Domestic Violence against Women-A Wake-up Call!

Abstract

The Indian mythology placed women on a very high pedestal but deterioration in their glorious status suffered a socio-cultural setback resulting in loss of their freedom. Women continue to suffer from increasing rate of violence both inside and outside homes. Domestic violence is an ongoing experience of physical, emotional and sexual abuse faced by women within the household. It occurs within all age groups, ethnic backgrounds and at all economic levels. It is considered as an accepted norm, part of married life and not as a violation of woman’s rights. Despite what many people believe, domestic violence and abuse is not due to the abuser’s loss of control over his or her behavior. In fact, abusive behavior and violence is a deliberate choice made by the abuser in order to control the victim. The declining sex ratio, dowry related murders, suicides by women and increasing number of rapes in our country have earned the disgraceful reputation of being one of the most dangerous countries for women to live. Noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step towards ending it. This paper is an attempt to sensitize people especially women themselves to understand that domestic violence has to be condemned at all levels. Women have to be empowered to become aware of their rights and the importance of participating in the process of decision making. Laws have been enacted and need to be effectively enforced against any kind of domestic abuse. Remedial measures and interventions need to be planned systematically and implemented to help the victims of domestic violence to break the vicious cycle and start living again.