Question

Write short note.

Causes of domestic violence

Answer 1

The causes of domestic violence are as follows:

1. Patriarchy: Indian society is largely patriarchal, i.e., there is a huge imbalance of power between men and others. There is unwritten acceptance of male authority. The status of women is gradually improving but the status of transgenders and children is even lower.
2. Insecurity: Insecurity of one partner, especially of men can lead to feelings of suspicion, threat to one’s ego, one’s authority, notions of infidelity etc. These reasons are enough to cause violence.
3. Dysfunctional relationships: Various factors are responsible for strains in a relationship between spouses or different family members. It could include personal insecurities, suspicion, age differences, cultural differences and incompatibility. These can trigger snide remarks, bickering, labelling, verbal spats and physical assault.
4. Traditional and religious outlook: Traditional mind-sets, especially in institutions like marriage, family, religion, stipulate the supremacy of men over women. In such scenario, gender socialisation trains the younger generation to conform to the social expectations based on sex, age, experience, authority etc. Such an outlook has the danger of ‘normalising’ violence within the home.
5. Heteronormativity: Non-conformity to heterosexist expectations is usually discouraged in patriarchal families. The control exerted by adults on younger ones during their puberty to adulthood, becomes increasingly rigid. There are numerous instances of gender discrimination against women, transgenders and gender non-conforming family members. 
6. Vulnerability: People who are vulnerable are often the youth, women, disabled, elderly and dependents. Their vulnerability caused by economic reasons or lack of power and control, can lead them to be trapped in the loop of constant exploitation.