Domestic Violence against Women during Covid 19
Sreevani MullapudiResearch scholar,KLU College of Law,KL(Deemed to be University) KLEF, Vaddesearam,AP, India.
Sailaja Petikam
Associate Professor,scholar,KLU College of Law,KL(Deemed to be University) KLEF, Vaddesearam,AP, India.
Article History: Received: 11 January 2021; Revised: 12 February 2021; Accepted: 27 March 2021; Published
online: 23 May 2021
Abstract: Domestic violence is referred to as the violent activity that is performed against women by an
intimate partner. It is a form of maltreatment that is experienced by a woman or adolescent when she enters into a heterosexual or homosexual relationship. It can occur in the setting of marriage or cohabitation when the spouse or partner mistreats the female partner in the form of violence, abuse, and mistreatment. It is also regarded as an act of cruelty that is experienced by all females (sister, mother, and daughter) that are residing with the male inhabitants of the family. Domestic violence activity is a human rights violation activity in which the fundamental rights of women’s security and safety are subjected to and infringed. The Executive Director of UN Women describes the Covid-19 condition as the shadow pandemic as there is a significant increase in the incidents of violence against women (VAW) in the Covid-19 pandemic conditions. As a result, more than 243 million domestic violence victims have been recorded in the year 2019 globally (Bhattacharyya, 2016).
Key words: Domestic Violence, Women, Covid-19, World Health Organization, Conflicts.
Introduction
As per the survey conducted by the World Health Organization, it was found that every 3 women around the world experience violence in the form of physical, verbal, and mental abuse. The major reason behind the increase in the cases of domestic violence is the lack of adequate laws and regulations in countries. As a result, in countries such as Yemen, Cameroon, Burkina, and others, there has been an increase in domestic violence cases. The WHO report specified that domestic violence cases have been reported in southeast Asian, American, and Eastern Mediterranean countries. In the recent Covid-19 pandemic conditions, a recent spur has been recorded in the domestic violence conditions because of an increase in the stay at home duration. In the recent article published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, it was recorded that domestic violence cases in the United States have increased significantly in the year 2002 in Covid-19 pandemic duration. The study examined that in the cities such as Jefferson, Portland, San Antonio, and New York, the increase in domestic violence cases was recorded to be 27%, 22%, 18%, and 10% respectively.
Considering the Indian Scenario, though the governing body in India has introduced certain measures in the form of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 to reduce the domestic violence conditions in India, there has been a significant rise in the violence against women cases. As per the survey conducted by India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), it was found that there was an increase in the events of violence against women in the domestic violence by 3 folds from 1992 to 2008. In India, domestic violence is defined as the act of brutality, abuse, or torture by the husband and relatives. It also includes financial, mental, and physical abuse of women by their family members and relatives leading to loss of dignity. It was recorded that there was an increase in the domestic violence cases by 235 in the year 1992 which reached 99% in the year 2014 and decreased to 80% in the year 2018 (Singha & Bhattacharyyab, 2020).
As per the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report, under section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the evidence related to a conviction rate in the case of domestic violence against women in Indian is low and recorded to be 9.5% in the year 2016. However, a slight increase was recorded in the year 2018 as the conviction rates reached 13%. On the other hand, in the dowry death cases in India, the conviction rate has been recorded to be 39.6% in the year 2018 which clearly states that in more than 60% of cases, no action is taken against the alleged on account of cruelty and death of a woman. For example, in the case of Arnesh Kumar v State of Bihar, the husband (Chandramauli Kr. Prasad), his mother, and father demanded dowry from his wife and petitioner (Sweta Kiran) in the form of INR eight lacks, a Maruti car, television set, an air conditioner, and many other home utility things. The appellant was threatened if the dowry was not provided by her or her family. It was also alleged that the victim was driven out of the house on account of not fulfilling dowry demands. As a result, the victim filed a case against the accused under section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. As per Section 498-A Indian Penal Code (IPC), if found guilty, the accused could be imprisoned for a term of three years with a fine. The Act mainly focuses on cruelty against women out of a marital relationship in India. Under Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, the accused can be sentenced to 2 years with a fine.
