Understanding the Issue of Domestic Violence against Women in India: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

   Violence against women is the harsh reality of today which exists everywhere. One of the most prevalent crimes against women which is integrally tied to the maintenance of patriarchy is domestic violence. In India, where women are considered to be highly esteemed, we found many examples of violence against women. Nearly every home in India faces some form of domestic abuse, wherein women suffer abuse physically, psychologically and economically. According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS), 2019-2021, 29.3 percent of married Indian women between the ages of 18 and 49 have experienced domestic/sexual violence and this is only the data collected according to the cases reported by women, as there can be many more that never make it to the police due to fear of reprisal, social pressure, low literacy level, lack of trust on police and low conviction rates in such crimes. This paper critically analyses the problem of domestic violence against women in India as a violation of their human rights. The paper looks about the meaning, forms of violence against women and highlights the factors that perpetuate domestic violence against women. Further, it also discusses the national responses to prevent violence against women. In addition, the paper also attempts to provide recommendations to eradicate this menace from the society.

Keywords:-  Domestic violence, abuse, patriarchy, human right.