I. Meaning of Domestic Violence: When man and woman are bound together as husband and wife to reproduce children, they lay the foundation of a family. But it is very unfortunate that the majority of women have to face the situation of domestic violence. Domestic violence takes place in the form of torture, beating, poisoning, burning, drowning and rape. It is not that domestic violence is prevalent only in rural areas, but it is also prevalent in urban areas. It is found not only in S.Cs, S.Ts and O.B. Cs. but also in the upper castes. So, the incidence of domestic violence on women is above caste, religion and region. According to the Human Development Report 1995, two-third of married women have to face domestic violence. The UNICEF Report 2002 puts the number of domestic violence more than that India has witnessed a 278 percent increase in domestic violence from 1989 to 1999.
II. Causes of Domestic Violence are:
(i) Wrong and negative attitude of male members.
(ii) Bitter relations between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law due to poverty, dowry etc.
(iii) Under or lack of education and awareness among women.
(iv) Alcohol and use of drugs.
(v) In our society, domestic violence on women has existed since time immemorial. But in recent years there has been a tremendous increase in domestic violence due to the temptation towards consumer goods. This has added fuel to the incidence of domestic violence.
(vi) In order to protect women from the incidence of domestic violence, there is a need to formulate an effective Act. Our Government has prepared protection from the Domestic Violence Bill (2001). But this Bill is being opposed by the women organizations due to weaknesses in the Bill.
