Unmasking Gender-Based Violence: A Multidimensional Exploration of Violence Against Women in Contemporary Society
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/82y5pc33Keywords:
Gender-Based Violence, Violence Against Women, Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, Gender Inequality, Patriarchy, Women’s Rights, Social Justice, Contemporary Society, Victimization, Legal Protection, Psychological Abuse, Economic Abuse, Women’s EmpowermentAbstract
Violence against women is not merely an individual misfortune but a deeply entrenched social phenomenon rooted in patriarchal structures and the systemic subordination of women. It manifests in varied forms—physical assaults, sexual abuse, psychological coercion, economic deprivation, and emotional manipulation—often reinforced by cultural traditions and legitimized through silence. The United Nations (1993) formally recognized gender-based violence as a violation of human rights, acknowledging its pervasive presence in private, public, and state-controlled spheres. Scholars have identified violence within families, communities, and institutions, underscoring its link to both structural inequalities and direct aggression. Feminist perspectives attribute this violence to patriarchal dominance and unequal power relations, while sociological frameworks highlight its perpetuation through social learning and intergenerational transmission. In the Indian context, dowry deaths, domestic abuse, and trafficking exemplify the alarming prevalence of such violence, despite constitutional safeguards and legal reforms. Beyond its immediate harm, violence hinders women’s participation in development, obstructs equality, and imposes heavy social and economic costs. Addressing this issue requires dismantling systemic inequities, enforcing robust legal mechanisms, and fostering cultural transformation. Eradicating violence against women is not just a women’s issue but a prerequisite for achieving justice, equity, and sustainable development in society.
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