If cases are handled properly and legally, the number of such incidents would reduce considerably, says the IPS officer.

“There should be training available to police, protection officers, and even counsellors to handle domestic violence cases with sensitivity. Instead of simply asking the woman to adjust and save the marriage, the priority should be to ensure she is protected,” she adds.

Proper preliminary inquiry, appropriate counselling, and prompt legal action when abuse — mental or physical — is repeated, would help improve the ground situation, says Ajeetha.

Recently, she took part in an adalat conducted in Thiruvananthapuram to address reported domestic violence cases. Organised by the women and child development department, it was attended by NGOs, police, and government officials.

“I saw even elderly women undergoing domestic violence at home. One woman told me that when she approached a policewoman, the officer said, ‘Even I go through the same at home, so what’s new in it?’ So, sensitising all stakeholders concerned is imperative,” says Ajeetha.