NCJ Number
203425
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2004 Pages: 94-118
Date Published
January 2004
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A discussion of domestic violence in India highlights the influence of patriarchy as a factor in both the cause of and the legal system's response to domestic assault; ways in which the situation can be changed are discussed.
Abstract
Men's exalted position in Indian society is measured by the subservient role of women. Gender social roles are structured to ensure that women serve men with efficiency, devotion, silence, subjugation, and tolerance. Such gender roles are promulgated even through religion and mythology; Sita and Savitri, mythological Hindu figures, are role models of chastity and devotion to their husbands. Government statements and India's legal system reflect India's patriarchal values in failing to address the severity and root causes of domestic violence in India. This paper identifies ways in which a recent parliamentary act pertinent to domestic violence continues to reflect the overarching patriarchal ideology in India, as domestic violence is not recognized as a crime, an issue of abuse, or an act that involves cultural oppression of women. Domestic assault and abuse continues to be viewed, even in the highest legislative body, as an internal family issue that should be resolved by the concerned parties in order to maintain family harmony and dignity. The emphasis for police, lawyers, and counselors whose services are sought for intervention in domestic violence is toward reconciliation and preservation of the ideal family. One section of this paper discusses manifestations of domestic violence under the practice of dowry, whereby the bride's family gives the groom's family a valuable gift. If the gift is inadequate, this becomes grounds for the husband to abuse his new wife. Any significant reform that will reduce domestic violence in India must focus on the cultural values that perpetuate patriarchal gender roles. India's women's movement and the progressive Lawyers Collective have a long-term challenge that involves upgrading the rights and status of women to be equal to men. The implications of this concept must then be woven into the legal and family institutions of Indian society before domestic violence can be effectively addressed. 6 notes and 23 references