25 April,2011 11:01 AM IST | | Poornima Swaminathan
For those who thought that spousal abuse was a thing of the past, the facts will surely startle you. Experts believe Spousal abuse is more common in the metros among well-earning, Independent women. Absence from the home, Dissatisfaction in bed, Dowry demands, earning more than their husbands and bad culinary skills are a few of the causes leading to abuse at home
India may be developing in every aspect and might be on its way to becoming a super power. But, when it comes to violence against women, the facts are disturbing. The latest statistics released by the National Crime Research Bureau of India showed that there is a crime committed against a woman every three minutes, a rape every 29 minutes and a case of dowry death recorded every 77 minutes.
Illustration/Jishu Dev Malakar
An act of cruelty against the wife meted out by husbands and in-laws is recorded every nine minutes. Though most urban minds may shrug and say these figures are reflective of the rural areas, experts say that educated, independent women living in the city aren't so far from the subject of domestic violence and many are victims of some kind of abuse.
Counsellors working with victims of spousal abuse say that in most cases, the main cause of violence is dissatisfaction with the dowry and a continous demand for it, leaving a strain on the relationship. Other factors include arguing with their partner, not being successful in the kitchen, unable to satisfy their partner in bed and going out without seeking his permission.
"In the urban household, violence is usually triggered by differences in the beginning, which spiral into heated arguments," said Nalini Singh, who works for a woman support group. "Over the months, it results in some form of violence," she added. Some of the other reasons for abuse include the wife earning more than the husband, her absence in the house till late night and neglecting in-laws.
According to counsellors, the first thing to do when subjected to violence is to express resent for such behaviour. "If the woman does not react, it is more likely to become a habit with the one being violent," said Gayatri Srinivasan, who works for a woman helpline.u00a0
Signs to watch for in a victim:
' Battered women have a tendency to remain aloof and agonised. They are likely to be emotionally disturbedu00a0
' A working woman may leave her job because of the ill-treatment at home
' She may become distracted and inefficient at work
Laws dealing with Domestic Violence:
' In 1983, domestic violence was recognised as a specific criminal offence by the introduction of Section 498-A in the Indian Penal Code. This section deals with cruelty by a husband or his family towards a married woman
' The Domestic Violence Act, 2005 ensures the reporting of cases of domestic violence against women to a 'Protection Officer' who then prepares a Domestic Incident Report to the Magistrate "and forwards the copies thereof to the police officer in-charge of the police station within the local limits of jurisdiction..."
Legal Speak
"Domestic violence is prevalent in urbans areas and with growing awareness women are coming forward to register their complaints. However, the dowry and cruelty-related law being misused is also becoming more common as women are seeing this as an option to speed up the lengthy, long divorce process. The police machinery is used as a recovery agent to recover the property left behind while leaving the house."u00a0
-- Jayesh Vithlani, Advocate
If you are a victim, here's where you can seek help:
1 Majlis: A-2/4, Golden Valley, Kalina, Mumbai - 400 098, India. Tel: 022 26180394, 022 26160252
2 Swadhar c/o Keshav Gore Smarak Trust Smriti: Aarey Road, Goregaon (W) Mumbai-400 062
3 Helpline Number For Women: 1298:u00a0 This number will connect women in distress to relevant NGOs.
4 Police helpline for women: 103. This is a special police helpline that initiates police intervention in crimes against women.
5u00a0Women Rights Initiative: Mumbai. 022 434 11603 / 434 11604 Email:wri.bombay@lawyerscollective.org
Website: https://www.lawyerscollective.org/wri This organisation runs a pro-bono (free) legal aid cell for domestic violence cases.
