Awareness about ‘protection of women from

domestic violence Act 2005’ among rural women in Uzhamalackal

panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district

PROJECT REPORT

A Project Report Submitted to the University of Kerala, in partial fulfillment for the

Award of degree in

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK

2018 – 2021

Submitted By

AMAL Z.S MUHAMMED

REGISTER NO: 31518807006

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Mr. Ashik Shaji

Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

MANACAUD P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 009

 I

NATIONAL COLLEGE

KALLATTUMUKKU, MANACUAD P.O

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695009

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project entitled “AWARENESS ABOUT ‘PROTECTION OF

WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT 2005’ AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN
UZHAMALACKAL PANCHAYAT OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT.” is a
Bonafede work done by AMAL ZS MUHAMMED, S6, BSW, REGISTER NO:
31518807006 under my guidance and supervision, which is submitted to the University of
Kerala in partial fulfillment for the award of BSW during the period of 2018 – 2021 and that
the same has not been published elsewhere.

N.S RAMESH CHANDRAN,

Assistant professor

Head of the department

Mr. ASHIK SHAJI

Assistant professor,

Internal Guide

Dr. S.A. SHAJAHAN

Principal
 II

DECLERATION

I, AMAL Z.S. MUHAMMED, 31518807006, hereby declare that the project report entitled
“AWARENESS ABOUT ‘PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE ACT 2005’ AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN UZHAMALACKAL
PANCHAYAT OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT.” submitted to the
University of Kerala is the original research work done by me under the supervision of Mr.
ASHIK SHAJI, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, National College towards
partial fulfilment of the requirement of BSW Degree, 2018-2021.

AMAL Z.S MUHAMMED

REG No:31518807006
 III

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I thank all the people who has helped me with strength and power to
complete the project work successfully.

I thank science and technology for giving me the resources necessary for the completion of the
project work.

I express my deepest gratitude to Dr. S.A Shajahan, Principal, National College for his
valuable contributions.

I would like to thank and express my deep sense of gratitude to Mr. Ashik Shaji, Assistant
professor.

I am also grateful to N.S Ramesh Chandran, Head of the Department and other faculty
members, for their valuable guidance and encouragement.

I thank Mrs. Lalitha, Uzhamalackal Panchayat President and also the ward members for
granting me permission to conduct the survey and giving all the necessary help.

I am grateful for the help of HI, JHI, JPHN and ASHA workers of PHC Uzhamalackal who
helped me reached out to the targeted subjects.

I especially thank Mrs. Sumina Zakkir, JPHN, PHC Uzhamalackal for all her sincere help.

A special thanks to my friend who gave me the idea for the study on this topic.

Finally, I want express my heartfelt thanks to my family, friends and the respondents in the
Uzhamalackal Panchayat who were a great source of encouragement.
 IV

A. TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PARTICULARS PAGE NUMBER

I INTRODUCTION 2

II REVIEW OF 9
LITERATURE

III RESEARCH 17
METHODOLOGY

IV ANALYSIS AND 23
INTEPRETATION

V FINDINGS, 40
SUGGESTIONS AND
CONCLUSION
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B. LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page number

4.1 Shows the Age group of 24

the respondents.

4.2 Shows the response to item 26

number 5 of the
questionnaire.
4.3 Shows the response to item 27
number 7 of the
questionnaire
4.4 Shows the response to item 27
number 8 of the
questionnaire
4.5 Shows the response to item 28
number 9 of the
questionnaire
4.6 Shows the response to item 29
number 12 of the
questionnaire
4.7 Shows the response to item 32
number 15 of the
questionnaire
4.8 Shows the response to item 33
number 17 of the
questionnaire
4.9 Shows the response to item 34
number 19 of the
questionnaire
4.10 Shows the response to item 35
number 21 of the
questionnaire
4.11 Shows the response to item 37
number 24 of the
questionnaire
 VI

C. LIST OF FIGURES
Figure no. Title Page number

4.1 Shows the diagrammatic 25

view of sample breakup of
marital status

4.2 shows the education wise 25

classification of the samples
4.3 shows how far people 26
believe its ok to hurt family
member and apologize
later
4.4 Shows the response to item 28
number 10 of the
questionnaire
4.5 Shows the response to item 29
number 11 of the
questionnaire
4.6 Shows the response to item 30
number 13 of the
questionnaire
4.7 Shows item number 14 and 31
how frequently such
incidents happen at your
home.

4.8 Shows the response to item 32

number 16 of the
questionnaire
4.9 Shows the response to item 33
number 18 of the
questionnaire

4.10 Shows the response to item 34

number 20 of the
questionnaire
4.11 Shows the response to item 35
number 22 of the
questionnaire.

