DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE
A brief Analysis

Submitted by

Hafsa Noreen

Registration No: 23-NTU-DD-1628

Department: BTD-1

Date: 2 November,2023
Introduction:
Domestic violence is a silent storm that rages within the walls of our homes, shrouded in secrecy and shame.
This issue, often hidden from public view, tears at the very fabric of our society, leaving scars that may never
fully heal. Behind closed doors, it perpetuates a cycle of suffering, leaving both victims and their
perpetrators trapped in a web of fear and control. Recognizing this issue’s uniqueness lies in its ability to
thrive in darkness, making it all the more essential to shed light on this critical social problem.

Definition:

Domestic violence also called as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence is defined as:

“A pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to

gain or maintain power and control over an intimate

partner.”

Examples:

Domestic abuse involves hurting or trying to hurt a partner by hitting, burning, grabbing, slapping and
denying medical care, etc.

Types of Domestic Violence:

There are different types of domestic violence against women. Basically some types of violence are abused
women mostly.

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Physical Abuse: Intentionally physically abusing a woman by hand or weapons.

For Example: Physical Restraint, Burning, Pulling hair, Slapping, Scratching etc.

Sexual Abuse: Forceful sexual behaviour or touching a woman without permission.

For Example: Raped by relatives, showing pornography etc.

Psychological Abuse: Emotional blackmail or abuse of women in various ways.

For Example: Verbal aggression, intimidation, manipulation, humiliation etc.

Economic Abuse: Pressuring women to bring money from their homes. For

Example: Forced to pay dowry

Causes of Domestic Violence:

The causes of domestic violence in Pakistani society are multifaceted and include:

Patriarchal norms: Deeply ingrained patriarchal norms that grant men power and control over women and
children.

Gender Inequality: Gender disparities and limited rights for women, making them vulnerable to abuse.

Cultural Beliefs: Traditional beliefs that may justify or normalize violence within families.

Lack of education: Limited access to education can result in ignorance about women’s rights.

Economic Stress: Financial strains and unemployment can lead to tension and violence within households.

Legal Weakness: Weak enforcement of laws and inadequate protection for victims.

Social Silence: A culture of silence that discourages open discussion of domestic violence issues.
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Statistics of Domestic Violence in Pakistan:

• The United Nations study found that a significant percentage of married women in Pakistan,
specifically 50%, have experienced sexual violence, and a staggering 90% have been psychologically
abused.
• Other research corroborates these high rates of domestic violence, particularly in rural areas and
among Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
• For instance, a survey in a rural health centre revealed that 65% of women of reproductive age had
experienced domestic violence. Notably, Afghan refugees face challenges in accessing support
services and are often excluded from official statistics
• From January 1 to April 30, 2023, a total of 10,365 cases of violence against women were reported to
the police, while 1,768 cases of violence against children were also registered. 5,551 women were
also kidnapped across the Punjab during the same period.

This underscores the prevalence of violence against women in Pakistan, but obtaining accurate statistics
for this population remains a challenge.

Effects of domestic Violence:

Here are the main effects of domestic violence in Pakistan:

Physical and Psychological Trauma: Victims endure physical injuries and long-lasting psychological
trauma, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.

Health Consequences: Domestic violence results in health issues like injuries, chronic pain, gynaecological
problems, and an increased risk of infections.

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Impact on Children: Children exposed to domestic violence may suffer from emotional and behavioural
problems that affect their well-being and development.

Economic Consequences: Survivors often face financial hardships due to medical expenses and loss of
income.

Social Isolation: Victims may become isolated from support networks due to fear and shame.

Long-term Impact: The effects of domestic violence can be long-lasting, impacting victims’ mental and
emotional well-being for years, even after they escape the abusive situation.

Governmental Initiatives to tackle Domestic Violence:

The government of Pakistan is doing several things to stop domestic violence. They made laws like the
Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2021. They also use protection orders to keep victims
safe. There are places and hotlines to help victims. They teach the police about this issue and tell people
through campaigns. Schools now teach about healthy relationships. They work with groups that help victims
and do research. Pakistan also agrees to international rules to protect people from domestic violence. These
steps are meant to make sure people are safe and supported in Pakistan.

Recommendations to Address Domestic Violence in Pakistan:

Addressing domestic violence in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some
recommendations:

Legal Reforms: Legal Reforms Strengthen and enforce laws against domestic violence, ensuring that
perpetrators are held accountable and victims are protected.

Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about the
consequences of domestic violence, available resources, and how to report abuse.

Support Services: Establish and fund shelters, counselling services, and hotlines to provide immediate
assistance and refuge for victims.
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Community Involvement: Engage local communities in anti-domestic violence initiatives, encouraging
them to support survivors and report abuse.

Educational Programs: Integrate awareness about healthy relationships and gender equality into school
curricula to help change cultural norms.

Police Training: Train law enforcement to handle domestic violence cases sensitively and effectively,
ensuring victims receive proper support.

Economic Empowerment: Support economic empowerment programs for survivors, helping them gain
financial independence.

Legal Aid: Provide free or low-cost legal aid to victims to help them navigate the legal system.

Data Collection and Research: Improve data collection and research efforts to better understand the
prevalence and nature of domestic violence in Pakistan.

Crisis Intervention Teams: Establish specialized police units or crisis intervention teams to respond to
domestic violence cases promptly.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

Since 1981, October has been recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
with the goal of educating communities, individuals, and families about advocacy services
and community resources that can help prevent and raise awareness of domestic violence.

A purple ribbon is used to promote

awareness of domestic violence.

Conclusion:

Domestic violence, a pervasive issue, disrupts the lives of countless individuals and
communities. This problem transcends borders, impacting people from diverse backgrounds.
To combat it effectively, we must unite in our commitment to legal reforms, education,
awareness, and support networks. Together, we can foster a society where domestic violence
is vehemently rejected, and survivors can access the help and safety they deserve to rebuild
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their lives. It is through our collective efforts that we can hope to eliminate this blight and
promote healthier, more equitable relationships.

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