Impacts of Domestic Violence

 

Domestic violence and its impacts

Written by: Shivangi Sareen
5th Year B.B.A.LL.B.(H)
Amity Law School, Noida

 Edited by: Yash Jain
5th Year B.B.A.LL.B.(H)
Amity Law School, Noida

INTRODUCTION

“The patriarchal setup has been deeply rooted in Indian society since time immemorial. It may be believed that this system laid the foundation stone for the abuse of women. Domestic violence affects women from every social background irrespective of their age, religion, caste, or class”

It is a violent crime that not only affects a person and her children but also has wider implications for society. Although the root behind the crime is hard to decipher, certain reasons behind the violence can be traced to the stereotyping of gender roles, and the distribution of power

The definition of violence has evolved over the years to an extent it not only includes physical forms of violence but also emotional, mental, financial, and other forms of cruelty.

Thus, the term domestic violence includes acts that harm or endanger the health, safety, life, limb, or wellbeing (mental or physical) of the victim, or tends to do so, and includes causing: physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and economic abuse, perpetrated by any person who is or was in a domestic relationship with the victim.

Domestic violence prevalence

- Lifetime prevalence rates of isolated domestic violence are comparable for men and women in the general population

 • Women are at greater risk of repeated coercive, sexual or severe physical assault

Two women are murdered by their partner or ex-partner every week in England and Wales

• 40% of female homicide victims (7% men) were killed by current or former partner

Higher risk when, or soon after, leaving partner.

Impacts

One of the most common causes of injury in women

Hackney practice study: lifetime injury rate (bruises or more severe injuries) = 21% range of other conditions

Increased minor infectious illnesses

• chronic pain (headaches, back pain)

• neurological symptoms (fainting and dizziness)

 • GI symptoms and chorizemas

 • Raised blood pressure and coronary artery disease

Gynecological problems

Most consistent, longest-lasting, and most considerable physical health difference between women who have and have not experienced abuse

3X increased risk of gynecological problems, with dose-response relationship and increased risk with a combination of sexual and physical abuse

• STIS

Vaginal bleeding and infection

- painful intercourse

-chronic pelvic pain

- recurrent UTIs

Impact on children

Fetal loss

Child abuse (in >40%)

Psychological disturbance (depression, anxiety, substance misuse, aggressive behavior)

Adult mental health problems like anxiety, stress, and chronic depression

 

Evidence shows that women who experience intimate partner violence and children who are affected, either directly or indirectly, are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions. Men perpetrating intimate partner violence may also be at higher risk of mental health conditions.

The National Crime Records Bureau has reported that cases of domestic violence are the most prevalent form of crime against women in India. Various studies have estimated the prevalence rates of domestic violence in India in the range of 18%–70%, As far as the rates of physical violence are concerned, 21%–48% of married women have reportedly suffered from physical abuse at the hands of the husband and in-laws. The data on sexual violence against married women are very sparse. It is partially because of the cultural factors which make it difficult to assess, but some studies report a prevalence rate between 15% and 20%.

CONCLUSION

It can be said that domestic violence is a complex problem with its roots in multiple societal domains such as the status of women in society, illiteracy, poverty, substance abuse, and various evil practices such as dowry and female feticide. Thus, any approach which does not target all these issues simultaneously is unlikely to yield any favorable results. All the stakeholders such as various governmental departments, law enforcement, judiciary, women and children organizations, non-governmental organizations, press, and professional bodies need to work in a coordinated and planned manner to make any visible impact and advocate of the rights of women and children.