Visible and Invisible Bruises: Curbing Domestic Violence for Empowerment of Society

Addressing the root causes and promoting policies for the prevention of gender-based violence

Abstract

Gender based violence has emerged as a global issue threatening rights and dignity of women. Violence against women has serious socio-economic and health related consequences. Gender based violence not only leads to decreased efficiency, productivity but also affects women's physical and mental health, their sexual and reproductive health, self-esteem, ability to work and make decisions about their fertility. Violence can have far reaching mental health consequences - post traumatic stress disorders, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, multiple personality disorders and sexual dysfunctions (rigidity and phobia about sex). All these problems have their origin at home, family culture and family value system. I strongly feel solutions to all the above mentioned problems lies with us ,our values which we inculcate in our children ,moral aptitude of the parents and the family atmosphere where a child learn to behave and respect. Legislation comes later first we have to imbibe the right moral values Then only we can expect enforcement of legal provisions by government officials, police and judiciary The government officials-state and central, police and judiciary should be given periodic sensitisation and awareness training on issues related to Protection of Women through Domestic Violence Act, 2005.