The above factors substantiate the fact that domestic violence is an ongoing phenomenon. Instead of getting a declining trend it exhibits an increasing trend which violates the human rights of the women in the country and makes their plight deplorable. There is no one single factor to account for violence perpetrated against women. Recent research has focused on the inter-relatedness of various factors that contribute toward the perpetuation of domestic violence in the country. These
Limited access to cash gender socialization. Gender socialization is the process by which people learn to behave in a certain way, as dictated by societal beliefs, values, attitudes and examples. Children start facing norms that define
“masculine” and “feminine” from an early age. Boys are told not to cry, not to fear, not to be forgiving and instead to be assertive, and strong.
Girls on the other hand are asked not to be demanding, to be forgiving and accommodating and “ladylike”. These gender roles and expectations have large scale ramifications on inflicting and accepting domestic violence. The concept of ownership legitimizes control over women’s sexuality, which in many law codes has been deemed essential to ensure patrilineal inheritance. Women’s sexuality is also tied to the concept of family honour in many societies. Violence is learnt as a means of resolving conflict and asserting man-hood by children who have witnessed such patterns of conflict resolution. The practice of dowry as well as bride price proves male ascendancy over the females. The males think themselves to be economically more powerful which lead them to establish their authority over the females through domestic violence. Excessive consumption of alcohol and other
drugs has also been noted as a factor in provoking aggressive and violent male behaviour towards women.
Lack of economic resources underpins women’s vulnerability to violence. Women’s limited access to cash and credit, discriminatory laws regarding inheritance, property rights, use of communal lands, maintenance after divorce or widowhood, limited access to employment in formal and informal sectors, limited access to education and training for women increase women’s economic dependence on men. The unequal access to economic privileges and resources keep her at the mercy of her male partner and without any means of independent economic livelihood she accepts domestic violence without protest.
The isolation of women in their families and communities is known to contribute to increased violence. The unequal power equation between the male and female is an accepted norm of the society. Lack of legal protection, particularly within the sanctity of the home, is a strong factor in perpetuating violence against women. Until recently, the public/private distinction that has ruled most legal systems has been a major obstacle to women’s rights. Even though several countries now have laws that condemn domestic violence, when committed against a woman in an intimate relationship, these attacks are more often tolerated as the norm than prosecuted as laws. Alienation of women from organized institutions like community organizations, women’s self-help groups, or affiliated to political parties render them helpless and compel them to tolerate domestic violence without raising their voice.
The legal system is not highly supportive to the women. Though inspirit it is proactive for women in practice it remains under the carpet of a patriarchal culture. Lesser legal status of women either by written law and/or by practice, laws regarding divorce, child custody, maintenance and inheritance still give precedence to the men. Legal definitions of domestic abuse and rape is quite fluid. Low levels of legal literacy among women do not empower them to report against the domestic violence encountered by them. Further, insensitive treatment of
women and girls by police and judiciary discourage them to take the help of such institutions meant to fight against domestic violence and to give protection to the women.
3.4.9Interventions Needed To End Domestic Violence
Domestic violence should be taken seriously as a national issue needing urgent attention of the state, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, the courts and the correction agencies. These agencies are to be given specialised training and coordination has to be secured among them to deal with the issues of domestic violence and the post management of the victims and the perpetrators. There should be the stringent implementation of laws with follow up monitoring.
Accountability has to be fixed for any omission and commission.
NGOs are to spread awareness amongst women regarding the legal rights they have in hand for fighting against the atrocities they are subjected to. They are to encourage the women to report any case of domestic violence so that proper action may be taken against the culprits. Police is needed to be sensitized to treat domestic violence cases as seriously as any other crime. Special training to handle domestic violence cases should be imparted to police force. Further women should be provided with information regarding support network of judiciary, government agencies/departments. Engagement of the civil society and the private sector in ending violence against women and girls, working with survivors to empower them can do wonders in raising resistance against violence and in the rehabilitation of the vulnerable women.
Domestic violence can be reduced when women’s rights are well protected. When it comes to protecting rights of the women, the Government is to review national legislations, practices and customs and abolish those that discriminate against women. Laws, policies and programmes that explicitly prohibit and punish violence must be put into place, in line with international agreements. Further women’s accesses to organisations are to be promoted and they should be given better political representation. This will change the power equation among the females and their male counterparts and contribute significantly for putting an end to domestic violence.
Responses to domestic violence complaints lodged should be timely and efficient to end a culture of hopelessness and impunity and foster a culture of justice and support. This will encourage women to report cases to get justice and reduce the rate of domestic violence. Provisions are to be made to improve access of women to services like police, courts regardless of their location, race, age or income.
Promotion of a culture of equality between men and women through institutional and legal reform, education, and awareness-raising are the need of the day to end the practice of domestic violence.
Educational programs both for women and men can sensitize the society against domestic violence and create an environment of equality.
Thus these interventions if introduced and implemented can translate the aims of the Domestic Violence Act into a programme of action and
improve the situation of women in India.
3.5Key Words: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Gross Enrolment Ratio, the