Domestic Violence- A Crying Call for Change

ABSTRACT

Domestic violence or intimate partner violence, can be defined as a pattern of behaviors which could be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate weaker partner that influence another person. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or socioeconomic background and education levels. It can occur within a range of relationships and not just those who live with us in our homes. These incidents are seldom isolated and escalate in frequency and severity if not opposed initial stage itself and may harm physically as well as emotionally and at times even endangers lives. Statistics for this is grave be it our country be it abroad and it became more grim covid times when staying home was not always safe. There are various factors involved from genesis to the maintainence of this menace medicolegal aspects and many more. Multidisciplinary approach for awareness that one needs to seek help, that one is not alone and various measures for curbing this grave issue is required at all levels. Domestic violence is the outcome of cumulative irresponsible behaviour which a section of society demonstrates. It is also important to note that solely the abuser is not just responsible but also those who allow this to happen and act as mere mute spectators. In this era of rights-based mental health services, such 'hidden shades' of mental wellbeing form potent challenges, which face unique conditions of demographics, prevalence of mental disorders and awareness related to this grave issue of domestic violence. Human rights are universal and are vital for promoting mental health and dignity. With this premise, this symposium intends to unfold the various factors involved and highlight the intersections of Domestic volence and approaches required to bring about and discuss strategies to curb it in light of the lessons learnt from experiences across the globe.