Assignment

Student name: Sobia Yaseen

Submitted to: Dr.Faheem

Date: 12,May, 2025

University of Swat

Department of Psychological Studies

Topic: “Domestic Violence”

 Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to any form of physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual
abuse perpetrated by a family member or intimate partner.

It affects individuals across all demographics, irrespective of age, gender, or

socioeconomic status.

Causes of Domestic Violence

 Socioeconomic Factors:
o Poverty and illiteracy contribute to the perpetuation of domestic violence.
 Cultural Norms:
o Patriarchal societies often view women as property, leading to sanctioned forms
of violence.
 Substance Abuse:
o Alcohol and drug abuse are significant risk factors for domestic violence.
 Psychological Factors:

Mental health issues and stress can exacerbate violent behavior

Effects of Domestic Violence

 Physical Health:
o Injuries ranging from bruises to more severe trauma.
 Mental Health:
o Increased rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
 Social Impact:
o Isolation, stigma, and disruption of family structures.
 Economic Consequences:
o Loss of employment and increased healthcare costs.

Types of Domestic Violence

 Physical Abuse:
o Hitting, slapping, and other forms of physical harm.
 Emotional/Psychological Abuse:
o Insults, threats, and manipulation.
 Sexual Abuse:
o Coercion or forced sexual acts.
 Economic Abuse:
o Controlling access to financial resources.
  Digital Abuse:

Using technology to harass or control.

 Global Statistics:

Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence from an

intimate partner in their lifetime.

 Countries with High Rates:

o Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan report high instances of domestic violence.
 Countries with Low Rates:
o Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway have lower reported rates, attributed to
strong legal protections and gender equality initiatives.

Domestic Violence in Pakistan:

 Approximately 40% of women in Pakistan experience physical or emotional violence in

their lifetime.

 Underreporting:

 Many cases go unreported due to societal stigma and lack of trust in legal systems.

 Legal Framework:

 The Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act was passed in 2013, but
implementation remains a challenge.
 In 2023, 10,201 cases of domestic violence against women were reported in Punjab,
Pakistan.
 In 2020, a study in Gilgit-Baltistan found that abused women reported lower levels of
mental health and higher levels of psychological distress.

Detailed Statistics on Domestic Violence in Pakistan

 2024 Gender-Based Violence Cases:
o A total of 32,617 cases were reported nationwide, including:
 5,339 incidents of rape
 24,439 incidents of kidnapping/abduction
 2,238 cases of domestic violence
 547 cases of honor killings
o Conviction rates remain critically low across all provinces.
o Punjab:
  1,167 domestic violence cases reported
 Only 3 convictions
o Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):
 446 domestic violence cases reported
 No convictions recorded
o Sindh:
 375 domestic violence cases reported
 No convictions recorded
o Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT):
 22 domestic violence cases reported
 No convictions recorded
o Balochistan:
 Data not specified in the available sources.

Domestic Violence Statistics: Muslim vs. Non-Muslim

Countries
Muslim-Majority Countries

 Afghanistan: Approximately 85% of women report experiencing domestic violence, with 60%
subjected to multiple forms of abuse. Bangladesh: Around 40% of women have experienced
domestic violence from intimate partners; in rural areas, this figure increases to 50
 Egypt: 33% of women have experienced physical domestic violence in their lifetime; 18%
reported such violence in the past 12 months
 Iran: 53% of married women have been subjected to some form of domestic violence in the first
year of marriage
 Pakistan: Over 90% of married women surveyed reported being physically or sexually abused by
their husbands or in-laws.
 Saudi Arabia: Lifetime prevalence of domestic violence is 33.24%; psychological abuse is
reported by 48.47% of women. Turkey: 42% of women have experienced physical or sexual
violence by a partner at some point in their livesNon-Muslim-Majority Countries

 Australia: Approximately 30% of individuals have experienced technology-facilitated abuse, with

women and non-binary individuals disproportionately affected. China: 30% of married women
have experienced domestic violence; however, enforcement of laws is weak
 France: Implemented measures to tackle violence against women, including changes to laws
regarding sexual crimes against minors. United States: Approximately 1 in 4 women have
experienced severe intimate partner violence.
 United Kingdom: Approximately 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
  Higher Prevalence in Muslim-Majority Countries: Studies indicate that domestic violence rates
are generally higher in Muslim-majority countries compared to non-Muslim-majority countries.
 Underreporting and Legal Challenges: In many Muslim-majority countries, cultural norms and
legal frameworks may contribute to underreporting and inadequate legal recourse for victims.
 Variations Within Regions: Prevalence rates can vary significantly within regions, influenced by
factors such as urbanization, education levels, and economic conditions.

Gender Dynamics

 Victimization:
o Women are more frequently victims, but men can also be affected.
 Perpetration:
o Men are more often the perpetrators, influenced by societal norms and power
dynamics.

