Page 205 - DSOC402_SOCIOLOGY_OF_KINSHIP_ENGLISH

Unit 26: Family Problems: Violence in Families, Desertion and Divorce

5. Evil Social Traditions: There are many evil custom practises in India like child-marriage, Notes
veil system, dowry system, lack of widow remarriage, etc. It is the women who become a
victim of these customs, and bear the torture related to these evil customs.
6. Family Tensions: Family tensions too, are responsible for torture of women. When a
husband and his wife are unable to adjust with each-other’s nature, have different views,
then too, man tries to force things on woman. He compels her to mould herself according
to his desires and suitability. When the wife shows reluctance to do so or opposes it, she is
tortured by her husband.
7. Provocation by Victim: Many a times the victim’s behaviour is such that it provokes the
husband. For instance, if a woman badmouths her husband in the presence of others, if
she speaks to those people who her husband dislikes, if she behaves badly with her hus-
band’s family, if she does not take care of the household, if she is in an illicit relation with
another man, if she does not obey her parents-in-law, if she unnecessarily interferes in the
husband’s matters or she suspects him, if she uses harsh words or insults him, then the
husband losses his temper and beats, abuses and harasses his wife. In some other cases it
has been seen that the women who had been victims of rape, were displaying such body
language and postures, that the man got eager to rape. In case of killing too, it has been
found that during the argument, the woman created such a situation that the man got agi-
tated and committed the offence. Studies too, have shown that in cases of abduction, it was
the girl who had approved of it, but when caught, put the blame on man; on the insistence
of father, maternal uncle and the police.
8. Intoxication: Those men who drink alcohol or do any other kinds of intoxication, torture
wife even in that state. In some cases of rape, the rapists had been found in an inebriated
state. When a husband comes home in an inebriated state, a verbal life ensues, which results
in wife beating. It is because the person is not aware of his actions during an inebriated
state. When he comes back to his sense, he repents for his actions. It has also been found that
in order to commit a crime, a man drinks alcohol to boost his courage.
9. Passiveness towards Criminal: Many a times, the victims (woman) keep on bearing the
crime. They neither report the matter to the police nor seek any help from anyone. In such
a situation, the culprit (man) gets more emboldened and continues with his wrongdoings.
10. Situational Urge: Many a times, the circumstances are such that a man commits an offence.
For instance, on a dark night if a woman is found passing a deserted stretch, the man present
there gets tempted to rape. If a woman is found alone in fields, mine or factory, there too,
she is at the risk of sexual assault.

26.2 Measures to Check Violence against Women: Suggestions

To Prevent violence against women, we can take the fallowing steps:
1. Arrangement for Shelter: The government and the self-help organisations should arrange
accommodation for such women who wish to leave home because of the harassment by
husband and in-laws. The abducted or kidnapped women, when rescued and those who
are being threatened or those who are victimized through violence, should be provided a
secure, permanent or temporary shelter.
2. Arrangement for Employment: The reason why women bear violence if ‘financial depend-
ence.’ They depend on their husbands and in-laws to get support for their children and
themselves. If such women get employment and job opportunities, are provided loan to
set up a small scale business, along consultation facility, then they are not going to bear
violence and will try to become self-sufficient.
3. Provide Educational Facilities: Being uneducated is another reason for harassment of
women. For this, women’s education programme should be extended. Those who dropped

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