Domestic Violence in India

Domestic Violence can be described as when one adult in a relationship misuses power to control another. It is the establishment of control and fear in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse. The violence may involve physical abuse, sexual assault and threats. Sometimes it’s more subtle, like making someone feel worthless, not letting them have any money, or not allowing them to leave the home. Social isolation and emotional abuse can have long-lasting effects as well as physical violence.

Domestic Violence isn't just hitting, or fighting, or an occasional argument. It's an abuse of power. The abuser tortures and controls the victim by calculated threats, intimidation, and physical violence. . Although both men and women can be abused, in most cases, the victims are women. Children in homes where there is domestic violence are also abused or neglected. Although the woman is usually the primary target, violence is sometimes directed toward children, and sometimes toward family members and friends.

Many women in India are the victims of domestic abuse. Domestic violence is a CRIME and you must seek help.

Forms of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can take many forms and variations and can happen once in a while or all at the same time. Domestic violence can be Psychological Abuse, Social Abuse, Financial Abuse, Physical Assault or Sexual Assault. Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault or injury (hitting, beating, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse ( forced sexual activity), or stalking.



Common Forms of violence against Indian women include:

Female feticide (selective abortion based on the fetus gender or sex selection of child), Domestic violence, Dowry death or harassment , Mental and physical torture, Sexual trafficking, and Public humiliation.



How children can get affected by domestic violence at home:


1) Children can themselves get physically abused or hurt.

2) Witnessing violence actions can be mentally damaging

Children often try to intervene to protect the adult victim, which puts them in a dangerous situation

Children can copy the violent behavior they witness, both as children and as adults

They may develop stress-related problems in health

They can loose self- confidence, be afraid/angry, and blame themselves for what is happening or feel guilty.

If you are being abused, REMEMBER

You are not alone

It is not your fault

Help is available.

Trust in the Goodness of God & Seek help !



STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE !

domestic violence NGOs India

Sakshi, Delhi. A Violence Intervention for Women and Children -- works on sexual harassment, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and domestic violence. Focuses on equality education for judges, implementation of the 1997 Supreme Court Sexual Harassment Guidelines, outreach and education. B-67 South Extension Part-1, First Floor, New Delhi-110065. Tel: 4643946/4623295

Women's Rights Initiative runs a pro bono legal aid cell for domestic violence cases and are also associated with law reforms in the area of domestic violence. 63 / 2, First floor, Masjid road, Jungpura, New Delhi. Ph: 4316925 / 4313904 / 432101.

Majlis, Bombay. (Flavia, Veena or Saumya) - 618 0394

Swaadhar, Bombay. (Jyoi Kelkar) - 872 0638

Vimochana, 2124 16th B Main 1-A Cross, HAL IInd Stage, Bangalore 560038. Phone: (city code = 80) 526 9307. Deals with many women's issues from domestic violence to labour issues. Activities range from counselling, service provision, education and outreach, mobilizing and organizing, activism.

Anweshi Women's Counselling Centre, near YWCA, Cannanore Road, Kozhikode 673 001. Run a counselling, mediation and resource center for women facing any kind of abusive situation. If writing to them, please enclose a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.

Sachetna, 31, Mahairban Road, Calcutta.

Socio-Legal Aid Research and Training Center, P-112 Lake Terrace, Calcutta.

Pragatisheel Mahila Manch, 11 N. Ho Chi Minh Road, Sarania, Behala, Calcutta 700 061.

Swayam, 11 Balu Hakkak Lane, Calcutta 70017. Phone: 2803429; 2803688.