Strategies to Reduce Domestic Violence

 Legal Reforms:
o Strengthening laws and ensuring their enforcement.
 Education and Awareness:
o Public campaigns to change societal attitudes.
 Support Services:
o Establishing shelters, hotlines, and counseling services.
 Community Engagement:
o Involving community leaders in prevention efforts.
 Economic Empowerment:
o Providing women with access to education and employment opportunities.

Measures Taken by Pakistan to Reduce Domestic Violence

1. Legislative Actions:
o The Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act was passed in
2013 to protect women, children, and vulnerable persons from domestic violence.
o Despite the legislation, implementation remains a challenge due to lack of
awareness and enforcement.
2. Establishment of Support Centers:
o Institutions like Darul Aman, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Human Rights Centres for
Women, and Violence Against Women Centres (VAWC) have been established.
o However, the focus has been more on establishment rather than raising awareness
among women about these facilities. Campaigns like #InkVisible by UN Women
Pakistan aim to raise awareness about domestic violence
Victim Stories:

Emma Murphy, a 26-year-old fitness blogger and mother of two from Dublin, Ireland, made global
headlines in 2015 when she posted a viral Facebook video revealing she was a victim of domestic
violence. In the emotional video, where she appeared with a bruised eye, she explained that her partner
—who is also the father of her children—punched her in the face after she confronted him about
cheating. This incident was the culmination of ongoing physical and emotional abuse, including
manipulation and gaslighting that left her questioning her own reality. After reporting the assault, it took
over two years for her ex-partner to be found guilty, a delay she criticized as a failure of the Irish justice
system. Despite the trauma, Murphy used her experience to become a global advocate for domestic
violence awareness, encouraging others to speak out and challenging society to hold abusers
accountable rather than blaming victims. Her story continues to inspire survivors to find strength and
seek help.

In Kanwal Ahmed's digital talk show Conversations with Kanwal, Adeela, a mother of three from
Pakistan, courageously shared her harrowing experience of enduring a decade of domestic abuse.
Throughout her marriage, she faced both physical and emotional torment, including an incident where
her husband slapped her while she was pregnant. Disturbingly, her mother-in-law dismissed the assault,
suggesting that such behavior was normal among married couples. Adeela's turning point came when
she confided in her father, who supported her decision to leave the abusive relationship. Her story
underscores the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Pakistan and the societal attitudes that often
enable such abuse. The episode aims to spark important conversations and empower other women
facing similar challenges

in another compelling episode of Conversations with Kanwal, a guest named Shama shared her
harrowing experience with online harassment and the profound impact it had on her mental health.
Shama recounted how a former friend created a fake social media account to send her explicit
messages, leading to a terrifying encounter where the individual attempted to assault her. Despite the
trauma, Shama chose not to pursue legal action, seeking instead peace of mind. However, the incident
triggered severe anxiety and panic attacks, causing her to isolate herself from friends and contemplate
suicide. Her story underscores the urgent need for awareness and support systems to address the
psychological toll of online abuse and the importance of fostering open conversations about such issues.

📚 References

 World Health Organization. (2020). Violence against women prevalence estimates.

 Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. (2020). Prevalence and risk factors of domestic
violence in Gilgit-Baltistan.
 The News International. (2024). 2023 saw 10,201 domestic violence cases in Punjab.
 Shaista Khan. (2023). Domestic violence in Pakistan: Challenges and
solutions.pjms.org.pkThe News International+2The News
International+2pakistangendernews.org+2Insights Hub
 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2019486/final-episode-conversations-kanwal-talks-child-
labour?utm_source=chatgpt.com

🔹 Emma Murphy’s Domestic Violence Story

 People Magazine: Emma Murphy raises awareness for domestic violence

 Self Magazine: Fitness blogger takes a bold stand
 Her.ie: Emma Murphy shares her story
 TEDxUNIC: Emma Murphy – Advocate

🔹 Adeela’s Story – Conversations with Kanwal

 Dawn Images: Kanwal Ahmed’s talk show opens with domestic abuse episode

🔹 Shama’s Story – Conversations with Kanwal (Online Harassment)

 Dawn Images (Same source as Adeela’s): Digital talk show by Kanwal Ahmed

🔹 Domestic Violence in Pakistan – Statistics & Reports

 The Express Tribune: Pakistan sees 32,617 gender-based violence cases in 2024
 Geo News: Gender-based violence soars in Pakistan
 The Express Tribune: Domestic violence laws remain words on paper
 The Express Tribune: Alarming rise in violence against women
 The News International: Domestic violence in Punjab – 2023
 Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences: GB domestic violence mental health study

🔹 Muslim vs. Non-Muslim Country Statistics

 Wikipedia: Islam and Domestic Violence

 NationMaster: Violent crime – Domestic violence statistics
 NCBI: Prevalence of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia
 Axios: China domestic violence surge during COVID
 Time Magazine: Violence against women globally