Daily Current Affairs : 17-April-2024
Recently, the Delhi High Court highlighted the importance of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005. The court stated that this law applies to all women, regardless of their social or religious background. This ruling came while dismissing a plea from a husband and his family who challenged a lower court’s decision to reinstate a domestic violence complaint filed by his wife.
How Widespread Is Domestic Violence in India?
Domestic violence is a serious issue in India. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), conducted between 2019 and 2021:
- 32% of ever-married women reported experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their husbands.
- 29.3% of married women aged 18 to 49 faced domestic or sexual violence.
- 3.1% of pregnant women aged 18 to 49 experienced physical violence during pregnancy.
These figures likely underestimate the reality, as many cases go unreported. Alarmingly, 87% of married women who experience violence do not seek help.
Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence in India:
Gender Disparities
- Male Superiority: A significant gender gap promotes male dominance.
- Violence as Control: Men may use violence to assert control over women.
Substance Abuse
- Drugs and Alcohol: Intoxication can increase violent behavior and conflicts.
Dowry Culture
- Dowry Expectations: Violence often rises when dowry demands are unmet.
- Bride Burning: Despite laws against dowry, incidents of violence continue.
Sociocultural Norms
- Traditional Beliefs: Societal norms reinforce male authority.
- Marriage Pressure: Women are conditioned to accept abuse for the sake of marriage.
Socioeconomic Stressors
- Poverty and Unemployment: Financial stress can lead to increased violence.
Mental Health Issues
- Untreated Conditions: Mental health problems can lead to volatile behavior.
Lack of Education and Awareness
- Ignorance of Rights: Many women do not know their rights, making them vulnerable.
Legal Frameworks Addressing Domestic Violence
India has established various laws to protect women from domestic violence, including:
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Addresses various forms of abuse.
- Indian Penal Code, Section 498A: Criminalizes cruelty by husbands.
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Bans dowry-related violence.
Global Initiatives
International efforts, like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (DEVAW), aim to combat violence against women globally. Programs like Safe Cities work to improve safety for women in public spaces.
Challenges in Enforcement
Enforcing laws against domestic violence remains difficult due to:
- Social Stigma: Victims fear backlash or shame.
- Lack of Awareness: Many are unaware of their legal rights.
- Economic Dependency: Financial ties to abusers hinder victims from seeking help.
- Inadequate Training: Law enforcement often lacks training in handling domestic violence cases.
Important Points:
Delhi High Court Ruling: Reinforced the universality of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005 for all women.
Prevalence of Domestic Violence:
- 32% of ever-married women report experiencing violence from husbands.
- 29.3% of married women aged 18-49 face domestic or sexual violence.
- 87% of victims do not seek help.
Contributing Factors:
- Gender Disparities: Male dominance and entitlement.
- Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug misuse increase violence.
- Dowry Culture: Violence linked to unmet dowry demands.
- Sociocultural Norms: Traditional beliefs perpetuate gender roles.
- Socioeconomic Stressors: Poverty and unemployment heighten tensions.
- Mental Health Issues: Untreated conditions can lead to volatile behavior.
- Lack of Awareness: Ignorance of rights perpetuates victimization.
Legal Frameworks:
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Covers various forms of abuse.
- Indian Penal Code, Section 498A: Criminalizes cruelty by husbands.
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Addresses dowry-related violence.
Global Initiatives: Efforts like CEDAW and DEVAW aim to eliminate violence against women worldwide.
Challenges in Enforcement:
- Social Stigma: Fear of backlash prevents reporting.
- Lack of Awareness: Victims often unaware of their legal rights.
- Economic Dependency: Financial ties to abusers hinder seeking help.
- Inadequate Training: Law enforcement lacks training in domestic violence cases.
Why In News
The Delhi High Court recently emphasized the universality of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, stating that it applies to all women regardless of their religious or social background, thereby reinforcing the idea that all victims deserve protection and support, irrespective of their identity.
MCQs about Domestic Violence in India
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Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as contributing to domestic violence in India?
A. Substance abuse
B. Gender disparities
C. High literacy rates
D. Dowry culture
-
Which law aims to protect women from domestic violence in India?
A. Indian Penal Code, 1860
B. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
C. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
D. Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
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What is a major challenge in enforcing laws against domestic violence in India?
A. High reporting rates
B. Cultural variations
C. Abundant resources for victims
D. Universal awareness of rights
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