The accused applied for anticipatory bail against the petition filed by the victim. However, the application for anticipatory bail filed by the accused was rejected by the High Court. As a result, the accused again filed for an anticipatory bail in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court analyzed the provisions that are stated under Section 41A Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC) and specified that unnecessary arrest of any individual is to be vitalized. Thus, according to the Supreme Court rulings, the accused was provided anticipatory bail. The Court also specified that provisions that are mentioned under Section 498A are misused by disgruntled women. It impacts the proceedings related to bail and arrest of the accused individual. It results in the dilution of the provision and normalization of violence against women cases into disputes and ego clash conflicts. It gives rise to myths and misogyny against women that denies justice to women (Nigam, 2016). In the case of Rajesh Sharma v State of UP, the petitioner (Sneha Sharma) had filed a dowry case against her husband Rajesh Sharma who had got married on 28th November 2012. As per the petitioner, she and her family had given all the valuables to the groom and his family as per their capacity at the time of marriage.
However, the groom and his family were not satisfied and they beat the bride for more dowry. The bride was also exploited by her husband to bring more dowries to the household. The accused left the accused at her maternal home after the pregnancy was terminated. As a result, Sneha filed a case against Rajesh under Section 498A and 323 of IPC on account of torturing for dowry. As per the proceedings of the session court, Rajesh Sharma was found to be guilty under Section 498A of IPC and summoned to be imprisoned. However, later on, Sneha summoned her parents in law, brother in law, and sister in law which was rejected by the High Court. However, the judgment provided by the High Court was criticized by several.
Non-profit organizations (NGOs) and feminists groups as to why the family of the accused was not punished for torturing the victim. The decision was criticized on the ground that the substantial influence of the law will reduce the severity & extent of the physical violence or dowry-related cases against the women. The feminist groups and columns criticized the judgment of the Court delimiting it as male-oriented and reflecting the influence of male dominance in each aspect of society (Voukelatou et al., 2020).
While considering the scenario of domestic violence under the Covid-19 pandemic condition in India, a significant increase in domestic violence cases was recorded in different states such as Haryana and Uttarakhand. As per the survey conducted by NALSA, it was found that since the lockdown condition in 28 states of India from 15 May 2020, a shocking increase was recorded in domestic violence cases. For example, 144 cases of domestic violence were recorded in Uttarakhand, 79 cases in Haryana, and 69 cases in Delhi. On the other hand, as per the survey conducted by Sakhi One-Stop Centers, a significant increase in the domestic violence case was also recorded in Telangana. The Center reported amongst the total reported cases, 89% of cases were related to domestic violence. Similar findings were also reported by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Hyderabad which specified that the risk of domestic violence has increased during the lockdown conditions (Das, Das, & Mandal, 2020).
As per the survey conducted by Punjab State Commission for Women, September 30, 2020, it was found that during the lockdown period since March 22, 2020, in Punjab, the number of domestic violence cases has increased to 30 cases each day summing up to 900 cases in a month. In the state of Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu State Government specified that during the lockdown conditions from March 25 – May 14, 2020, 616 cases of domestic violence were recorded. As per the survey conducted by the Karnataka State Government, during the lockdown period of March 23 – April 21, 2020, 162 cases of domestic violence were recorded. On the other hand, as per the reports released by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Uttarakhand, for the lockdown period of March 24 – May 15, 2020, 144 cases of domestic violence were recorded, while in Haryana it was recorded to be 79 cases. As per Government sources in Jammu and Kashmir during the lockdown period of March 24 – April 24, 2020, 65 cases of domestic violence were recorded. In the case of Chhattisgarh, during each month of lockdown 60-65 cases of domestic violence were recorded. In Delhi and Maharashtra, during the lockdown duration of March 24 – May 15, 2020, 63 and 12 cases of domestic violence were recorded respectively. Thus, it can be said that there has been a significant rise in the violence against women cases in India under Covid-19 pandemic conditions which is negatively impacting the welfare and wellbeing conditions of the women. Under such conditions, it is essential to introduce intervention measures such as the Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA) so that violence against women is reduced. The current research examines facts related to COVID-19 and ending violence against women and girls and causes of domestic violence against the woman. The facts related to the role of the WHO and other regulatory authority against domestic violence of women in COVID-19 has also been discussed in the research.
