by Faheem ul Islam
Kashmir’s institutional response to domestic violence must be strengthened. Law enforcement agencies require training to handle cases sensitively and urgently.
Domestic violence assumes a distinct form in Kashmir, veiled behind the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The grim reality of countless women suffering physical, emotional and psychological abuse remains concealed.
Behind closed doors, women’s stories are frequently suppressed by societal expectations prioritizing family honour over individual dignity. This pressing issue demands urgent attention and action.
The roots of domestic violence in Kashmir run deep, embedded within the region’s patriarchal social fabric. Centuries of societal structure have relegated women to subordinate roles, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Cultural narratives emphasizing endurance and sacrifice for family cohesion perpetuate this behaviour. Even in severe cases, victims face pressure to remain silent, fearing stigma and ostracization. This culture of silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse, entrapping generations.
The protracted conflict in Kashmir has drastically exacerbated domestic violence. Decades of militarization and political instability have inflicted immense psychological stress on individuals and families, eroding household cohesion.
Prolonged exposure to violence and economic uncertainty have taken a devastating toll. Men, struggling with unemployment and societal pressures, often unleash their frustrations within their homes. This toxic mix of external conflict and internal oppression has made domestic violence an alarming byproduct of the region’s turmoil.
The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified the crisis. Lockdowns trapped victims with their abusers, prompting a surge in distress calls to local NGOs and helplines. Financial insecurity, fuelled by job losses and economic downturns, heightened household tensions, manifesting as physical and verbal abuse.
Support services were severely limited during the pandemic, leaving countless women without recourse, and intensifying their vulnerability.
Inadequate institutional support exacerbates domestic violence in Kashmir. Despite the 2019 extension of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) to Jammu and Kashmir, implementation falls short. Victims often remain unaware of their rights or hesitate to engage with a justice system perceived as unresponsive and biased.
Police officers, typically the first point of contact, frequently lack training to handle cases sensitively. This discourages women from seeking legal recourse. Moreover, insufficient shelters and counselling services force victims to remain in abusive environments.
Domestic violence has devastating ripple effects on the broader community. Children growing up in abusive households often suffer long-term psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression and behavioural disorders. This perpetuates the cycle of violence, as they become perpetrators or victims in adulthood.
The mental health toll on women is significant, with chronic anxiety, PTSD and suicidal ideation prevalent among survivors. Kashmir’s already strained mental health services exacerbate the crisis.
Amidst Kashmir’s domestic violence crisis, grassroots initiatives offer hope. Local NGOs like the Women’s Rights Trust and Kashmir Women’s Collective provide crucial support, filling gaps left by state institutions. Their services include counselling, legal aid and safe spaces.
Religious leaders are also addressing domestic violence, leveraging their influence to challenge harmful cultural norms and promote gender equality. Though nascent, these efforts indicate growing recognition and willingness to confront the issue.
Tackling domestic violence requires addressing root causes alongside immediate victim support. Education is pivotal in dismantling patriarchal norms. Incorporating gender equality and respectful relationship education into school curricula can instil these values in future generations.
Community-led public awareness campaigns, supported by religious scholars, can combat stigma and encourage victims to seek help.
Kashmir’s institutional response to domestic violence must be strengthened. Law enforcement agencies require training to handle cases sensitively and urgently. Dedicated fast-track courts can ensure swift justice, while additional shelters and support centres provide safe spaces for victims.
Economic empowerment is vital. Financial independence enables women to escape abusive relationships. Vocational training programs and microfinance initiatives, particularly in rural areas, can foster self-sufficiency.
Domestic violence in Kashmir demands collective action. Policymakers, law enforcement, community leaders and individuals must unite to address systemic inequalities and cultural attitudes perpetuating abuse. Breaking the cycle requires tackling immediate symptoms and underlying causes.
For too long, domestic violence has been relegated to the shadows. It is time to bring it into the light.
The fight against domestic violence extends beyond protection; it seeks a society where every individual lives with dignity, free from fear and oppression. Mahatma Gandhi’s words resonate sharply: “The measure of a civilization is how it treats its women.” Kashmir has a long way to go, but collective action can forge a safer, more equitable future. It begins with breaking the silence, one voice at a time.
(The author, from Achan, Pulwama, holds a Master’s degree in International Politics from Aligarh Muslim University. Ideas are personal)
