In India, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue affecting women across age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and social strata. The prevalence of this problem is influenced by a range of factors. In a patriarchal society, men are often perceived as superior to women, perpetuating the imbalance of power.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence, including poverty, alcohol and drug abuse, and underreporting due to cultural norms. Additionally, a lack of awareness and understanding of gender equality and women’s rights further exacerbates the problem. A comprehensive approach is needed to combat this issue, involving social awareness campaigns to challenge the acceptance of abuse, education, women’s economic empowerment, legal reforms, and legislative changes. Despite recent advancements, there is still much work to be done to eliminate this persistent and devastating issue that stems from the societal elevation of men over women.

Brief Study Insights:
A study conducted in 2017 across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh revealed that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is linked to unintended pregnancies among adolescent and young adult married women. Numerous studies from various countries have indicated a significant association between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and clinical depression. These studies have highlighted a two- to three-fold increased risk of depressive disorders and a 1.5- to two-fold increased risk of elevated depressive symptoms and post-partum depression among women who have experienced IPV. These women also reported heightened anxiety and depression episodes, along with an increased risk of low birth weight babies, pre-term deliveries, and neonatal deaths. A 2005 study in the US found that domestic violence reduced South Asian women’s sexual autonomy and increased the risk of unintended pregnancy, leading to many instances of abortion.

Types of Domestic Violence:
Domestic violence takes on various forms, including physical abuse, which involves actions such as hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, and other acts that cause harm or injury. Emotional or psychological abuse, which encompasses verbal abuse, intimidation, and threats, can be just as harmful as physical abuse, often resulting in long-term psychological trauma. Sexual abuse, encompassing unwanted sexual behavior or contact such as rape and molestation, is another form. Economic abuse involves controlling the victim’s finances, which may include denying access to money, stealing, or preventing them from working. Stalking and harassment, involving following or threatening the victim through various channels including phone calls and social media, are also forms of domestic abuse.

Preventing Domestic Violence:
Domestic violence transcends gender; both toxic and insecure partners can resort to violence regardless of gender. To prevent domestic violence, consider these 20 strategies from both women’s and men’s perspectives:

1. Education: Comprehensive educational training teaches individuals about women’s and men’s rights, helping to prevent domestic violence and assist those affected.
2. Adhering to the Law: Regardless of one’s role in the partnership or family, no one is entitled to use domestic abuse or violence as a means of control. Legal measures against domestic violence exist in many countries.
3. Practicing Tolerance: Cultivating tolerance and maturity is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Tolerance plays a pivotal role in preventing violence from arising within households.
4. Seeking Consent: Both partners should seek each other’s consent before taking actions that affect the relationship, such as intimacy or major decisions. Restraint and understanding should replace coercion and violence.
5. Respecting Religious Teachings: Virtues of love, peace, kindness, and faithfulness emphasized by major religions can guide behavior and prevent domestic violence. It’s important to note that no religion supports domestic violence, especially not against children.