He Says It Won't Happen Again ...

Another issue we have come across during our time here is domestic violence.  This links directly to my previous article, as it highlights the inferior status of women in the community.  

This is irrelevant of the socio-economic status, and is an issue faced by women all around the world.  In India, there are now some campaigns to try to bring domestic violence to a halt via blogs, celebrity campaigns, social media, training and community stories.  

Domestic violence will only come to an end not only if women are empowered but if men are also educated against violence.  In fact, it is considered crucial that cooperation from every man is needed to stop violence. This issue stems primarily from a superiority complex and that since the Vedic age, women have never experienced equal rights and freedom compared to their male counterparts.  

Internationally, it has been recorded that 1 in 3 women have been beaten, coerced into sex or abused in their lifetime by a member of their own family.  Imagine if that was your mother ... your daughter... your sister.  It's despicable.  Why are girls and women subject to inequality from the moment they are conceived??  Is it correct that women should be under the control of their father and then their husband, once they are 'married off'?

In my opinion, it is this subordinated status of women and the social-cultural norms need to be addressed to stop domestic violence.  Regarding the subordinate status of women, I have seen this clinically in my time at the hospital.  Female patients attend the clinic with their mother-in-laws regarding personal gynae and obstetric issues.  But not out of choice.  The mother-in-law and sometimes even the father-in-law attends to find out why her daughter-in-law is unable to conceive and 'what is wrong with them' ... obviously not once considering that there may be an issue with their son.  The daughter-in-law is unable to speak freely about what is bothering her.  Coming from the UK, being an advocate of confidentiality and equality, I find this a hard concept to deal with.  Yes, I understand this is a cultural issue, but I feel it is our job to empower women, and to share how miraculous it is to carry the XX gender chromosome.  That we can be as knowledgeable as a man, we have the ability to carry another human being, we can hold down a job as well as look after a family ... to name just a few.  These are all values that should be celebrated, not oppressed.  

Research has shown that number of family members, type of marriage, menstrual problems, sex of the children and working status have a significant influence on domestic violence.  There are many enhancers of the problem too - including whether the male smokes, drinks and takes drugs, but also socio-economic status is a factor.  Men raised in a patriarchal society encourages the traditional gender role.  Some studies have shown that marriage at a younger age, also makes women more vulnerable to domestic violence.  

Domestic violence does not just cause physical bodily harm to the woman.  Extensive violence has significant harmful effects such as unwanted pregnancy, gynaecological disorders and physical injuries to genitalia.  Mental health impacts is something that should not be taken lightly either.  

So what are the statistics?  One study shows that 21% of married women experience violence in the home, but more worryingly there is acceptance of domestic violence in 57% of ever married women.  It is thought that women is raped every 29 minutes, a dowry death occurs every 77 minutes and a cruelty to women by either their husband or relative of the victim occurs every nine minues.  

The experience of violence undermines the empowerment of women.  India is a great country, full of knowledgeable individuals, with great promise.  However, if half the population is oppressed ... then how will the country progress to its full potential?!  It is a barrier to the socio-economic, financial and demographic development of the country.  

There are many ways to combat this issue - education of women should be encouraged.  Stringent laws MUST be put in place against the perpetrators of the violence but also giving more rights to women.  The 'Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005' is evidently not enough to protect the millions of women in India.  This MUST be addressed.  How to change socio-cultural practices is a major hindrance.  These are issues deep rooted in society - that the perpetrator and victim take violence for granted.  Educating both men and women is essential to facilitate the implementation of appropriate and meaningful responses to domestic violence, and ultimately ... preventing it from happening all together.  

Spread the word, stop the violence.  

Visit www.bellbajao.org to see the fantastic work they are doing to protect women in India.