Introduction to Domestic Violence
•Definition:
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power and
control over a partner or family member.
•Forms of Abuse:
🔸 Physical
🔸 Emotional / Psychological
🔸 Sexual
🔸 Financial
🔸 Digital
•Key Terms:
➤ Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
➤ Abuse Cycle (Tension – Incident – Reconciliation – Calm)
Why Does Domestic Violence Happen?
• 🔸 Low Self-Esteem
People with low self-worth may struggle to leave abusive relationships or may become perpetrators seeking
control to compensate for their own insecurities.
• 🔸 Mental Health Issues
Conditions like depression, PTSD, or anger management problems can impair judgment, increase aggression,
or lead to dependency in relationships.
• 🔸 Substance Abuse
Drugs and alcohol can lower inhibitions, escalate conflicts, and contribute to both perpetration and victimization
in abusive relationships.
•Societal Factors:
🔸 Gender inequality
🔸 Cultural norms
🔸 Victim-blaming attitudes Economic Factors:
🔸 Poverty
🔸 Financial dependency
Impact of Domestic Violence
• On Victims
🔸 Physical Injuries
Victims often suffer from visible injuries, chronic pain, and long-term health complications.
🔸 Anxiety, PTSD, Depression
can lead mental health issues, including trauma, fear, and hopelessness.
🔸 Isolation
often victims off from friends and family, leaving them feeling alone and powerless.
• On Society
🔸 Healthcare Burden
Treating injuries and mental health issues from abuse strains healthcare systems.
🔸 Lost Productivity
Victims may miss work or unable to maintain jobs due to on going danger.
🔸 Social Instability
Communities affected by widespread domestic violence often face increased crime, poverty, and social
bonds.
Protecting Victims: Laws and Rights
Domestic violence is a serious human rights violation. To address this, both local laws and international frameworks are in
place to protect victims and ensure their access to justice, safety, and support.
🔸 Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Acts
Pakistan does not have a single nationwide domestic violence law, but several provincial laws :
• Sindh: Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2013
• Balochistan: Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2014
• Punjab: Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act, 2016
• Islamabad Capital Territory: Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2020
Victim Rights
🔸 Right to Protection
Victims have the right to safety and security, including police protection, emergency shelter, and court-ordered safeguards.
🔸 Right to Legal Aid and Justice
Victims are entitled to free or affordable legal assistance, fair trials, and access to justice mechanisms
🔸 Right to Dignity
Victims should be treated with compassion and respect. Their privacy and emotional well-being must be protected.
Domestic Violence Around the World
Domestic violence affects millions globally and is shaped by cultural, legal, and societal factors. While it's a universal issue,
how it's perceived and addressed varies widely across countries.
Global Stats
• Pakistan: Approximately 28% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have faced sexual
violence. Alarmingly, 56% of these women have not sought help due to socio-cultural barriers, economic dependency.
• India: Around 29% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical
violence, Despite the enactment of the Protection of Women from
Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
• Sweden: Despite strong legal protections, 28% of women report
experiencing domestic abuse, highlighting that even in progressive
countries, the issue remains prevalent.
Role of Society & Institutions
Ending domestic violence is not just the responsibility of the victim or the authorities. Society as a whole—from communities to
institutions—plays a vital role in prevention, protection, and support.
Community Action:
🔸 Awareness Campaigns
Public awareness drives can break the silence around domestic violence, challenge harmful norms, and encourage victims to speak
out.
🔸 Education in Schools
Teaching children about respect, consent, and healthy relationships can prevent future
violence and promote equality from an early age.
Institutions :
🔸 Police
Law enforcement must respond swiftly, protect victims, and hold
perpetrators accountable through fair legal processes.
🔸 Health Care Providers
Doctors and nurses are often the first to see signs of abuse. They
can offer care, document injuries, and connect victims to services.
🔸 Religious Organizations
Faith leaders can challenge harmful cultural beliefs, offer counseling,
and support victims in safe, compassionate ways.
Support & Solutions
Support Systems for Victims
Support systems are critical in helping victims escape abuse, recover emotionally, and rebuild their lives. Key elements
include:
• Shelters and Safe Houses: These provide immediate physical safety for victims and their children. They often offer
temporary housing, meals, clothing, and protection from the abuser.
• Hotlines and Crisis Services: Confidential 24/7 hotlines allow victims to get immediate help, emotional support, safety
planning, and referrals to local resources.
• Counseling and Mental Health Support: Professional counseling helps them heal emotionally, regain confidence, and
make empowered decisions.
📢 Prevention Strategies & Public Awareness Campaigns
Prevention is the long-term solution to ending domestic violence. It focuses on changing attitudes, behaviors, and systems:
• School-Based Programs: Teach children and teenagers about healthy relationships,
consent, empathy, and emotional regulation.
• Community Workshops: Local events that promote respectful relationships,
empower bystanders to intervene, and raise awareness .
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Mass media campaigns (TV, social media, posters)
challenge victim-blaming, encourage reporting abuse, and promote zero tolerance.
Conclusion: Domestic Violence
• Domestic violence is a serious and widespread issue that affects
individuals, families, and society as a whole. It takes many forms — not just
physical, but also emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual. No one
deserves to live in fear, and no culture, tradition, or belief justifies abuse.
• Final Message:
Let’s stop normalizing abuse.
Let’s listen, support, and act.
Let’s build a society where homes
are safe for everyone.