Aim and Objectives
• To explore several issues related to women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in COVID 19.
• To make an effective comparison between domestic violence against women worldwide and India. • To analysis the role of government concerning domestic violence against women worldwide and in
Literature Review COVID-19 and Ending Violence against Women and Girls
According to Lattouf (2020), the outbreak of Covid-19 has led to an increase in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) owing to limited movement and lockdown conditions. As per the survey conducted by Women’s Safety New South Wales, it was found that the incidence of domestic violence has increased in Australia as 40% of frontline workers recorded an increase in the requests for help by the survivors. The survey revealed that in 70% of the cases, there was an increase in the levels of complexities during Covid-19 pandemic onset. YEN˙ILMEZ, & ÇEL˙IK, (2020) examined that an increase in the incidence of domestic violence cases was also recorded in countries such as France, Cyprus, Singapore, and Argentina by 30%, 30%, 33%, and 25% respectively since the onset of Covid-19 lockdown conditions. On the other hand, the countries like Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States experienced an increase in the incidence of domestic violence along with a rise in the demand for emergency shelter by females.
Vilic´ (2020) analyzed that due to restricted movement of essential services and provision of counseling sessions through phone, webinars, and emails owing to social distancing the request for help against domestic violence has decreased. For example, in France and Italy, a 55% reduction in domestic violence helpline number was recorded during Covid-19 lockdown conditions. The absence of efficient resources to reach out for help has increased the difficulties of the women that are going through the pain of violence at home.
Priyadarshini, (2020) analyzed that there is digital gender discrimination regarding the use of the internet and mobile phones in some countries. It restricts the communication and interaction of females with others and cannot share their mental or physical vulnerabilities faced by them. As a result, 70% of women face several risks of safety and health wellbeing.
For example, in countries such as Singapore, Italy, and China, there has been an increase in verbal attacks and physical attacks on healthcare workers.
Mittal and Singh (2020) analyzed that Covid-19 also negatively impacted the social and economic
independence of women all over the world. It increased the cost of violence against females globally by approximately 2% which amounted to US$1.5 trillion.
Additionally, due to the Covid-19 impact, there has been widespread closing of businesses and enterprises which has increased unemployment and financial insecurity rates among social communities.
Nicola, Alsafi, Sohrabi, Kerwan, Al-Jabir, Iosifidis, & Agha, (2020 ) analyzed that even before the
onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, women have been working as informal employees that were underpaid and had low job security. As a result, with the closing of businesses with the Covid-19 outbreak, the working of the females got adversely impacted as they were now dithered from health and insurance security. The women workers were not given any social protection and were hard hit by the crisis of economic recession. Due to loss of financial independence, the women were more vulnerable to domestic violence as they remained most of the time in the house without getting productively engaged.
Colburn, (2020) analyzed that to reduce the violence and hostile conditions among the females, the governing bodies of countries such as the United Nations, Kenya, Jamaica, Sudan, and others have introduced innovative services and initiatives. For example, the UN has introduced the “COVID-19 Response” initiative in which funds for new start-ups are provided to the female domestic violence survivors. Through the funds, the female survivors can initiate their projects and become financially independent to support their living in new homes away from hostile conditions. Additionally, Kenya has established a partnership with UN initiatives and providing training to frontline healthcare workers to de-stress, improves their mental health, and wellbeing conditions. On the other hand, Jamaica has initiated EU-U Spotlight Initiative in partnership with the UN to increase the technical capabilities of women and help them to use digital services under Covid-19 restricted movement conditions.
Causes of Domestic Violence against the Woman: Past, Present, Future
According to M Mogale, Burns, and Richter (2012) the presence of domestic violence could be observed in every culture across the globe across different races, social classes, and income groups. As per the United States of America’s Law on Family Violence and Prevention of Services, domestic violence is defined as the act of aggression in which there is fearful detention of an individual. The outcomes of domestic violence may result in mental stress or physical injury. In most of the cases of domestic violence, the men are the privileged individuals to demonstrate power over females and carry out violent activities against them.
Maya Majumadar (2004) analyzed the ca uses such as male dominance in the society, lack of
awareness of laws, laxity in implementation of the existing Acts, and bureaucracy & fear of increased domestic violence against women.
