Domestic violence can be described as a kind of torture in a relationship by any adult member of the family to another involving physical or sexual abuse or threats. It also includes social or economic isolation like not allowing them any money or restricting them from leaving home etc. Emotional abuse has similar consequences as physical abuse has with lasting effects and hence accounts to domestic violence too.

Anybody in the society can be a victim of domestic abuse but in India women are more prone to the domestic violence. It can be in the form of female foeticide, infanticide, sexual abuse, physical torture for dowry or health or status issues, mental trauma and public humiliation. 

The statistics on the issue are shocking but a lot still goes unreported. Women in our society are somehow trained to adjust. Domestic violence is present among all classes of people, both in rural and urban areas throughout the country. Housewives are among the most suffered group who is undergoing and facing this evil act in our society as many of them are depended on their husband for social and financial support. Reports also say that even working women are equally facing such evil act. Another shocking fact of a survey shows that when it comes to domestic violence women in “love marriages” are more abused than women who got married through traditional arrange marriage.

It is easily figured out from many survivor stories of the victims that women are not coming up with complaints due to some unrealistic concerns like social image, financial obligations or  children in that matter. Women have learnt to live on with hopes and adjustments cursing their fate.

There are lot many awareness programs running and many NGOs are working on this issue which has helped many women to come out the dilemma. They are also working very hard to permanently remove this curse of domestic violence from the society and ensure gender equality and women empowerment.

“Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act” was passed by the Indian government on October 2006. It provides the woman with the right to reside with her parents or shared residence (in case of live-in), whether or not she has any title or rights in the household. The other relief covered under this act is that the court can pass protection orders which prevent the abuser to communicate or commit any violence by isolating the abused. Many NGOs appoint protection officers and also help the victim with medical, legal and shelter aides.