Reasons for the high incidence of domestic violence in India

Reasons for the high incidence of domestic violence in India

The rationale of violence against men by women is based on several factors including stress, tension, depression, frustration, fear of losing an old habit like a job, and change of lifestyle after marriage. The reasons are not clear, but the results are disturbing. The chart below shows the number of cases in each city. The prevalence of domestic violence shows that majority of cities are in rural areas which might be due to low literacy among women and intervention of the community system.

Reasons for the high incidence of domestic violence

Patriarchal attitude: The patriarchal gender relations perpetuate women’s subordination and give rise to violence against them. Violence based on the patriarchal norms is meted out, not only against independent women who defy the normalised expectations of the male inhabitants of a family, but also against dependent and subordinate women who accept their prescribed role.

Dowry system: The dowry prohibition law is a relatively recent enactment, but dowry-related domestic violence is still widespread in India. A negative correlation between dowry amount and inter-domestic violence was found, indicating dangers of domestic violence, if falling short on dowry expectations. The dowry prohibition act has limited impact on violence related to dowry, and many cases of bride being burned for dowry is reported.

Social culture: Ancient Indian culture believed that a woman is the manifestation of Devi. She is believed to be created out of man’s rib to bring him immense pleasure and happiness. However, in modern times, with the constant misuse of dowry laws, women are increasingly becoming victims of domestic violence. The ‘deep-rooted’ stereotypes about a woman being an obedient daughter-in-law and then as a dutiful wife often haunt them when they decide to walk out of the violent relationships.

Gender inequality: The lack of equality between the two sexes in India is one of the reasons for violence against women. Male superiority, which is seen and taught from childhood on, makes men prone to use force in relation to their families. Furthermore, it has been observed that as regards health, mortality, participation in professional activities, the absence of equal pay for equal work and other fields society continues to discriminate against women. It is believed that all these factors contribute significantly to violence against women.

Lack of support: There is no legal framework to protect women from domestic violence. Few organisations have come up to campaign and create awareness against domestic violence with the support of some governmental agencies, NGOs and women rights groups. However, funds are scarce and there is no government support whatsoever.

Lack of awareness: A social psyche, which prescribes a woman’s traditional role in the family as well as society, has gradually exposed her to domestic violence. It is essential to understand that domestic violence is not a problem of women but also related to men. More importantly, with the change in time and development of economy and law among the all classes of people, status of women is continuously improving. Yet, the root cause of it is social injustice, which cannot be easily changed.

Other reasons: There are many reasons for the high incidence of domestic violence in India, including poverty, alcoholism, unemployment etc. Domestic violence occurs at every age, class, caste, income level, and location. But women in India, married to Indian men, face a higher risk of domestic violence than women in other parts of the world.

Government measures to prevent domestic violence

In 1983 the Indian parliament recognized domestic violence as a specific criminal offense for the first time. Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), introduced that year, dealt with cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a married woman. Prior to 1983, there had been no specific crimes against women that could be dealt with by the police. Husband-wife violence was covered under laws regarding assault, and violations of a wife's legal rights (such as denial of food or sexual relations) were handled by courts under breach-of-trust laws specific to marriage.

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 protects Indian citizens from the evil practice of dowry. Dowry is defined as any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given by one party to another at or before or any time after marriage in connection with the marriage.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides protection against domestic violence to women by establishing mechanisms for relief, including maintenance and residence orders; to provide for setting up of district violence prevention societies; to provide for the establishment of Special Courts to try such offenses and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Act was to make justice available to women who may not always want criminal proceedings and would want to keep the option of reconciliation alive.

Steps to prevent domestic violence

Gender sensitization: Gender sensitization ensures that all stakeholders understand the fallacy of gender stereotypes and the need to respond to violence against women without discriminating on any basis. Gender sensitization helps eliminate stereotypical views of men and women, boys and girls.

Disseminate Information: A woman must be aware of her options in order to make an informed decision. Therefore, the awareness of domestic abuse and the services available must be promoted through the media by the media. The media can help society to be more informed about family violence and about how they can help someone if they are being abused.

Raise Public Awareness: Many people are not aware of the fact that domestic violence is a human rights violation, as it violates several rights guaranteed by the United Nations treaty bodies. In addition, it has a harmful impact on society as a whole, including a negative effect on economic development and increased community and family spending.

Healthy relationship skills: Healthy relationships don’t just happen; they take time and require knowing the rights and responsibilities as well as those of the partner. Social-emotional learning programs for youth and healthy relationship programs for couples should be promoted.

Economic empowerment: Economic empowerment is the main factor in preventing domestic violence. So many women stay in destructive relationships because they will be homeless, with their children, if they leave. Divorce financial distributions need to be much fairer. Policy changes that tend to help women financially like raising the minimum wage, universal basic income can make a difference.