Kaur, Kuljit (2007) examined that physical domestic violence includes beating, slapping, hitting,
biting, kicking, punching, and pushing. On the other hand, sexual violence includes forced sexual intercourse, name-calling, demeaning, humiliating, or undermining remarks, and forced watching pornography. The economic violence includes not providing money for maintaining children, forcibly throwing the female out of the house, taking away earned salary, and restricting employment opportunities. The male dominance in society especially in countries like India, Pakistan, South Africa, Yemen adversely impacts the growth of women and gives rise to domestic violence conditions. For example, in India, as per the Lancet Report (2014), it was found that 27.5 million women suffered from sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, the National Crime Record Bureau specified that there were 46 crime cases, 2 rape cases, and 0.7 dowry homicide cases, and 5.9 domestic violence cases by husband against every 100000 females in India. Due to domestic violence, there is distress among the victims as they are traumatized and abused by their relative and intimate partners. It also lays a deep psychological impact on the children that grow in the negative environment of domestic violence.
ChowdhryRenuka (2006) analyzed that lack of awareness of laws increases domestic violence as
many victims are not aware of the laws and regulations that protect them. Due to lack of awareness, females could not take advantage of the regulative measures and safeguard themselves from the violently physical, verbal, and sexual aggression from intimate partners and family members. Laxity in implementation of the existing Act is another major cause of domestic violence among the females as there is no effort by the governing bodies to increase awareness among the vulnerable communities.
Ahuja, Bangdiwala, Bhambal, Jain, Jeyaseelan, Kumar, & Pandey, (2000) analyzed that bureaucracy implications also impact the domestic violence incident in the social communities. The major reason behind it is that when the domestic or sexual violence cases are reported by any third party, it is known as an intrusion. As a result, the third-party reporting of domestic violence gets restricted and it does not help to bring improvements in the poor conditions of women in the conventional communities. As a result, a significant rise could be observed in domestic violence across nations in the form of physical, sexual, and economic violence.
Menon (2020) examined that substance abuse, lack of coping skills, isolation, and intergenerational
violence also cause domestic violence. While focusing on the intergenerational violence aspect, it includes that if a child has experienced abuse in the childhood days, he/she is more vulnerable to become an abuser in the older days. Under such conditions, it is essential to break the chain of abuse through counseling so that there is a reduction in the incidence of domestic violence cases. Substance abuse, biological, and psychological abuse are major causes of domestic violence against women. It is because moderate drinkers are highly engaged in intimate violence as compared to light drinkers. The personality traits and mental attributes of the individual also play a major role in influencing domestic violence against women. For example, the male individuals that abuse their wives have borderline characteristics and highly prone to abusive activities with females. On the other hand, social stress is also a major cause of domestic violence against women as under stressful conditions individuals are more prone to abusive activities. Stress increases pressure on the individual and compels him/her to adopt abusive behavior to fight against the depressing attitude. It gives rise to domestic violence cases against women.
Role of WHO and Other Regulatory Authority against Domestic Violence of Women in COVID-19
Bradbury-Jones and Isham (2020) analyzed the consequence of domestic violence against women in COVID 19 and found that in the Covid-19 pandemic conditions the females are exposed to vulnerable conditions of home for a longer duration as compared to low periods during normal days. As a result, the females are exposed to aggressive individuals for a longer time and the event of domestic violence rises because of spending more time together. Additionally, Covid-19 has led to unemployment and financial distress to families which causes aggression and violence between the intimate partners. The indulgence in substance use, high stressful conditions, and poor mental health also lead to domestic violence condition. As a result, women suffer from physical ailments such as headaches, back pain, abdominal pain, clinical depression, and gastrointestinal disorders. The limited mobility and interaction under Covid-19 also cause a social block, poor health implication, high risks of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and others. Domestic violence also leads to eating disorders, suicide attempts, sleep disorders, emotional distress, and adverse implications for children. Domestic violence is also associated with increased rates of child and infant morbidity and causes emotional disturbance to the females.
