Brief Context
Context The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) stands as a symbol of empowerment after two decades of enactment. About Domestic Violence It is defined as any act, omission, or conduct by a person that harms or endangers the health, safety, life, limb, or well-being of a woman — whether physical or mental (Section 3 of the PWDVA). It includes: Physical abuse, verbal emotional Abuse economic Abuse.
Source Content
Syllabus: GS1/Society; Issues Related To Women
Context
- The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) stands as a symbol of empowerment after two decades of enactment.
About Domestic Violence
- It is defined as any act, omission, or conduct by a person that harms or endangers the health, safety, life, limb, or well-being of a woman — whether physical or mental (Section 3 of the PWDVA). It includes:
- Physical abuse, verbal & emotional Abuse & economic Abuse.
- According to the United Nations (UN), domestic violence is a form of gender-based violence that occurs within the private sphere — typically between individuals related by intimacy or blood. It encompasses:
- Intimate Partner Violence: Physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner.
- Child & Elder Abuse: Within the household
- Economic & Psychological Control: Restricting access to money, isolating from social networks, or using intimidation.
Trends and Statistics
- Global Picture: According to UN Women, nearly 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner.
- In 2023 alone, over 51,000 women and girls were killed by family members or partners—an average of 140 deaths per day.
- Indian Scenario:
- NCRB Data (Crime in India Report): 507 cases registered under PWDVA in 2021. 468 cases registered in 2022.
- NFHS-5 (2019–2021): 29.3% of ever-married women aged 18–49 years reported spousal violence. It is a reduction from 31.2% in NFHS-4 (2015–2016).
Key Reasons for Domestic Violence
- Patriarchal Norms & Gender Inequality: Deep-rooted patriarchal traditions view women as subordinate to men.
- Cultural acceptance of male dominance perpetuates violence.
- Dowry-Related Conflicts: Persistent dowry demands often escalate into harassment and violence.
- Linked with economic control and status assertion.
- Economic Dependence & Poverty: Women’s financial dependence reduces ability to leave abusive relationships.
- Poverty and unemployment increase household stress and violence.
- Weak Legal & Institutional Support: Delayed justice delivery, lack of shelters, and weak enforcement etc discourage reporting.
- Cultural Silence & Social Stigma: Fear of dishonor, family reputation, and victim-blaming silence survivors.
- Many cases remain unreported, reinforcing the cycle of abuse.
- Intergenerational Cycle of Violence: Children witnessing violence normalize abusive behavior in adulthood.
Global Efforts to Combat Domestic Violence
- UNiTE Campaign by UN Women: The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” is an annual global campaign running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
- Spotlight Initiative: It has helped enhance or adopt over 550 laws and policies worldwide to address violence against women.
- It has provided essential services to over 3 million women, including education, legal aid, and psychosocial support.
- More than 95% of institutional mechanisms for domestic and intimate partner violence were established after the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action 1995.
India’s Efforts to Address Domestic Violence
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: It was enacted to safeguard the fundamental rights of women under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution of India.
- It provides a civil law remedy to protect women from domestic violence and prevent its recurrence in society.
- Section 18: Protection Order in each district to assist Magistrates, report complaints, and facilitate legal remedies such as protection orders and residence orders.
- Section 19: Residence Order for residing at Matrimonial House;
- Section 20: Monetary Orders which includes maintenance for herself and her Children;
- Section 21: Temporary Custody of Children;
- Section 22: Compensation order for the damages caused to her.
- Mission Shakti & One Stop Centres (OSCs): These provide integrated support—medical aid, legal assistance, shelter, and counseling—to women in distress across India.
- 802 centres are functional nationwide.
- Assisted 10.80 lakh women till 31st January 2025.
- Emergency Response Systems:
- ERSS-112: A nationwide emergency helpline for women, integrated with police dispatch systems.
- Women Helpline 181: Operational in 35 states/UTs, handling over 2.10 crore calls and assisting more than 84 lakh women.
- Women Help Desks: 14,658 desks set up across police stations, with 13,743 led by women officers.
- Women Helpline (WHL-181) – Integrated with ERSS in 35 States/UTs.
- Assisted 84.43 lakh women through 2.10 crore+ calls.
- National Dashboard: Developed by C-DAC to track helpline calls and categorize domestic violence cases in real time.
- Stree Manoraksha Project: NIMHANS provides psycho-social counselling training for OSC staff.
- Role of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): DBT schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana provide direct cash transfers, LPG connections, and maternity benefits.
- Financial independence reduces women’s vulnerability to economic abuse — a common form of domestic violence.
Implementation Challenges
- Underreporting: Social stigma and fear of retaliation prevent many women from speaking out.
- Lack of dedicated personnel: Many states assign protection officer duties to existing officials, limiting their effectiveness.
- Limited awareness: Many women are unaware of their rights under the Act or how to access support services.
Way Forward
- Education and Awareness: Teaching consent, respect, and gender equality from a young age;
- Stronger Enforcement: Dedicated protection officers and fast-track courts;
- Community Support: Safe shelters, helplines, and survivor networks;
- Men as Allies: Engaging boys and men in prevention efforts.