Domestic Violence Against Women: Legal Control and Judicial Response

Domestic violence against women is an age old phenomenon. Women were always considered weak, vulnerable and in a position to be exploited. Violence has long been accepted as something that happens to woman. Family which was perceived as an arena of love, affection, gentleness and centre of solidarity and warmth has now become a centre of exploitation, assault and violence ranging from slapping, hitting, homicidal assault by one member of the family on the other to husbands and in-laws harassment for dowry or for any other reason. Dowry deaths, wife battering, female child abuse, and abuse of elderly female in the family are also included in the domestic violence against women. Among the many manifestations of the violations of the fundamental rights of women, domestic violence is one of the most vicious. It takes place behind closed doors, the very doors which are meant to protect women from the hazards of the outside world. It is nothing short of a form of a custodial violence and must be so recognized. Domestic violence must come out of the closet and be addressed. This study is undertaken with a firm belief that domestic violence against women in India is an issue which has been under addressed in the law. It is an attempt to recognize the existence of domestic violence and pay homage to its many victims. The present book will contribute in the effort to engage in a dialogue on the question of domestic violence against women.