Spangaro, (2018) analyzed that international organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO)
play a major role in reducing domestic violence by introducing research and evidence building strategies, developing guidance, strengthening country capacity, and building political will. The research and evidence building includes enhancing methods for evaluating violence against women to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this phase, the causes, consequences, and intervention measures are analyzed through which the suffering of domestic violence victims is reduced. The guidelines phase includes providing effective health responses to the women facing the vulnerabilities of domestic violence. It includes introducing
norms and standards in the form of eliminating virginity test, a clinical handbook against domestic violence, and a manual for health managers to bring improvements in the health condition of the domestic violence victims.
Hegarty, McKibbin, Hameed, Koziol-McLain, Feder, Tarzia & Hooker, (2020 ) analyzed that
strengthening health system capacities include aligning national health policies with the medical care of domestic or sexual violence victims. For example, WHO builds the capacity of countries like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Nigeria by including women safety in humanitarian settings. In building political will, the Global Plan of Action is included in the priority projects so that adequate response is provided to the women suffering from domestic violence.
Bhattacharjee, & Pal, (2016) analyzed that the Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA)
has been introduced in India to protect women against the events of domestic and sexual violence. PWDVA was introduced in the year 2005 by passing legislation in the Indian Parliament. It specifies that different abuses such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, and economic abuse are included in the domestic violence against women in India. As per the Act, the victim can approach the Protection officer for relief under section 9 or apply to avail the government official duty benefits towards her. The victim can also avail of the facility of counseling under section 14 and avail of protection orders under section 18. Moreover, under section 19, the victim avails the benefit of residence in which the respondent is restricted to visit the victim. Under section 20 monetary relief is provided to the victim from the offender so that the victim can take care of herself and the children. Under section 21, the victim is provided the right to visit the children if the child stays with the respondent. For example, in the case of Bharata Matha & Ors v. R. Vijaya Renganathan & Ors, the appeal was made against the judgment and order that passed by the High Court at Madras on 10th July 2001. The case was filed against the judgment that was provided by the Appellate Court on 17th September 1986 and the decree of Trial Court dated 7th March 1977. The case was related to ownership of property by the child that was born out of a live-in relationship. It was alleged that the descendant property is to be given to the children that were born out of the wedding and considered as legal heirs of the property and the child that was born out of the legal constitution of marriage must be ignored. The Court summoned that as per Section 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, the children that are born out of a live-in relationship can avail the property belonging to the parents. However, the child will have no right of ownership of the ancestral property. It specifies that the women that are living in a live-in relationship cannot be economically abused and must be provided livelihood rights.
The Court specified that the children that are born out of a live-in relationship are liable to be provided with maintenance, custody, property, and legitimacy. To ensure the rights of women and ensure that she is provided with family and livelihood rights, the Section 114 of the Evidence Act states that when a woman and a man are living under the same roof and cohabiting the place together for some years, there is a presumption that they might be living as husband and wife. The children that are born out of such a relationship are not to be considered as legitimate. However, as per the directives laid down under Article 39(f) of the Constitution of India, such children are to be the adequate opportunity for learning and developing along with safeguarding their interests (Chandra, 2016). The Act also provides relief to both male and female that is experiencing domestic violence and avail the benefits as per the rulings mentioned under PWDVA. It must also be noted that the protection orders that are provided under the Act are inclusive in which the respondent could have taken advantage of the victim if not restricted by the law.
Global and Regional Estimation of Domestic Violence against Women
According to Ravindran and Shah (2020) domestic violence on women laid a negative impact on their mental health, physical health, monetary earnings, and household consumption. As per the global survey, it was found that intimate partner violence (IPV) adversely impacted the economic conditions and raised the violence cost to 4% from 1% of the worldwide Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For example, in the United States, the IPV cost was recorded to be USD 5.8 billion in terms of a decline in productivity and a rise in medical care cost. On the other hand, the UN Women ascertained the Covid-19 pandemic condition as the ‘Shadow Pandemic’ owing to a rise in the violence against women in the lockdown and restricted movement conditions. Mathur, S., Okal, J., Musheke, M., Pilgrim, N., Kishor Patel, S., Bhattacharya, R., ... & Pulerwitz, J. (2018) examined that domestic and sexual violence from intimate partners and non-intimate partners results in serious health implications to the women in the form of increased HIV risk perceptions and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Domestic violence also causes depression, health risks, injury, and dejection.
