DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT

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Domestic Violence and Dowry Harassment has been a societal and cultural menace in the society for centuries, on account of various factors including dependency of women on the men, due to lack of physical strength and societal support, and deeming women in a stereotypical manner as a home maker and that she should act within bounds unlike men counterparts.

The women are protected by law against domestic violence or dowry harassment by enacting women protection laws to curb the harassment that they are facing in the hands of the husband and his family members, either directly or indirectly, in ways or forms which are causing grave mental trauma and harassment to the women. 

The offenders of dowry harassment are punishable under Section 498A of the IPC, and Section 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Dowry harassment in few instances had led to dowry death, where women are pressurised by demanding dowry, gifts and articles etc., from her and her family during the time of marriage and after marriage, causing grave mental trauma and harassment to women. As such, the law was enacted to punish such offenders against women.