What happened: In 2021, the Punjab Women’s Helpline, 1043, received 52% more calls about domestic violence from around the province than it did in 2020 as it returned 3,481 calls regarding the issue. The complaints: According to PCSW Secretary, Tariq Niazi, the helpline’s all-female staff also dealt with inquiries and complaints about workplace harassment, gender discrimination, property disputes, hostels, day-care centres, and other facilities for working women. The hike: There was a 13% rise in violence outside of households in 2020, with 497 instances reported compared to 563 in 2021. The number of reported kidnapping cases saw an increase by an alarming 38% as 106 incidents surfaced, up from 77 in 2020. The number of calls against child marriage grew by 31%, from 64 to 84. The number of complaints concerning maintenance expenses rose from 371 to 441. The silver lining: On the other hand, the helpline reported a decline of 12% and 35% in complaints concerning inheritance disputes and forced marriages, respectively.