M Malathesh, Das, and Chatterjee (2020) analyzed that to bring improvements in the poor conditions of women in the Covid-19 pandemic phase, mitigating measures and programs are necessary to be introduced. For example, to reduce the violence against women cases in Kenya and Zambia, the governing body of the respective countries introduced domestic policies. It also includes ratifying international treaties so that there is a reduction in violence against females and children. Additionally, adolescent girls and young women’s (AGYW’s) proportion was raised to reduce the risk related to STIs and HIV among the women in the nations. Domestic Violence Act 2005 has been introduced by the governing body of India to reduce the cases of domestic violence in the country. Through the Domestic Violence Act 2005, the females in India are provided
greater protection against household conflicts and violence by the constitution. The laws under the Domestic Violence Act 2005 specify that protection is to be provided to the victims of domestic violence and appropriate action must be taken against the individual performing aggressive or hostile activity against women. For example, in the case of Aruna Pramod Shah v. Union of India, a petition was filed by a mother-in-law to eliminate proceedings against her in the lower court. However, the plea of the women has been rejected on the ground that the Act provided protection only to women and not males. It was also argued that the Act offended the provision that was provided under Article 14 of the Constitution in which both males and females were treated equally. It was also argued that under section 2(f) of the Act, the status of the relationship was kept at par and the women were legally married possessed the rights to get equal treatment by the intimate partner and specified that there was no reason to prohibit the mistress from acquiring equal rights that were enjoyed by the legally wedded wife under common law. The Court also referred to the International mandates and provided that domestic violence is a global aspect that needs to be discussed at the worldwide front and measures must be introduced to protect women against physical, sexual, and economic violence. The case is regarded as a landmark case in the segment of domestic violence against women as a woman livening in a live-in relationship with a man was provided judgment in legal terms. The judgment that was summoned in the case was like the judgment that is given in the case of a marriage-like relationship. The case was filed before the Single Judge of the Court by including two decrees. The first decree was related to the declaration of protection of women under the Domestic Violent Act 2005 and the second decree was related to proceedings that were filed under Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi. The provisions that were stated in Article 14 of the Constitution of India were taken into account and stated that it only protected women and not men in India. On the other hand, Section 2 (f) of the Act specifies that equal treatment is to be given to the women irrespective of being legally wedded or residing in live-in relationships.
However, the rulings mentioned under the Section were criticized as it established the stature of a legally wedded wife in similar terms to that of the women that were living in the form of live-in-relationship. As a result, there was a dilution of the rights of the wedded wives, and the relationship of the marriage was degraded. Moreover, the Hindu Marriage Act also stated that the provision of similar rights to the women living in live-in-relationship to that of the wedded wives will lead to the dilution of the possessions and assets of the husband or bread earner of the family. Thus, the provisions that are laid down under the Hindu Marriage Act diminish the rights of the women that are living in a live-in relationship and focuses on the rights of the wedded women. Due to the presence of vicissitudes of marriage, the cases of domestic violence increase in the case of women that are living in live-in relationships.
Ambily (2018) analyzed that new sexual violence legislation has been introduced by the Indian
Parliament to safeguard women from sexual violence. The new legislation has been introduced in the form of the Criminal Amendment Act 2013 under the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. The directives related to the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 have also been included in the new legislation. As a result, the cases of stalking, acid attacks, and rape are considered heinous crimes for which strict punishment is provided to the offenders often leading to capital punishments.
