Domestic Violence against Women in India

After ages of silence, domestic violence is gradually becoming a topic of media and academic scrutiny. Although it is not an issue which can only be limited to some geographical boundaries, it’s a global matter of concern but due to presence of some cultural traditions like dowry, sati etc. Indian society is majorly perceived as male dominant and in such a situation domestic violence cannot be a matter of least concern. Women in India are exposed to not only domestic violence but also family violence. Actions like physical, mental and sexual abuse, eve-teasing, dowry harassment, control over reproductive choices etc. affect a woman’s mental and physical health and hence become obstacle in social development process of the country. Section I of the paper introduces the issue of domestic violence then section II explains forms of domestic violence, section III describes its causes then section IV elaborates its impacts and effects then finally section V deals with the strategies to prevent and abolish domestic violence.