4.12 shows what are the 36

barriers to helping
someone who is a victim of
domestic violence
4.13 Shows the response to item 37
number 25(A) of the
questionnaire
4.14 Shows the response to item 38
number 25(B) of the
questionnaire
4.15 Shows the response to item 38
number 25(C) of the
questionnaire
4.16 Shows the response to item 39
number 25(D) of the
questionnaire

4.17 Shows the response to item 39

number 25(E) of the
questionnaire
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ABSTRACT

Domestic violence is one of the critical problems that is being faced by many women in our
society and nowadays the number of domestic abuses are on the rise day by day. It is essential
for women to be alert and aware about their rights against such abuses. The study aims to
understand about the awareness of “Protection of women from domestic violence act 2005”
among the rural women of Uzhamalackal panchayat. The emerging domestic violence related
cases shows a wide scope of my study. A judgement sampling was done on 50 women between
the ages of 18 and 60 of Uzhamalackal panchayat through a questionnaire on the subjects of
the study.

The study is aimed to understand about the awareness about domestic abuses among rural
women. The study also focuses to know legal literacy of rural women. The study helps to
enlighten rural women about their rights.

KEYWORDS: domestic abuse, protection of women from domestic violence’s act 2005,
rural women, Uzhamalackal panchayat.
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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
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“IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO THINK ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THE

WORLD UNLESS THE CONDITION OF WOMEN IS IMPROVED. IT
IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A BIRD TO FLY ON ONLY ONE WING”

• SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

There have been innumerable debates about gender in India over the years.
Much of it includes women's position in society, their education, health, economic
position, gender equality etc. What one can conclude from such discussions is that
women have always held a certain paradoxical position in our developing country.

The worth of a civilization can be judged from the position that it gives to
women. Of the several factors that justify the greatness of India's ancient culture, one
is the honored place ascribed to women. But in the near future this portrayal of women
as goddesses became a curse for the Indian women. This began the trend of not
considering women as equal to men. This perception combined with the increased
patriarchy resulted in the deteriorating state of women. Women were being considered
as property of men, which to be frank is still continued either by the means of
benevolent sexism or any other sort sexism. One of noticeable reasons for inequality
faced by women can be traced back to religion and religious texts. Some of the
examples of these texts are Manuscripts and the various religious texts for that matter.
These factors started depriving women of their rights of equality with men. They were
compelled to keep themselves within the four walls of their houses with a long veil on
their faces.

With time, a lot has changed since those dark ages of the 1950s for women.
Though at some levels like dowry, crimes like rape, sexual harassment at office or
public places, and molestation, eve teasing, even after over sixty years of Independence,
women are still exploited, which is the shameful truth about India. Although a slight
improvement can be seen in representation of women on different sectors, India is more
where to brag about it. We still have a lot of improvement to do.
 Page |4

Dropout rates of girls have fallen by 16.5 % between the year 2000 and
2005. Programs like ‘Sarva shiksha abhiyan’ and ‘Saakshar Bharat Mission for female
literacy’ has helped increase the literacy rates from less than 10% to more than 50%
today. The results of this are that India has world’s largest number of professionally
qualified women. Yet majority of them are constricted to role of home makers and just
that.

Despite progress, the very fact that women along with being achievers, also
are expected to fulfil the roles as wives or mothers, and to prioritize home against
anything else. This point of view hasn’t changed much. There is still a large section of
women who are uneducated, and married off before the age of 18.

Crimes against women – Wife beating, intimidation and marital rape, sexual assault,
sexual abuse, homicide for dowry, kidnapping and abduction, torture, molestation,
sexual harassment and many more. Honor crimes are on the rise. Of these, wife beating
and intimidation are the most endemic and wide spread forms of crimes. The report of
national crime record bureau on crimes against women in 2006 leads is to conclude that
out of the total reported crimes against 38.6% relate to domestic abuse, 4.6 % dowry
related deaths, 2.7 % related to dowry acts. That is 46% crimes take place within the
four walls of pious homes.

Domestic violence

Any act that threatens the well-being of an individual is termed as abuse, while
domestic violence is the systematic method in which one partner gains power and
control by instilling fear and forcing subservience. Violence is not only physical abuse,
but emotional, economic, verbal, and sexual. The social stigma of public dishonour is
the greatest cause for a woman to become trapped in this atrocious environment, and
another important reason is economic dependence on her perpetrator.

Many times, a woman feels that the abuse she goes through is her fault, that she
has made a mistake. This deduction is false; abusing is the abuser's fault not the victims.
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In the beginning of this horrifying journey the victim may feel the reasons for being
abused are justified, as time goes on and she keeps changing herself for the abuser, she
then realizes that there is no escaping from his wrath, he will be violent for any reason
and no reason at all. An abuser feels entitled over the victim's body and her mind, she
is not allowed to have individuality, for the abuser she is his commodity.

