NGO Launches Jaipur Helpline For Men In Distress, Addressing Rising Male Suicides & Misuse Of Gender-Based Laws

Recognising the recent surge in cases where innocent men in the state are trapped in false dowry, IPC 498A, domestic violence, rape, and POCSO cases, the NGO conducted a press conference over the weekend in the pink city to unveil the helpline. The event witnessed the participation of activists from New Delhi.

WATCH: Rajasthan | 43% POCSO Cases Reported From Alwar & Bharatpur In 2022 Are False: Report

About the Helpline

The helpline aims to extend help, support, and guidance to male victims in the region. Despite the national helpline operating since 2014, an urgent need to reach out to Rajasthan emerged due to a huge number of victims in the region and the lack of government helplines for men facing domestic violence and other distressing situations.

During the event, Priyash Bhargava, from MWT shed light on the alarming rise of male suicides in India. Highlighting the staggering statistic of approximately 118,000 male suicides each year, he emphasized that every 5.5 minutes, a man loses his life to suicide. Bhargava quoted:

As per NCRB data, domestic issues, family problems, and love affairs contribute significantly to male suicide rates. Our society must approach male suicide with the sensitivity it deserves.

WATCH: How To Approach Section 340 CrPC In Matrimonial Cases | Perjury | Voice For Men India

Saurabh Singh, another representative of MWT, drew attention to the peak misuse of gender-based laws. Singh said,

In the absence of stringent punishments or deterrents for filing false cases, it has become common practice to witness fabricated dowry, domestic violence, and rape cases against husbands and their male relatives.

Amit Lakhani, President of Men Welfare Trust, voiced concerns regarding the proposed Marital Rape Law, currently under consideration by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. He expressed apprehension that the law, demanded by certain radical feminist organisations, lacks sufficient checks and balances to prevent potential misuse. Lakhani said,

Men Welfare Trust, as a party in the Supreme Court, staunchly opposes the law, emphasising the importance of comprehensive debate and stakeholder opinions before legislating laws that could impact the institution of the family and future generations.

Adding further Lakhani stressed that the current framework provides resources to address spousal sexual violence, cruelty, and domestic violence against wives, but offers little to no protection for husbands who are victims of the same. He added:

Time has come where we must have gender neutral laws that protect all citizens, regardless of gender.

The helpline launch was attended by other activists and victims from Rajasthan who are themselves fighting their false cases strategically.

All men and their families in Rajasthan facing challenging marriages, divorce, or false cases of IPC 498A, DV, maintenance, child custody, or false rape, molestation, sexual harassment cases can contact the below number for free help and support:

WATCH: Can Your Organization Fire You If You Are Charged Under Section 498-A IPC | Voice For Men India

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efK4YCOF8Qo&t=498s

National Helpline Number: +91 8882 498 498 (Ext 4) 

Weekly Meetings

Men in distress can also start joining weekly support group meetings where like minded victims can meet and guide each other. Currently, these meetings are taking place at Jawahar Circle (Jaipur), every Sunday from 5pm to 7 pm.

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