Gender Based Violence in India: Causes, Patterns and Prevention

Abstract

Violence against people or groups of individuals based on their gender is referred to as gender-based violence to differentiate it from another forms of assault committed by both people and groups. Acts that cause or are likely to cause bodily, sexual, or psychological injury are included. Moreover, Violence against women includes coercion, random absence of liberty, and the risk of like acts. Such violence against women may be committed by state agents, within the household, or inside groups during “peace times” and conflict. Family members, friends, strangers, or intimate partners-including spouses-may commit it. Among the many common and socially acceptable kinds of assault in the world is probably gender-based violence. This problem is pervasive and enduring in India, and it is closely related to patriarchy and its fundamental presumption that males possess the right and ability to harm women. It is rooted in belief that females are less valuable than male and is associated with both the patriarchal system and masculinity, according to which a “real man” is someone who abuses women. The Indian Constitution’s guarantees of women’s fundamental rights and human rights are severely hampered by gender-based violence. Gender-based violence is a grave human rights violation and a severe health and safety concern. People who escape their homes are frequently more vulnerable to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, including forced prostitution, rape, and sexual assault. Even though anyone can become a victim of violence due to their gender or sex, women and girls are particularly vulnerable. According to estimates, one in three women will be the victim of physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. Public or private sexual, physical, psychological, and financial abuse are all examples of gender-based violence. Threats of violence, coercion, and manipulation are also included. Intimate relationship violence, sexual assault, marriage of children, modification of women genitalia, and so- called “honour crimes” are just a few examples of the various ways this can manifest. The nature and causes of assault against women in India are examined in this essay. India has a widespread and severe problem with gender-based violence, where female experience many types of harassment, discrimination, and assault in public and household settings. Prevalence of violence against women is still a major problem in the nation despite the implementation of numerous laws and programs. The prevalence of assault against female is among the highest in India. The information from NCRB annual report, India has seen a startling increase in crimes against women. A startling rise from 2021 and 2020 is revealed by the data, with 4,45,256 incidents reported in 2022 alone- nearly 51 FIRs each hour. According to data from the NCRB’s annual crime report, “Crime in India 2022,” the number of crimes committed against female per lakh people was 66.4, while the list of charges in these cases was 75.8. India must give gender-based violence top priority and endeavour to provide a secure atmosphere for women. India cannot successfully address the problem of violence against women and protect women’s rights and dignity unless it takes coordinated action and persistent efforts. The Indian Constitution grants women equality and empowers the State to enact anti-discrimination laws that will assist women in overcoming their historical disadvantages in politics, education, and the economy. The government is creating new institutional structures including all-female police stations and national and state commissions for women, as well as reinforcing the current laws through evaluation and revisions when necessary. The literature review of theoretical viewpoints on gender- based violence, the nature and causes of gender-based violence in India, patterns of gender-based violence in India, and preventative strategy is the foundation of this work.