There are some made-up beliefs that many women consider. staying with her
husband and tolerating this abuse would be in the best interest of her children, as the
family is kept together.

But a study conducted by psychologists saw those infants that were victims of
extreme abuse, had also become abusive towards other children and lacked the ability
to express empathy Abuse becomes a learned behaviour, and a spiteful cycle.

In accordance with our state, here is an excerpt from IOSR Journal of Humanities
and Social Science:

"Research indicates that more than 40 percent of women in Kashmir are physically
or emotionally abused by the husbands and or the in -laws. Researchers arc of the
opinion that dowry misunderstanding between the couple. birth of a girl child are the
common reasons behind marital discord leading to an increase in the domestic violence
in the Valley. Research also relates unemployment and the Political unrest in the Valley
turmoil etc., to the escalating violence.”

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

To prevent violence against women and to protect the rights of aggrieved women,
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005‘was passed by the
parliament. According to this act every woman who have been deprived of their right
to life by the act of husband or relatives of the husband, can file a complaint to the
protection officer, police officer or magistrate in the form of Domestic Incident Report’
(Similar to FIR). Complaint can be filed by the victim /aggrieved person or relatives; it
will be considered as the prima-facie evidence of the offence. Every ‘Domestic Incident
 Page |6

Report’ has to be prepared by the Protection Officer which will assist in the further
investigation of the incidence. The protection officer will pass certain orders i.e.,
protection of the women, custody of respondent and order of monetary relief to the
victim.

The Act, which came into effect in the country on October 26, 2006, provides for
civil remedies to women by way of protection orders, residence orders and orders for
monetary relief in the event of domestic violence.

The Act was by far one of the best laws drafted for women. However, it would
serve its purpose only if the provisions of the Act are interpreted by officials who are
gender-sensitive. More awareness of the Act needed to be created among the women
themselves, she said.

The Act covers those women who are related to the abuser by way of marriage or
who have been in a live-in relationship with him. Even those women who are sisters,
widows, mothers, single women living with the abuser are entitled for protection under
the Act.

Domestic violence includes physical, psychological, verbal, sexual and economic

abuse. Threats of violence or harassment by way of dowry demands to the women or
her relatives also fall under the definition.

The law also provides for the appointment of Protection Officers (POs) and private
service providers to help the victim of domestic violence get medical and legal aid as
well as a temporary safe shelter.

One of the most important features of the Act is the woman's right to secure
housing. The Act provides for the woman's right to reside in the matrimonial or shared
household, whether or not she has any title or rights in the household. This right is
secured by a residence order, which is passed by a court.
 Page |7

Social Awareness about Domestic Violence

Raising domestic violence awareness can help victims find professional

counselling and prevent more people from getting hurt. Expressing how far this issue
reaches may involve educating the community about different types of domestic
violence, participating in organizations that campaign against domestic violence, and
speaking out against acts of violence. The current study is intended to measure the
extent of awareness urban women are having regarding the domestic violence women
in the community are facing and the legal aid available to thwart the issue.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

In India where almost half of the population is women, they have always been ill-
treated and deprived of their right to life and personal liberty as provided under the
constitution of India. Women are always considered as a physically and emotionally
weaker than the males, whereas at present women have proved themselves in almost
every field of life affirming that they are no less than men due to their hard work
whether at home or working places. Behind closed doors of homes all across our
country, people are being tortured, beaten and killed. It is happening in rural areas,
towns, cities and in metropolitans as well. It is crossing all social classes, genders, racial
lines and age groups. It is becoming a legacy being passed on from one generation to
another. But offenses against women which reflects the pathetic reality that women are
just not safe and secure anywhere.

Domestic violence can take a toll on our life and that of our children. Overtime the
abuse usually worsens and the frequency only increases, unless we take preventive
action at the earliest. Let ‘s remember, domestic violence can break us down and rob
off our self-esteem and confidence. The irony is that over a period of time one may
begin to doubt one's own abilities and integrity. Worse, she may actually begin to feel
that she is at fault for the torture that she suffers and even begin to feel that she probably
deserves it. This is the most dangerous part of the entire situation. Putting up with the
abuse is the worst thing a woman can do to herself and her children. The decision to
continue staying with the tormentor will only embolden him and encourage him to
 Page |8

abuse further. The current study is focused on raising the awareness of rural women of
Uzhamalackal panchayat in the Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Public awareness campaigns educate the public about specific issues. Campaigns
bring issues to the forefront of dialogue, and they can alter social consciousness and
encourage people to change their actions. Public awareness campaigns on domestic
violence can educate community members about the prevalence of abuse; encourage
people to take action to end abuse, and alert survivors to the options and resources that
are available to them. Here the researcher issued questionnaires to the public and
elicited their response towards domestic violence. That itself was an awareness building
effort and seemed effective. Women who are unaware of their rights cannot claim them.
Raising awareness to end violence is about changing people ‘s hearts and minds—in
Governments, civil society organizations and in the general public.

