Protection of Women from Domestic Violence

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006 has come into effect. This law is expected to provide women- wives, mother, mother-in-law, sisters, daughters, and even adopted daughter- protection against physical, verbal and sexual abuse and the right to shelter and economic freedom.

This is a laudable effort, no doubt, to curb atrocities on women. But the question here is “ how effectively would it be implemented?”

I may sound pessimistic, but my pessimism is based on my experience and from my avid interest in NEWS. There are laws to protect women from the dowry demands, from Sati, etc.., yet, scores of women have been slaughtered on one pretext or another. Where were our law keepers then? Rape cases goes on for years and it takes a long time to pass the verdict.

I feel that these legislations are mere lollies dolled out to the women fraternity. No amount of legislation will put an end to these evils. Well, I don’t mean to ridicule this legislation. This piece of legislation, like any other legislation, can only be enforced when there are honest, serious and committed enforcement officers.

Now, this is another thought that stuck me: How many Indian women would truly, speak up about her pain and trauma, and that to to an enforcement officer. Indian women are glamorized as paragon of patience and virtue in the media; they would rather tolerate than lodge a formal complaint. Most women have been tutored, right from childhood, the concept of “grin and bear”. If at all they decide to speak up, they would probably take their problems to family and friend. What happens then- they are sent right back after being pacified and made to believe that “she is not the only one going through such problems- every woman experiences the same… have patience..”

The need for the hour is not more legislations but to ensure that each girl child gets proper education; the need for the hour is total transformation of the pseudo societal thought or mindset; the need for the hour is ensuring financial empowerment. Financial empowerment will automatically ensure security and generate confidence, not to forget, social recognition.

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