DOMESTIC BRUTALITY

Written By: Eesha Shukla

Domestic violence is understood to include any threatening, abusive, or violent behaviour in the home. It is a problem sweeping the nation. It can affect anyone in general but is usually acted out upon women in abusive relationships. In earlier times, the problems and violence in homes were considered to be private matters. Women were seen as the possessions of men and law didn’t recognise the rape of a woman by her husband. Now, however, the society is changing.

Violence against women is a serious problem in India. Overall one-third of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence and about 1 in 10 have experienced sexual violence. This is a problem which is often ignored. Even the women who face domestic violence in their homes do not come out and speak about it for the fear of society. Many of these women are from lower caste families and backward classes who are uneducated and are unaware of their rights. They are also brought up to believe that husbands are superior and the
wives have to oblige to everything they say.

Yes, education has led to making women aware and they do stand up against such injustice. But there are many who are still silent; silenced by society, by traditional beliefs, by customs. It is NOT an achievement until we manage to eradicate this evil completely. In the Hindu religion, we pray and worship many goddesses, Christians worship Mother Mary. But what about the goddess in our own homes, the woman shaping our lives? As members of privileged families, we do not acknowledge this issue and close our eyes, ears and mouths at the sight of it. Yet, even cities witness such injustices till date. This practice is also prevalent in villages.

Until we do not solve this problem, we cannot say that our cities have developed. We cannot say that such kind of violence does not happen anymore until each and every woman is safe in her own house, is respected and treated just as the men of the house. It would be best to start with our own homes; teach our own kids to respect the other sex, just as their own. As Nelson Mandela said “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”