Domestic spousal violence against Pakistani women behind the doors is the most pervasive and threatening issue of the society increasing day by day. It is the most brutal type of violence which is unaddressed and remains hidden. This violence includes physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional torture etc. in a marital relationship. Women are bound in the chains of norms and customs in which its necessary to be with your husband at any cost. In these circumstances women face multiple injuries including bodily, mental, and emotionally. They bear taunting, insulting, unjustified authority and controlling, abusive language, threats, hitting, criticism, deception even acid attacks. Sometimes this violence op-leads to murder. It is reported that every one out of three women face some kind of violence.
According to a 2020 survey by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 42% of women in Pakistan have experienced some form of spousal abuse. A study by WHO indicates that 79% of violence is perpetuated by husbands. It is oppressive behavior, and a heinous crime needs intense focus to demolish its roots and support its victims. Women safety and well-being is made priority. If it is not addressed women are affected by it, also the children suffer psychological traumas which result them to involve in criminal activities. Cultural norms, lack of legal protection, and economic dependency are major contributing factors to spousal violence. Societal expectations from women towards their children, fear and stigma make them not to dissolve marriage consequently compel them to live in a toxic relation. Sometimes when women’s takes step to remove the shackles of cultural norms, the insufficient legal safeguards leave many women without effective legal support.
A case study from international the news states the case of Noreen whose husband chopped her nose because of not making him happy. She also faced violence by her family. When she wanted to report against her husband, it was refused by asking that it is a domestic matter and needs to solve at home also her husband is in law enforcing agency which make difficult to seek legal protection. In these situations, women are brutally tortured by their patriarchal husbands. Poor economic conditions of women’s also a major factor contributing to domestic spousal violence.The recent case registered on 08 July 2024 at Sarwar Road Police Station, Lahore, of domestic spousal violence of Ayesha Jahanzeb a popular anchor person. She allegedly reported that she was abused three times in the last year. She faces severe injuries. Her husband is of a strict nature and has a doubtful temperament. She was often subjected to violence and cruel physical torture, but she tried to keep the marriage going. But this time her husband threatened her to kill by putting gun on her head and physically tortured her. Her hair was removed from head due to pulling. Through this case we can see that a financially independent women face this type of spousal violence. So, how cruel behavior is against women’s dependent on their patriarchal husband.
There is another case of spousal domestic violence of Rehana gul physically tortured by her husband but unable to report because of family pressure and other societal stigma. This shows the lack of legal protection for women in the country. During covid 19, these cases increased day by day which is an alarming situation to society. This grave issue needs the critical insights of researchers, social activists, NGOs, and Union Councils through legal policies. Some argue that this spousal domestic violence is a private matter of marital life. It should be solved in the house. They Advocate that this outsider’s interference can severely affect the integrity of the family. It is of sincere concern which has highly toxic and harmful consequences for many individuals and families. It also affects society. One argument is that it should not be interfered by outsiders or even by the state.
However, this perspective is harmful because it extrapolates the problem of domestic violence even further. Secondly, it prevents the victims from seeking justice and help. Below are some of the reasons why this approach is harmful. Domestic spousal violence is also a violation of human rights. This approach disregards the human rights of victim which is women. Basic human rights include the rights to safety, justice, and equality etc. It also includes freedom from torture and cruel, harsh treatment. Spousal violence leads to extreme physical and mental damage and even death. There are many examples where it leads to extreme conditions and now a days it is common to see news about domestic violence leads to death of women.
Recently there is case of Sania Zahra 20-year–old pregnant girl was brutally killed by her husband in Multan by dawn news. He brutally beat her, bind her hands and foot hang her to death. It is not just a private matter; it has an effect far beyond the family. It negatively affects society and has social, moral, and economic consequences. It is stated that women the builder of the nation, so it also negatively affects the coming generations. By watching them they learn and adopt the same behavior. This is the responsibility of every state to provide protection and security for basic human rights. This approach negates the responsibility of the state to provide basic human rights and protection to the victim. Outsiders like NGOs, professionals and other support services provide important help and resources for victims. For example, Domestic violence causes a massive impact on overall mental health of the spouse family, so needs counseling and help.
So, domestic spousal violence is not a private matter, it is a public concern, and a human rights issue. It is important to create a helpful environment for victims and make the perpetrators accountable. It has given deep attention so that all women realize that state is standing with them if no one is there and all type of protection is provided to them so that no one become the target of his abusive husband.
The Author, is an Independent Researcher.
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