DOMESTIC VIOLENCE- THE INDIAN SCENARIO

Gender-based violence or violence against women and girls is a global pandemic that affects one in three women in their lifetime (World Bank, 2019).Violence against women is a growing concern for any modern society. It is an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and systemic gender-based discrimination. Violence against women can be manifested in many ways, it may be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, verbal and economic. It may involve a variety of other behaviors used to maintain fear and power such as intimidation, isolation and threats. Domestic violence is a common form of violence against women which is considered “normal” within many cultures. Domestic violence refers to violence against women particularly in matrimonial homes. It is a glaring reality in India. It is one of the crimes against women which is linked to their disadvantageous position as a result of the tight patriarchal norms and structure of traditional Indian culture. Culturally sanctioned beliefs have historically legitimized a man’s use of violence with respect to his wife. India is one of the thirty-six countries that still have not criminalized marital rape. The present paper explores domestic violence in the Indian scenario and the possible ways to put an end to this social evil.