“All Violence is the illustration of a pathetic stereotype”. Barbara Kruger.

We  all  have  heard about Domestic Violence and its various forms but nobody really sits and talk about it. Kargil  is a small beautiful town/District in the union territory of Ladakh with a total population of 1.4 lacs people. It is specially known for its beautiful landscapes, Himalayan mountains and beautiful valleys surrounded by simple and content people.

Most of the people have the perspective that instances of violence and crimes do not happen in Kargil but that is a total myth. There are many women victims/survivors of domestic violence in Kargil. While on our field visits, when we do face to face interactions or interview sessions with women from different villages of Kargil what we observed is that 1 out of 3 women are facing domestic violence at their homes or at workplaces. As homes are considered as the safest places anywhere in the world but what it will feel like when the reasons of our fear, mental distress and anxiety is our own home.

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Materials and methods: (OSC reference) The sample of around 30 women approaching the One Stop Centre for women in Kargil is also considered as a part of the study. The interview schedule for assessing patterns of violence was used by the OSC team.

Results: The majority of the respondents 50% were in the age group of 18-28 years, more than 55% are homemakers and the majority stays in joint family structure.

• More than one-fourth reported severe physical violence.  

• 70% victims reported mental or emotional abuse.

• Most of the respondents reported husbands to be perpetrators of violence and few reported domestic  violence by their In-laws also.

• Majority of the women are victims of violence due to their unemployed status, hence are seen as inferior.

Mental Health issues: Domestic violence poses serious mental health and physical health problems to women. Women victims of Violence showed a higher rate of Depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and decreased self esteem.

Government initiatives in preventing Domestic Violence:

SECTION 498A of IPC: The government of India has introduced various laws to prevent domestic abuse against women in recent times , one of which is section 498A of IPC. It protects the victims against the husband or husband’s family members for any abusive act be it mental or physical.

Prevention of Domestic violence act against women 2005: This act provides protection to the wife, widows, mothers or sisters from acts of violence from the hands  of husbands or any other person. This act provides right to residence , maintenance, custody, protection and compensation to the victim.

Other institutions: If anybody is facing such kind of violence  at  anywhere then there are several functional government schemes here in Kargil including One stop centre for women, special cell for women,  District Hub For Empowerment Of Women, Women Helpline etc.  Most of the victims prefer to remain  silent just for the sake of their social image or reputation among friends, neighbors or relatives. But women out there need to take a step forward as there is no shame in seeking help to regain your self worth.

Conclusion:

Importance of education and need  to raise awareness among men: Education has long been recognized as a powerful tool for social change. An educated  and empowered women who knows her rights well are less prone to instances of domestic violence. Here I want to point out that an educated and self dependent women  can also be a victim of domestic violence but majorly can be observed in our society is that most of the victims are either ignorant or school dropout girls. So the need of the hour is to raise awareness  among male counterparts as well who are commonly seen as instigating violence either at homes or at workplaces as this menace can only be fought together. Unless men do not understand the repercussions of such acts or conducts  then these form of violence will continue to happen in our society which needs to be changed. Women need to understand that compromising is never a solution but an example to future generations for remaining silent therefore the fight against Domestic Violence shall never be delayed. One step can change our future perceptions.