The problem under study is the extent of awareness women are having about domestic
violence. Rural women are less exposed to media and have less accessibility to help
from others, hence it is assumed that the awareness indices will be low. The next chapter
explains the studies and views of various people in this area.
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CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
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STATUS OF WOMEN IN INDIA

“Domestic violence is a burden on numerous sectors of the social system and

quietly, yet dramatically, affects the development of a nation, it cost nations fortunes in
terms of law enforcement, health care, lost labour and general progress in development.
These costs do not only affect the present generation; what begins as an assault by one
person on another reverberates through the family and the community into the future”.
(Zimmerman)

The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past
few millennia. With a decline in their status from the ancient to medieval times, to the
promotion of equal rights by many reformers, their history has been eventful. In modern
India, women have held high offices including that of the President, Prime Minister,
Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers
and Governors (Bahl, Taru; Syed, M.H., 2003). Women's rights under the Constitution
of India mainly include equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination;
additionally, India has various statutes governing the rights of women.

The status of women towards the last part of the British rule in India i.e., in the
first quarter of 19th Century, some remarkable social changes took place. Law relating
to Abolition of Sati in 1829, suppression of Female Infanticide etc., were the steps taken
towards liberation of women. Introduction of English as a medium of education
provided a gateway to the changing ideas of Western liberalization and democracy,
based on the ideals of individual freedom, liberty and secularism. The social reformers
like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, M.G. Ranade Dayanand
Saraswati, Swami Vivekanand, Dr. Anne Besant, Sister Nivedita contributed
significantly to the social reform movement in India, and aimed at liberating women by
fighting against social evils like sati, purdah, child marriage, female infanticide,
prevention of widow remarriage, devadasi system etc. (Wikipedia, 2018)

Tanima Banerjee, (2012) reports that the inherent strength of a society, a culture
and a system is judged by the way its women are treated and the role assigned to them
by the society. The great socio-religious revolutionary saint, Swami Vivekananda stated
 P a g e | 11

that, the country which had no respect for woman-hood could never become great. He
said, “If you do not raise the woman who is but the living embodiment of the Divine
Mother, do not think that there is any other way for nation to rise”. To speak of gender
equality is to speak about the world where ideal situation would be that both men and
women are treated equal in all respects.

Although the Indian religion and philosophy consider womanhood nearer to

divinity and our religious scriptures assign respectable position of pride and honour to
a woman and womanhood has been worshiped with high respect in our history, still in
reality this contemplated equality has remained a myth. Gender equality is an important
issue of human rights and social justice not only in India but also in the world as a
whole. It has been recognized that efforts to promote gender equality between men and
women can along contribute to the overall development of human society, despite this
consciousness and greater awareness of the role of women; they are treated equal to
men in any society. (Tanima Banerjee,2012)

Gireesh Kumar Kapil (2006) reports Crimes against women – Wife-beating and
intimidation, rape, sexual abuse, homicide for dowry, kidnapping and abduction,
torture, molestation, sexual harassment, honour crimes are on rise. Of these, wife
beating and intimidation are the most endemic and wide spread forms of crimes.

The report of the National Crime Record Bureau on crime against women in 2006
leads is to conclude that out of the total reported crimes against women 38.6 per cent
relate to domestic violence, 4.6 per cent dowry related deaths, 2.7 per cent related to
dowry acts. That is 46 per cent crimes take place within the four walls of pious homes.

Shenoy (2007) has rightly pointed out “Violence within families is as old as the
institution itself. It seems that it occurs in almost all cultures and countries across all
known divisions of wealth, race, religions, castes and social class. There may never
have been a time when it did not exist, and it certainly stretches back deep into history.
Centuries indeed millennia are filled with millions of assaults, attacks, rapes, violations,
psychological abuses, maiming’s, killings of women in their own homes by men.”
There is a growing body of evidence which suggest that domestic violence leads to
family bread down negative consequences for female mental health and deaths.
 P a g e | 12

In her study of dowry victims Rajana Kumari (1989) shows that one in every four
was murdered or driven to commit suicide and more than 60 per cent were thrown out
of their husband ‘s house after a long-drawn period of harassment and torture. Ganatra,
Coyaji and Rao (1998) conducted a study of 400 villages and seven hospitals in rural
India found that 16 per cent of all deaths during pregnancy were the results of partner
violence. Brannon (1999) concluded that domestic violence is related to the
development of a wide range of psychiatric problems including post-traumatic stress
disorders and other anxiety-related disorders, depression, suicidal attempts, substance,
abuse and eating disorders among women. Domestic violence resulting in death such
as dowry deaths is seriously mentioned by Shobna Sanpar and Ravi Kapoor (2001).
They assert that data based on national crime statistics and police records grossly under
estimate the prevalence of violence. For instance, dowry deaths in India in 1985 were
999, in 1987 were 1786 and in 1991 were 5157. Harassed women are also driven to
suicide in Gujarat alone, it is estimated that 2000 women committed suicide on account
of domestic violence in 1989-90 (Mehta and Dighe 1991).

