aggrieved person of a domestic abuse report. Under the Domestic
Violence Act of 2005, filling out such a report is necessary. However, analysts say the rise in
the number of DIRs is because there are more women coming forward to lodge complaints.
In cities like Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad and Nashik, most DIRs have been filed. Over the
last few years, the number has risen in the Pune district: from 3 in 2009 to 51 in 2010; four in
2011; 193 in 2012 and 220 in 2013. Nearly 88 cases were registered in Mumbai City in 2009,
with the number rising to 139 in 2013. DIRs rose in Sangli from 49 in 2009 to 208 in 2013,
while in Ahmednagar, it was 36 in 2009 and 110 in 2013.

“Domestic violence is definitely a reality. But increasing awareness and easy access to
protection officers are the main reasons why women are approaching us to file domestic
incident reports. I am not surprised that Mumbai and Pune register more cases as compared to
Dhule or Beed,” the official said. All cases of domestic violence in a block or Taluka go to
the security officer of the women and child development department in each district from
where the Commissioner is sent. However, the district court's data on the number of such
instances of domestic abuse is clubbed under the 'Criminal Miscellaneous Application' data.
Hence, when it comes to registering the total number of cases in the district, there is no exact
number available. However, incident reports may offer a reasonable idea of the over-scenario
with regard to the status of women in society. In both such cases, it is mandatory to file a
'Domestic Incident Report' (DIRs) in court. The 'service provider',' security officer' or the
affected person can do this. She will need a 'security officer' to sign it in case the injured
party decides to file an incident report. This report records the form of assault, such as
physical , emotional, financial, and provides descriptions of the actual event as well.