Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Violence against women (VAW) is a pervasive global issue, defined by the United Nations as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. Historically, patriarchal social structures have normalized VAW, but recent socio-economic and technological shifts have contributed to its increased incidence and evolving forms. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) reveals that nearly one-third of women aged 15-49 have experienced spousal violence, highlighting the scale of the problem in India. This answer will explore the social changes driving this increase, the emerging forms of violence, and suggest measures to address this critical issue.
Social Changes Contributing to Increased Violence Against Women
Several interconnected social changes have contributed to the rise in VAW:
- Patriarchal Norms & Socialization: Deeply ingrained patriarchal norms continue to dictate gender roles, reinforcing power imbalances and justifying violence as a means of control. Traditional socialization processes perpetuate these norms, shaping attitudes and behaviors.
- Economic Disempowerment: Limited economic opportunities for women increase their dependence on men, making them vulnerable to abuse. Lack of financial independence restricts their ability to leave abusive relationships.
- Breakdown of Joint Family System: While offering some protection in the past, the decline of the joint family system has reduced social support networks for women, increasing their isolation and vulnerability.
- Increased Access to Alcohol & Substance Abuse: Substance abuse, particularly among men, is often linked to increased aggression and violence against women.
- Globalization & Media Influence: Exposure to Western media portraying unrealistic beauty standards and objectification of women can contribute to harmful attitudes and behaviors.
- Migration & Urbanization: Migration and urbanization can disrupt traditional social structures and increase anonymity, potentially leading to increased violence.
- Caste & Class Dynamics: VAW is often exacerbated by caste and class inequalities, with marginalized women facing disproportionately higher risks.
Emerging Forms of Violence Against Women
While physical and sexual violence remain prevalent, new forms of VAW are emerging, often facilitated by technology:
- Cyber Violence: This includes online harassment, stalking, doxxing (revealing personal information), revenge porn, and cyberbullying. The Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008, addresses some aspects of cybercrime, but enforcement remains a challenge.
- Economic Abuse: Controlling a woman’s access to financial resources, preventing her from working, or sabotaging her career. This form of abuse is often subtle but can be devastating.
- Digital Domestic Violence: Using technology to monitor, control, or harass a partner, including tracking their location, accessing their accounts, or spreading false information about them.
- ‘Gaslighting’: A form of psychological manipulation where an abuser attempts to make a victim question their own sanity and perception of reality.
- Marital Rape (still not explicitly criminalized in India): Though recognized as a form of violence, it lacks specific legal recognition in the Indian Penal Code, hindering prosecution.
- Violence against Women in Conflict Zones: Sexual violence is increasingly used as a weapon of war, targeting women and girls.
Measures to Contain Violence Against Women
A comprehensive approach is needed to address VAW, encompassing prevention, protection, and prosecution:
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks:
- Criminalizing marital rape and ensuring its effective prosecution.
- Amending existing laws (like the IPC, Dowry Prohibition Act, Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act) to address emerging forms of violence.
- Fast-tracking cases of VAW through dedicated fast-track courts.
- Enhancing Protection Mechanisms:
- Expanding the network of One-Stop Centres (OSCs) providing integrated support services to survivors.
- Strengthening helplines and crisis intervention services.
- Providing safe shelters and rehabilitation programs for survivors.
- Promoting Prevention through Education & Awareness:
- Integrating gender equality and respectful relationships into school curricula.
- Conducting public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful social norms and stereotypes.
- Engaging men and boys in efforts to prevent VAW.
- Economic Empowerment of Women:
- Promoting women’s access to education, skills training, and employment opportunities.
- Providing financial assistance and support to women entrepreneurs.
- Ensuring equal pay for equal work.
- Improving Data Collection & Research:
- Investing in research to understand the prevalence, causes, and consequences of VAW.
- Improving data collection mechanisms to accurately track incidents of VAW.
- Strengthening Law Enforcement & Judicial Capacity:
- Providing training to police officers and judges on gender sensitivity and VAW.
- Ensuring accountability for perpetrators of VAW.
Conclusion
Violence against women is a complex social problem rooted in deeply ingrained patriarchal structures and exacerbated by evolving socio-economic realities. Addressing this issue requires a holistic and multi-pronged approach encompassing legal reforms, enhanced protection mechanisms, preventative education, economic empowerment, and improved data collection. A sustained commitment from the government, civil society, and individuals is crucial to create a society where women can live free from fear and violence. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme, while focused on sex ratio, can be expanded to include comprehensive VAW prevention programs.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.