Other studies in India such as those of Banerjee et al (1990) in West Bengal,

Shukla et at (1990) in U.P. and Kodondaraman et al (1985) in Bangalore identify
domestic strife and violence as the most significant reason for female suicides.

Shireen J. Jejeebhoy (1998) asserts that despite its prevalence and serious
consequences for women, it is only recently, as a result of relentless efforts by women
‘s organizations, that violence against women in the home has received any public
attention. Our understanding about it is based on information which has come largely
from mass media reports, and to a lesser extent from grossly under reported crime data.
Community based research on the prevalence and patterns of gender-based violence is
spouse, but urgently needed if social and legal action is to be spurred. At the
international level, the United Nations Decade for Women led to publicity and research
in many countries of the world on the issue of violence against women highlighted
domestic violence in its forward-looking strategies for the advancement of women, to
which member countries have sense contributed. The United Nations adopted the
historic declarations on the elimination of violence against women in 1993 as an
 P a g e | 13

elaboration of the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against

women.

The declaration states that domestic violence is a violation of human rights and
result from the historically unequal power relationship between men and women.
Another milestone was the appointment in 1994 of a UN Special Rapporteur on
violence against women. Domestic violence was a topic at the 1995 World Conference
of Women at Beijing, and features prominently in the Platform for Action agreed at the
conference which commits governments throughout the world to comprehensive action
on the status of women. The Beijing Conference and subsequent international
conference on violence against women held in Bringhton in Noveshker (1996),
demonstrated clearly on violence against women are developing rapidly in many parts
of the world.

ACT FOR PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE

The women ‘s movement in India is concerned with myriad issues affecting

women. They addressed various issues such as poverty, employment, health, education,
sati, dowry, rape, political representation is name a few (Radha Kumar 1993). However,
the focus on dowry related violence beginning in the late 1970s, propelled the
movement forward. During 90‘s the emphasis shifted to wife-beating and at present the
discussion is centred around the human rights violations of women. Indian women ‘s
movement has adopted an ideology of radical pragmatism. As a result, in many
communities where battering was barely identifiable as a social phenomenon and it was
considered as a normal part of marriage are now developing awareness and prevention
strategies. Women organizations from various parts of India demanded fool proof laws,
sensitive institutions and better awareness among women. In response to various
pressures from international agencies and growing demands by women organizations
the government of India enacted the protection of women from Domestic Violence Act
2005 and framed The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Rules 2006. This
a law specifically meant to address the issue of domestic violence by providing for civil
relieves with a view to ensure immediate and emergency relieves to women facing
 P a g e | 14

violence in intimate relationships (Indira Jaising, 2007). This is “an Act to provide for
more effective protection of the rights of women guaranteed under the constitution who
are victims of violence of any kind occurring within the family and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto.”

An important assumption underlying the Act is that better institutions and

improved functioning will be able to address violence more effectively. That they can
offer better protection for women in the private realm and thus enable women to access
their rights as citizens. As the institutions of family and kinship are already implicated
in the violation of rights, it is argued that the state / law can / should be the truly neutral
arbiter of women ‘s claims for justice in the family. As Mukhopadhyay (1998)
comments “In this sense, women ‘s movement too regarded the state as the principal
agent of reform and the ultimate guarantor of rights”.

SOCIAL ACTIONS

An effective response to violence must be multi-sectoral; addressing the

immediate practical needs of women experiencing abuse; providing long-term follow
up and assistance; and focusing on changing those cultural norms, attitudes and legal
provisions that promote the acceptance of and even encourage violence against women,
and undermine women's enjoyment of their full human rights and freedoms. The health
sector has unique potential to deal with violence against women, particularly through
reproductive health services, which most women will access at some point in their lives.
However, this potential is far from being realized. Few doctors, nurses or other health
personnel have the awareness and the training to identify violence as the underlying
cause of women's health problems. The health sector can play a vital role in preventing
violence against women, helping to identify abuse early, providing victims with the
necessary treatment and referring women to appropriate care. Health services must be
places where women feel safe, are treated with respect, are not stigmatized, and where
they can receive quality, informed support. A comprehensive health sector response to
the problem is needed, in particular addressing the reluctance of abused women to seek
help. (WHO,2007)
 P a g e | 15

The public health experts have a potential to train personnel specialized to address
the needs of victims of domestic violence. In the field of research, public health
personnel can contribute by conducting studies on the ideological and cultural aspects
which give rise to and perpetuate the phenomenon of domestic violence. Similarly, the
execution and impact of programs must be assessed in order to provide the necessary
background for policy-making and planning. However, the health sector must work
with all other sectors including education, legal and judicial, and social services..
(WHO,2007)

In January, India implemented its first law aimed at tackling domestic violence
(The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005) to protect the rights of
women who are victims of violence of any kind occurring within the family and to
provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It also defines repeated
insults, ridiculing or name-calling, and demonstrations of obsessive possessiveness and
jealousy of a partner as domestic violence. The big challenge in front now is to enforce
it in true sense.

