INTRODUCTION
The term violence against women encompasses a mess of abuses directed at women and girls over the lifetime. The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (defines violence against women as: “any act of gender-based violence that leads to, or is probably going to end in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring publicly or privately life”.In all regions of the planet, women and girls are subjected to violence due to their gender. Despite the very fact that different social, cultural and political contexts produce to different sorts of violence, its predominance and its models are remarkably constant, and cross national and socioeconomic borders also as cultural identities. Gender features a considerable impact on the shape violence takes, the circumstances during which it occurs, the results, and therefore the availability of legal, medical and social remedies. due to violence, women are deprived – either totally or partially – of the enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Violence against women (VAW) may be a major public ill health within the country. the matter is grossly under-reported. variety of things are blamed for crimes against women.The latter have shaken the very conscience of individuals. Even harsher legislation doesn’t seem to possess made any effect. One wonders how this might be possible during a society heading toward high education, economic and technological development. Media has played a pivotal role by highlighting the matter to the masses. the necessity for the hour is for psychological state professionals to require the challenge and present a comprehensive proposal for definite action to stop all sorts of VAW.The UN prepared documents for the aim of eliminating violence against women and to bring women to an equal status with men. altogether countries, across all cultures, efforts should be made, that UN Declaration is understood and revered.
FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
The Protection of girls from violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 recognizes four sorts of VAW in domestic relationships: Physical, sexual assault emotional or verbal abuse, and economic violence. This categorization is additionally applicable for VAW in other settings.
CURRENT SCENARIO OF INDIA
- The situation in India with reference to Violence against women is alarming. The prevalence figures of India, during the year 2011, as reported by National Crime Records Bureau are: Cruelty by husband and their relatives – 43.4%; molestation – 18.8%;
- The Thomas Reuters Foundation expert poll in 2011, reportedthat India is that the fourth most dangerous country within the world after Afghanistan, Congo, and Pakistan.
- One hundred million people, mostly women and girls, are involved in trafficking in one-way or another, consistent with Madhukar Gupta former Indian Home Secretary.
- 5% of women are married before the age of 18.
- The “Children in India, 2012 – A Statistical Appraisal” study reported that in 2001–2011, the share of youngsters to total population declined; the decline was sharper for female children than male children within the age bracket of 0–6 years.”
- Several settings like reception, workplace, hospitals, jails, governmental and nongovernmental homes for the under privileged, and within the community. It occurs altogether socioeconomic and cultural groups. World Health Organization advocates action plans to be implemented at national level to stop violence as a worldwide campaign.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND INDIAN LEGISLATION
Crimes against women are classified within the Indian legal code (IPC) and special and native laws. Some of the crimes under the IPC are mentioned below:
- Rape (Section 376 IPC): Over the years there has been a trend of accelerating number of cases being reported. 9.2% increase was reported within the year 2011 over the year 2010. Rape cases are divided into two categories: Incest rape and other rapes. Delhi has often been addressed because the rape capital of India.
- Kidnapping and abduction (Section 363-373 IPC): Delhi has shown the very best rate.
- Dowry death (Section 302, 304B IPC) and Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Highest rate has been reported in Bihar.
- Torture (Cruelty by Husband and Relatives of Husband) (Section 498-A IPC): the very best rate was reported in West Bengal.
- Molestation (Section 354 IPC): Madhya Pradesh has reported the very best incident, and Kerala has reported the very best rate.
- Sexual harassment (Section 509 IPC): harassment of girls may be a violation of the elemental right of girls to figure during a safe environment
- Importation of women (Section 366-B IPC).
The gender specific laws that crime statistics is recorded are as follows:
- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- Indecent Representation of girls (Prohibition) Act Sati Prevention Act, 1987
- The Protection of girls against violence Act (2005).
A mixed trend within the incidence of rape has been observed during the periods 2008–2011.
CONCLUSIONS
Violence against women may be a serious violation of women human rights and of direct concern to the general public health sector due to the many contributions that public doctors could do if properly trained, as they’re placed on the brink of the victims, and possibly well familiar with the community and its inhabitants. Thus, local health services and communities could play a central part in raising awareness among the general public to stop this violence. To openly debate this subject may be a thanks to reduce society’s tolerance towards violence against women. There is still limited knowledge about what interventions are best for the prevention of gender based violence, however documentation and evaluation are key elements in building this data and clear definitions are a crucial element during this.An unprecedented number of nations have laws against violence, sexual abuse and other sorts of violence. Challenges remain however in implementing these laws, limiting women and girls’ access to safety and justice. Not enough is completed to stop violence, and when it does occur, it often goes unpunished.An unprecedented number of nations have laws against violence, sexual abuse and other sorts of violence. Challenges remain however in implementing these laws, limiting women and girls’ access to safety and justice.
