Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Violence against women is a pervasive global issue, and its escalation in the public domain is a matter of grave concern. The ‘public domain’ encompasses all spaces accessible to the general public – streets, transport systems, workplaces, educational institutions, and recreational areas. ‘Violence against women’ is defined by the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) 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. Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a consistent rise in reported crimes against women, indicating a worrying trend that necessitates a deeper sociological analysis of the underlying causes.
Socio-Cultural Factors
These are deeply ingrained societal norms and beliefs that perpetuate gender inequality and justify violence.
- Patriarchal Norms: A deeply entrenched patriarchal system normalizes male dominance and control over women, leading to attitudes that condone violence as a means of asserting power.
- Socialization Processes: From childhood, gender roles are often rigidly defined, reinforcing stereotypes that portray women as subordinate and vulnerable. This impacts both perpetrators and victims.
- Victim Blaming: A common societal response often shifts the blame onto the victim, questioning their behavior or attire, rather than holding the perpetrator accountable.
- Honor Killings & Khap Panchayats: In certain regions, particularly in North India, archaic practices like honor killings and the influence of Khap Panchayats contribute to violence against women who are perceived to have transgressed social norms.
Economic Factors
Economic vulnerabilities often exacerbate the risk of violence against women.
- Economic Dependence: Women’s economic dependence on men can make it difficult for them to leave abusive relationships or report violence.
- Poverty & Marginalization: Poverty increases vulnerability to all forms of violence, including sexual exploitation and trafficking.
- Lack of Employment Opportunities: Limited access to education and employment restricts women’s economic independence and agency.
- Globalization & Informal Sector: The expansion of the informal sector often leads to precarious employment conditions for women, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.
Political & Legal Factors
Weak legal frameworks, inadequate enforcement, and political apathy contribute to the escalation of violence.
- Delayed Justice: Prolonged legal proceedings and low conviction rates in cases of violence against women create a sense of impunity for perpetrators.
- Inadequate Implementation of Laws: Despite the existence of laws like the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, their implementation remains weak.
- Lack of Political Will: Insufficient political commitment to addressing gender-based violence hinders the allocation of resources and the development of effective policies.
- Criminal Justice System Bias: Subtle biases within the criminal justice system can lead to the underreporting and inadequate investigation of crimes against women.
Psychological Factors
These relate to the mental and emotional states of both perpetrators and victims.
- Perpetrator’s Psychological Issues: Perpetrators may have underlying psychological issues, such as anger management problems, personality disorders, or a history of trauma.
- Learned Behavior: Exposure to violence in childhood or witnessing domestic violence can normalize aggressive behavior and increase the risk of perpetration.
- Victim’s Trauma & Fear: The trauma experienced by victims can lead to feelings of helplessness, fear, and shame, making it difficult for them to seek help or report the violence.
- Normalization of Violence in Media: The portrayal of violence against women in media can desensitize individuals and contribute to the normalization of such behavior.
| Factor | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Socio-Cultural | Deeply rooted patriarchal norms and victim blaming. | Dowry-related violence in India. |
| Economic | Women’s economic dependence and lack of opportunities. | Trafficking of women for forced labor and sexual exploitation. |
| Political/Legal | Weak enforcement of laws and delayed justice. | Nirbhaya case (2012) highlighting delays in the judicial process. |
| Psychological | Perpetrator’s anger management issues and victim’s trauma. | Domestic violence escalating due to perpetrator’s substance abuse. |
Conclusion
The escalation of violence against women in the public domain is a complex issue rooted in a confluence of socio-cultural, economic, political, and psychological factors. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach that challenges patriarchal norms, empowers women economically, strengthens legal frameworks, ensures effective enforcement, and provides comprehensive support services for victims. A sustained commitment to gender equality and social justice is crucial to creating a safe and equitable public space for all women. Further research and data collection are needed to understand the evolving nature of this violence and to develop targeted interventions.
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.