“A law is as good as its implementability, despite the lofty aspirations. The

responses to the enactment are polarized, with one section fearing its misuse by an elite
class in metro cities and another segment predicting its futility for the mass of rural
women saddled with the yoke of patriarchy to which courts are as yet alien” (Flavia
Agnes,2005)

A bill alone will not help in preventing domestic abuse; what is needed is a change
in mindsets. Concerted and co-ordinated multisectoral efforts are key methods of
enacting change and responding to domestic violence at local and national levels. The
Millennium Development Goal regarding girls' education, gender equality and the
empowerment of women reflects the international community's recognition that health,
development, and gender equality issues are closely interconnected. Hence the
responses to the problem must be based on integrated approach. The effectiveness of
measures and initiatives will depend on coherence and co-ordination associated with
their design and implementation. The issue of domestic violence must be brought into
 P a g e | 16

open and examined as any other preventable health problem, and best remedies
available be applied.
 P a g e | 17

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
 P a g e | 18

3.1 TITLE OF THE STUDY

A Study about the awareness of protection of women from Domestic violence Act
2005 among rural women in Uzhamalackal panchayat of Trivandrum district.

3.2 OBJECTIVES

General objectives

1. To study about the awareness of domestic violence act among women in Uzhamalackal
panchayat/rural areas

Specific objectives

1. To understand whether women are aware of domestic violence (prevention) act.

2. To study the level of awareness about domestic violence in a rural community.
3. To understand whether women make use of the act for solving domestic problems.
4. To understand whether the act is deterrent to the perpetrators.

3.3 DEFINITION OF CONCEPT

THEORETICAL DEFINITION

Awareness

The term awareness refers to the knowledge or perception of a situation or fact as

Benwedster ‘s dictionary

Protection of women from domestic violence act 2005

The Protection of women from domestic violence act 2005 is an act of parliament of India
in acted to protect women from domestic violence. It was brought force by the Indian govt.
from 26-Oct -2006. The act provides for the first time in Indian law – a definition of
domestic violence with this definition broad and including not only physical violence but
also other forms of violence such as emotional/verbal/sexual and economic abuse. It is a
 P a g e | 19

civil of meant primarily for protection orders and not meant to penalize criminally. The act
does not extend to J&K which has its own law and which enacted in2010 the J&K
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Acct, 2010.

Rural women

Women residing in rural area of Thiruvananthapuram district

3.4 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION

Awareness

Awareness of women regarding the domestic violence refers to knowledge about the
society they are live in

Protection of women from domestic violence act 2005

The Protection of women from domestic violence act 2005 is an act of parliament of India
in acted to protect women from domestic violence. It was brought force by the Indian govt.
from 26-Oct -2006. The act provides for the first time in Indian law – a definition of
domestic violence with this definition broad and including not only physical violence but
also other forms of violence such as emotional/verbal/sexual and economic abuse. It is a
civil of meant primarily for protection orders and not meant to penalize criminally. The act
does not extend to J&K which has its own law and which enacted in2010 the J&K
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Acct, 2010.

Rural women

Women of age group 18-60 residing in the rural areas of Uzhamalackal Panchayat of
Trivandrum district.

3.5 RESEARCH DESIGN

A descriptive study is conducted using a survey method on a judgemental sample of women

population in Uzhamalackal Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was done.
Descriptive research is a study designed to depict the participants in an accurate way. More
simply put, descriptive research is all about describing people who take part in the study.

There are three ways a researcher can go about doing a descriptive research project, and
they are: a. Observational, defined as a method of viewing and recording the participants.
 P a g e | 20

b. Case study, defined as an in-depth study of an individual or group of individuals.

c. Survey, defined as a brief interview or discussion with an individual about a specific

topic.

Here a survey is done using a questionnaire and attempt is made to describe data collected.
The study has quantitative data hence this will involve tables, charts, summary statistics
and an informal interpretation.

3.7 UNIVERSE OF STUDY

Women - married, unmarried and widows of age group 18-60 educated as well as
uneducated who are residing in rural areas in Uzhamalackal panchayat of Trivandrum
district is the population –it goes up to 13213 in the panchayat.

