Domestic Violence Against Women

     

 "The measure of any society is how it treats its women and girls." - Michelle Obama. 

       Domestic violence against women is one of the most ignored social issues all aver the world. It shows the uncultured character of a civilized society. Violence against women is like curse for the society. We worship our nation as Mother, but it is such a shame for us that often women become prey to domestic violence.

      In this male dominated society women don't get the respect from society and they are neglected everywhere. Often they are abused physically, emotionally , psychologically and economically by their partners, husbands and even they are tortured by the family members too. Nowadays The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of violence against women. Lockdown has increased the incident by 60%.

      Though domestic violence against women is reported throughout the world, the women living in poor countries are mostly affected. According to a report by World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 in 3 women globally experience violence, but in poor countries 1 in 2 women experience the same. The regions of Oceania, Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest rates of violence among women aged 15-49, ranging from 33% - 51%. The lowest rates are found in Europe (16%–23%). Dr Tedros Adhanom, WHO Director-General described the situation saying, "Violence against women is endemic in every country and culture, causing harm to millions of women and their families, and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” 

      When India announced nationwide lockdown a sharp rise in cases of domestic violence is reported. The complaints received by the National Commission for Women rose sharply from 2,960 in 2019 to 5,297 in 2020, when most people were confined to their homes due to Covid-19. the actual number can be higher than the registered complaints.

      Causes of domestic violence :

      • Most of the cases of domestic violence are caused due to dowry system, still in many places this system is going on and women are tortured by the family if the money is not paid.

      • Lack of education among the masses is one the main reasons. Here education means not the certificate we achieve from colleges and universities , but the eduction which makes us a human being.

      • Some people get addicted to alcohol and abuse their wives physically.

      • Electronic media also impacts the violence against women.

      • These types of cases increase rapidly because the society remain like a silent audience and they don't protest against these cases. Women did not get support from the society. So often they attempts for suicide.

      • Many people have become jobless due to covid-19 and become frustrated. So women become easy target.

    Solutions :

      • Whenever domestic violence against women is reported society needs to stand with the woman.

      • Women should educate themselves with the penal laws. They should register complaints without any fear.

      • Government should amend the existing act 'Domestic Violence against Women Act, 2005' with some strict laws.

      • These complaints should be dealt with urgently and a helpline number could be given to them for emergency.

      • Women should be provided economic support , psychological support and most importantly justice.

    The society where women are deprived of their rights, that society can't prosper in the world. So we must ensure that women can live in the society with dignity.