DEFINING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Have you watched the film THAPPAD? It was a Bollywood blockbuster that portrayed the realistic problem of Domestic Violence. It remarks that the problem of domestic violence still exists in various households despite the modernization of the 21^st century. The media have also portrayed various social issues to bring awareness to the public.

How do we define Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can be simply defined as a violent form control by one individual over another. Domestic violence can be defined as violent or aggressive behavior within the household involving violent abuse of spouse or partner.

What are the Dynamics of Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a word often used in various sorts of abuse that instill fear in a relationshipThe World Health Organisation has published a global estimate that 1 in 3 (30 %) of the women have been subjected to physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Domestic violence is not just a societal problem but also a violation of Human rights. The victim can be anyone regardless of the age, gender, sex, race and religion. “Domestic abuse is not just physical, it’s emotional, verbal, and financial.”

What are the reasons for domestic violence?

• Poverty –In India, financial constrain causes tensions inside family, women in low-income households become victim of abuse due to financial dependence of them on their abusers.
• Alcoholism and Substance abuse -In India alcohol is one of the biggest risk factor of domestic violence, due to alcoholism, people lose their inhibitions and may behave violently.
• Dowry- It is also one of the major contributor of domestic violence in India. Some of these may include physical or emotional abuses that can even happen to women before marriage.

What are the laws that are available to prevent domestic violence?

Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) 2005- Is a special Act that exists to prevent domestic Abuses against women. The Act outlines several rights of woman have even after she requests to be taken away from her family due to domestic abuse.

Dowry Prohibition Act-This act strictly punishes the act of giving and taking of dowry.

Section 498(A) of IPC- If it is the Husband or any relative of the husband who subjects women to cruelty shall be punished and will be liable for fine or imprisonment or both.

Does domestic Violence only affect women?

Domestic violence not only affect women, but it can also happen to any one of the partners in a marriage or even the child of the abuse. Even family members, friends, Co-workers and even the community get affected at a large. Children who witness domestic abuse will be the most affected by it.

The patriarchal system that has lasted for centuries still holds true and may be found in developed nations as well. But over time, this aspect has changed a little bit, and male abuse has also increased in frequency. This likewise holds true for same-sex relationships or marriages. Because of this, it’s imperative to teach children moral values and norms from a young age.