Domestic Violence Against Women And Its Manifestation in Kerala

Abstract

Domestic violence, that has been taking place in human society
from time immemorial, has been recognised as an issue of social concern.
Specifically it refers to violence within the family against woman perpetrated
by her immediate relatives, especially husband and in-laws. This paper
discusses the various aspects of domestic violence and in doing so the
author uses the empirical data from her study of domestic violence in the
state of Kerala, India. Physical violence perpetrated on women is mainly
in the form of behaviours like hitting, kicking, beating, slapping, threatening
to use weapon and forced sex. The common forms of psychological violence
against women are the behaviour patterns of demeaning, threatening,
abandoning and marital infidelity on the part of husbands or their in-laws.
The major reasons for the occurrence of domestic violence are alcoholism,
extra-marital relations, dowry, suspicion of marital infidelity, financial
constraints, disparity in social status, sexual maladjustment, property
dispute, not attending to household chores, not looking after children and
lack of property. Domestic violence has its consequences at three levels:
personal (of the individual woman victim), family (especially children) and
societal. As a social issue domestic violence needs professional intervention
in the service of the victims. In order to avail of professional help it is
necessary that the victims of domestic violence are made aware of the
agencies and individuals who can assist them.