Domestic violence is a hidden problem in India, as the home is considered a private space under the control of the male head of the household. Women are seen as traitors by the family when they report violence. This, along with several other factors, result in domestic violence being underreported. The abuser alone is responsible for creating a situation of violence within a household. Contary to popular belief, domestic violence is not the result of stress, mental illness, alcohol or drugs. The only true cause of domestic violence is the abuser’s choice to act violently. When people ask ‘why doesn’t she just leave?’ they are ignoring economic and social realities that many women are forced to face. 1. In India, shelters for women facing domestic violence are virtually non-existent. Even if a woman wants to leave a situation of domestic violence, she is faced with the challenge of finding a safe place to go to. 2. Social stigma is another reason women are hesitant to leave a situation of violence. Family, friends and relatives are not necessarily going to be supoortive of a woman facing domestic violence India. In addition, leaving a domestic violence situation comes with the added stigma of a failed marriage and a woman being unable to keep her family intact. 3. In addition, there may be financial barriers blocking the path to a woman’s escape. A woman may be compelled to stay in an abusive relationship on account of her having no other source of income. She may not feel she has the ability to support herself and her children on her own. 4. There is also the possibility that a woman may be increasing her chances of further injury or harm, including death, if she attempts to leave an abusive spouse. 5. There is also the possibility that a woman also loves her husband and still believes in his potential to change for the better. 6. Finally, ignorance of the law is common in both rural and urban areas. The PWDVA was implemented with the aim of providing relief to millions of women affected by domestic violence in their homes. However, knowledge of the law is still limited and individuals may not know how to use it to help themselves as well as those around them. Domestic violence is never the fault of the person facing it. Abusers often blame their partner to justify their own behaviour. This is a part of the pattern of violence and abuse and is abusive itself as women often come to feel responsible for the violence being inflicted on them. It is vital for them to know that domestic violence is not their fault. Santosh Kumar is the author of this article. He writes blogs, columns and articles on his favorite topics like domestic violence and about violence against women in India.
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