3.8 SAMPLING STRATEGY

Judgemental/purposive sampling – Uzhamalackal grama panchayat consists of 14 wards.

Four respondents were identified from 12 wards (3*12=36) on random basis and seven
respondents were identified from the ward where the researcher belongs and the remaining
seven respondents were identified from the neighbouring ward on random basis (7*2=14).
36+14=50.

3.9 SAMPLE SIZE

50 women - married, unmarried and widows of age group 18-60 educated as well as
uneducated who are residing in rural areas in Uzhamalackal panchayat of Trivandrum
district is the population –it goes up to 13213 in the panchayat.

3.10 TOOL

Questionnaire prepared by the researcher for assessing the awareness of women Protection
of women from domestic violence act 2005

3.11 SOURCE OF STUDY

PRIMARY SOURCE

The information is yielded primarily from a questionnaire designed by the researcher for
assessing the awareness of women about the Protection of women from domestic violence
act 2005.
 P a g e | 21

SECONDARY SOURCE

The supportive information for supplementing the study is obtained from texts, journal and
online editors

3.12 PILOT STUDY

Pilot study is the trial study carried out before a research design is finalized. It is done to
test the feasibility, reliability and validity of the proposed study design. It helps in providing
the groundwork in a research project.

Three respondents were identified from Uzhamalackal panchayat and data was collected
from them through questionnaire. The information gathered was processed and the
feasibility of the study was ascertained.

3.13 PRETEST

Pre-test is to check the effectiveness of the tool of study (questionnaire) by using it on a

small sample of respondents before taking up the full-scale research work. It is to find out
whether there are any problems like unclear wording in the questionnaire or the
questionnaire is taking too long to administer. Pretesting also helps the researcher identify
questions which don’t make sense to participants or problems with the questionnaire that
might lead to biased answers. The testers were the same respondents identified for pilot
study. The result was satisfactory indicating that there was no necessity to improve or
change the questionnaire.

3.14 VARIABLES

1. Awareness about protection of women from domestic violence act 2005.

2. Age
3. Marital status
4. Educational qualification

3.15 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1. Data collection was really difficult as the COVID 19 pandemic situation was at its
peak.
2. It was really difficult to get honest answers because the questions were really
personal and some respondents were reluctant to reveal the truth.
 P a g e | 22

3.16 CHAPTERISATION

Chapter I - INTRODUCTION
Chapter II – REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Chapter III – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Chapter IV – ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Chapter V – FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
 P a g e | 23

CHAPTER 4
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
 P a g e | 24

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The raw data is tabulated in an excel format with the responses of each sample in the
column and item number 1 to 25 in the rows the cumulative score of each item for
various responses is taken Percentage of people who made various responses were
calculated. The centile scores are tabulated and/or diagrammatic representation is made.
The chapter covers a detailed analysis of the scores and conclusion is arrived.

Table no. 4.1: Shows the Age group of the respondents.

Age Number of respondents Percentage

18-30 14 28

31-45 19 38

46-60 17 34

Total 50 100

Table 4.1 shows the split up of the sample based on the age. The participants of age group 18-
30 which make up 28 percent of the sample. 38 percentage of the sample belong to the age
group 31 to 45 and 34 percentage belonged to 46-60 years of age.
 P a g e | 25

Fig 4.1 gives a diagrammatic view of sample breakup of marital status

Marital status

12%

Married
24% Unmarried
Widow
64%

The figure 4.1 shows the marital status of 50 women from whom the data was collected it
seems that 32 of 50 i.e., 60 % of the same was married at the time of study. 30% of the sample
was unmarried and 10% of the sample were widows.

Fig 4.2 shows the education wise classification of the samples

Educational status

14% 14%
Uneducated
School
Graduation
34%
38% Above graduation

Figure 4.2 gives a detail of the educational status of the sample surveyed. 14% of them were
uneducated, 38% of the respondent had school education, 34% of the respondents were
graduates and 14% of respondents had education above graduation.
 P a g e | 26

Table no. 4.2: Shows the response to item number 5 of the questionnaire.

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 0 0
No 32 64
If it is necessary 18 36
Total 50 100

Table 4.2 displays the response obtained for item number 5 it was asked whether a woman can
be thrown out of her house, the table shows that none said that it can be done 32 of 50 said it
cannot be done whereas 36% said she can be thrown out if it is necessary.