Findings and Discussions
As per the above-discussed facts, it can be said that domestic violence is an abusive activity that is performed within the household settings especially under the institution of marriage or cohabitation. It is often termed as intimate partner violence in the form of reproductive, physical, emotional, economic, verbal, sexual, and religious abuse. It negatively impacts the good health conditions of the women and increased the risk of sexually transmitted diseases among them. Due to domestic violence, women are also suffering from eating disorders, suicide attempts, sleep disorders, emotional distress, and adverse implications for children. The study examined that due to domestic violence, women suffer from health implications such as depression, health risks, injury, and dejection. Therefore, essential mitigating measures are necessary by international and national organizations must be implemented to reduce the adverse implication of domestic violence on the women victims. The study examined that an effective measure has been taken by the WHO to reduce the events of domestic violence. It includes introducing research and evidence building strategies, developing guidance, strengthening country capacity, and building political will. The introduction of measures by the WHO will help in safeguarding the interests of the domestic violence victims and reduce the events of abuse. The study also discussed facts related to the laws such as the protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA) and its Procedure of filing a complaint under PWDVA concerning the Indian context and found that the Act was introduced in the year 2005 by the Indian Parliament by passing legislation. The study examined that through the Domestic Violence Act 2005, the females in India are provided greater protection against household conflicts and violence by the constitution. It included availing counseling facilities under section 14 and avail protection orders under section 18. As a result, under the Domestic Violence Act 2005 protection is provided to the victims of domestic violence by taking appropriate action against the hostile respondent.
Thus, the Act helps in reducing the incidence of domestic violence events and protecting women under hostile household conditions.
Conclusions and Recommendations
As per the above-detailed facts, it can be concluded that the study also examines the ratio of domestic violence against women in India and Worldwide. Domestic violence is an age-old taboo present in human societies for ages and still prevalent in a non-visible form. The matter related to domestic violence is not discussed in public as it is considered as a home affair and a private concern. Considering India, domestic violence is said to have patriarchal acceptance over years. As per the survey conducted by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3 in 2005-06) and also NFHS-4 (2015-16), it was found that 42% of males and 52% of females considered beating of the wife like a normal routine against disobeying the wishes of the husband. The major cause of domestic violence is an argument with the male member, disobeying his rulings, not serving hot food, and not taking care of the children. As a result, most of the victims that suffer domestic violence do not come forward to report the cases and consider the suffering as their destiny. Only 1% of women victims report the cases for which they are provided support from the governing agencies and NGOs. However, the support and help that is extended to the victims are not enough as most of the women that report cases of domestic violence are often have to struggle a lot to acquire justice
(Nigam, 2020) The study also makes a special focus on domestic violence against women during
COVID 19 by taking one or two examples. This brief highlights emerging evidence of the impact of the recent global pandemic of COVID-19 on violence against women and girls. It was found that during Covid-19 there has been an incessant increase in the rise of domestic violence cases owing to the limited movement of women outside home boundaries and limiting of helping hands to aid the suffering women. The absence of efficient resources to reach out for help has increased the difficulties of the women that are going through the pain of violence at home. A significant increase in domestic violence cases has been observed in countries like the United States, Yemen, Cameroon, Burkina, Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and others. The study examined that the cases of domestic violence have increased in different states of India such as Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and many others. Due to domestic violence women suffer from physical ailments such as headaches, back pain, abdominal pain, clinical depression, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Domestic violence also leads to eating disorders, suicide attempts, sleep disorders, emotional distress, and adverse implications for children. Domestic violence is also associated with increased rates of child and infant morbidity and causes emotional disturbance to the females.
The study also makes focuses on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls, at the onset, during, and after the public health crisis, with examples of actions already taken. The introduction of mitigating measures in the form of the Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA) is essential to reduce the onset of violence cases against women. Under the Act, the victim can also avail of the facility of counseling under section 14 and avail of protection orders under Section 18. In domestic violence cases, modifications must be brought in the legal proceedings and bail must not be provided to the accused. The accused must be imprisoned and punished severely so that others take a lesson and do not commit the crime against women (Ahuja et al., 2000; Bhattacharjee & Pal, 2005; Chowdhury, 2006; Gupta, 2020; Hegarty et al., 2020; Inoue, 2020; Mathur et al., 2018; Nicola et al., 2020; Priyadarshini, n.d.; Spangaro, 2017; Yenilmez & Çelik, 2020).
The study examined the various causes of violence such as male-dominated society, lack of awareness of the laws, laxity in implementation of the existing Acts, and Bureaucracy & Fear. The study also mainly focuses on the consequence of domestic violence of women in COVID 19 and also focuses on the response of WHO by building evidence, developing GUIDANCE ETC. In addition to this, the study also examines several laws such as the protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA) and its Procedure of filing a complaint under PWDVA.
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