The increase in domestic violence cases in Kangra district, especially in lower Kangra areas, has become a cause for concern. Alcohol addiction in men is being considered as a major cause behind such incidents. District Project Officer (DPO) reported 358 domestic violence cases during the past four months, from April to July this year. There were 315 such cases in the corresponding period last year. 

The delay in deciding court cases due to the pandemic had forced victims to lead a miserable life as they had no means of livelihood to sustain themselves and their children.

Various reasons for the high incidence of domestic violence in India:

• Patriarchal attitude: The major factor behind the violent behaviour of men is the patriarchal attitude which perceives woman as an object and gives her a low status in the society. Violence arises from patriarchal notions of ownership over women’s bodies, labour, reproductive rights and level of autonomy.
• Dowry system: There are strong links between domestic violence and dowry. In a 2005 study published in World Development, a negative correlation between dowry amount and inter-domestic violence was found, indicating dangers of domestic violence, if falling short on dowry expectations. The dowry prohibition act has limited impact on violence related to dowry, and many cases of bride being burned for dowry is reported.
• Social culture: The Indian culture glorifies the image of a woman who is tolerant and receptive, and is another reason which prevents women from walking out of the violent relationship. Further, religion perpetuates a culture where a woman is supposed to be submissive to her husband. For example, ‘pativrata nari’ is considered ideal in Indian society.
• Gender inequality: The research carried out in different parts of the world indicates that any social structure which treats women as fundamentally of less value than men is conducive to violence against women. India ranks 112th rank in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2019-2020 indicating wide gender gap. As men consider themselves superior, resorting to violence boosts and nurtures their egoistic superiority complex.
• Lack of support: Absence of viable alternatives of survival and lack of proper support group also forces a woman to continue tolerating violent behaviour. For instance, uneducated women find no support from her maternal family and therefore, continuously suffer due to economic dependence.
• Lack of awareness: Lack of awareness of their own rights and a general social belief in women’s subordination perpetuates a low self-image in women and her inferior status. Women are taught that marriage is the ultimate goal she has to achieve. All this conditioning gradually becomes the nature of an Indian woman.
• Other reasons: Poverty, alcoholism, unemployment etc. also contribute to violent behaviour. These factors put women at greater risk of violence because of the stresses created by financial hardship and relationship crises.

By: Atul Dhimann