“The More that we choose not to talk about domestic violence,the more we shy away from the issue,the more we lose –Russell Wilson
Domestic violence or violence that is expressed using intimate acts is unfortunately as timeless as history.Rape and other sexual exploitation have historically been used to demoralize groups of people across the globe. Domestic violence has significant health and public health consequences.It is one of the most common forms of gender based violence that might be inflicted by members of family or household or by intimate partners who might be former or current romantic or sexual partners. Between 25%-50% of homeless families have lost their homes as a result of intimate partner violence . victims of domestic violence are more likely to experience trouble raising their children and suffer family disruption,as well. Victims of intimate partner violence are vulnerable to developing depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Domestic violence is deeply entrenched and widely prevalent in india . According to a report published in The wire ,The National crime Records bereau (NCRB) 2019 reports that a majority (30.9%) of all the 4.05 lakh cases filed are under section 498A of the IPC.This section deals with the cruelty by husband or his relatives . Moreover these are only the reported cases ,the extent to which domestic violence is underreported in India is massive . The states Bihar, Karnataka and Manipur have reported only less than 8% cases but the actual prevalence of domestic violence is around 40% . Lately J&K has also experienced the surge in domestic violence cases. The survey report, released in 2020,claims that 9.6% of women in the age groups of 18-49 experienced domestic violence in 2019-2020. Around 11% of rural women between the age of 18-49 years have witnessed domestic violence whereas in Urban areas 5.9% women have been victims of this cruelly act in 2019-2020. These are only the reported figures .Now imagine the underreporting! .The state commission for womens was abolished soon after the Article 370, which granted special status to J&K was abrogated. The former head of the J&K women’s commission still receives the complaints from women facing violence . During the covid 19 pandemic the common directive from all is to stay home to stay safe but for several women stay home does not equal to stay safe many are unfortunately trapped with their abusers with nowhere to go. After the imposition of lockdown to control the spread of the pandemic instances of domestic violence have been on a rise across the country. Since the lockdown more than the double complaints than the usual complaints have been filed for domestic violence. Islam’s position on Domestic violence is drwan from the Quran and Ahhadith’s .The Quran and prophetic practice clearly illustrates the relationship between spouses.
The Quran says,the relationship is basen on tranquility, unconditional love, tenderness , protection, encouragement,peace, kindness , comfort , Justice and mercy . Prophet (s.a.w) when asked about the husband’s responsibly towards his wife said,”Give her food when you take food, clothes to her when you wear clothese yourself ,do not revile her face ,and do not beat her “. The Quran says in surah An Nisa (4:19),” O believers treat women with kindness even if you dislike them,it is quite possible that you dislike something which Allah might yet make a source of abundant good . The surge in Domestic violence cases particularly in Kashmir from last couple of months should worry us all. For what happened cannot be changed but we must educate the masses about the rights of women that have been enacted to them by the society and religion. It becomes a responsibility of every parent to educate his/her children about the rights and privileges of women. There is no mindfulness in hurting a woman, physically or psychologically. ‘Abuse thrives in silence’
(Author is an engineering post graduate student from Kulgam Kashmir. Views are his own)
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