Fig 4.3 shows how far people believe its ok to hurt family member and apologize later

Item number 6

6%

Perfectly ok
42%
Sort of ok

52% Its not ok

Figure 4.3 displays the response obtained for item number 6 it was asked that ―is it ok to say
sorry after hurting your partner‖ the figure shows that 6 % of people said it is perfectly ok to
hurt their spouse and apologize later, 52% said it is sort of ok, when 42 % believe it is not ok
to apologize or to hurt life partner or any other family member
 P a g e | 27

Table no. 4.3: Shows the response to item number 7 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

A major problem 40 80

Somewhat of a problem 10 20

Not a problem at all 0 0

Total 50 100

Table 4.3 displays the response obtained for item number 7 it was asked that ―how much of
problem is domestic violence in our community‖ the table shows that 80% of people believe
domestic violence is a major problem in our community and 20 % consider it as somewhat a
problem. None said it is " not at all an issue" in our society

Table no. 4.4: Shows the response to item number 8 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 18 36

No 32 64

Total 50 100

Table 4.4 displays the response obtained for item number 8 it was asked that ―do you know a
victim of domestic violence‖ the table shows that 36% of people know people who are victim
of domestic violence whereas 64% don ‘t even know about people in trouble.
 P a g e | 28

Table no. 4.5: Shows the response to item number 9 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 13 26

No 37 74

Total 50 100

Table 4.5 displays the response obtained for item number 9 it was asked that ―do you know
someone who is a domestic violence perpetrator‖ the table shows that 26% of the sample knows
perpetrators of domestic violence and 74% of them don ‘t even know that people harass women
at home.

Fig. no. 4.4: Shows the response to item number 10 of the questionnaire

Item number 10

24%
yes
no

76%

Fig 4.4 displays the response obtained for item number 10 it was asked that ―do you think
alcohol/drug/mobile causes domestic violence‖ the table shows that 76% of respondents says
yes and 24% says no.
 P a g e | 29

Fig. no. 4.5: Shows the response to item number 11 of the questionnaire

Item number 11

38% yes
no
62%

Fig. no. 4.5 displays the response obtained for item number 11 it was asked that ―how likely
you are to help a neighbour who is a victim of domestic violence‖ the figure shows 62% of
respondents are willing to help and 38% said no.

Table no. 4.6: Shows the response to item number 12 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 41 82

No 9 18

Total 50 100

Table 4.6 displays the response obtained for item number 12 it was asked that ―how likely are
you to help a family member who is a victim of domestic violence‖ the table shows that 82%
of respondent are willing to help and only 18% of respondents are not willing to help.
 P a g e | 30

Fig. no. 4.6: Shows the response to item number 13 of the questionnaire

Item number 13

14%

yes
no

86%

Fig. no. 4.6 displays the response obtained for item number 13 it was asked that ―Have you
ever been harmed (physically, verbally, sexually, emotionally or financially) by your partner/a
family member‖ the table shows that 86% approves they are being harmed and 14 % negates
of domestic violence.
 P a g e | 31

Fig 4.7 Item number 14 shows how frequently such incidents happen at your home.

Item number 14

2%
10%

12% Daily
Occasionally
Rarely
once

76%

Figure 4.7 displays the response obtained for item number 14 it was asked that ―How
frequently such incidents happen at your home‖, the figure shows that 2% of women are daily
undergoing domestic violence, 10% occasionally are being harmed,12% rarely experience
violence and 76% says they had experienced it once.
 P a g e | 32

Table no. 4.7: Shows the response to item number 15 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 48 96

No 2 4

Total 50 100

Table 4.7 displays the response obtained for item number 15 it was asked ―‖, the table shows
that 96% of the respondents says their physical health is affected by the abuse and 4% says
they are not affected.

Fig. no. 4.8: Shows the response to item number 16 of the questionnaire

Item number 16

8%

yes
no

92%

Fig. no. 4.8 displays the response obtained for item number 16 it was asked that ―Does the
violent behaviour of the partner/family member have an effect on your mental health‖ the figure
shows that 92% of women say it is affecting their mental health, 8% says they have no mental
disturbances.
 P a g e | 33

Table no. 4.8: Shows the response to item number 17 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 21 42

No 29 58

Total 50 100

Table 4.8 displays the response obtained for item number 17 it was asked that ―how
comfortable are you in discussing domestic violence with your friends and family‖ the table
shows that 42% of women say they are comfortable and 58% say they are not at all comfortable
discussing about the violence at home.

Fig. no. 4.9: Shows the response to item number 18 of the questionnaire

Item number 18

38%
yes
no
62%

Fig. no. 4.9 displays the response obtained for item number 18 it was asked that ―Do you
know what community resources are available for victims of domestic violence‖ the table
shows that 62% of women say they are aware and 38% say they are not aware about the
community resources to thwart violence at home.
 P a g e | 34

Table no. 4.9: Shows the response to item number 19 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 6 12

No 44 88

Total 50 100

Table 4.9 displays the response obtained for item number 19 it was asked that ―could you get
connected to a support group or legal counsel who knows about protection of women from
domestic violence‖ the table shows that 12% of women say they have connected and 88% say
they have not.

Fig. no. 4.10: Shows the response to item number 20 of the questionnaire

Item number 20

38% Yes
No
62%

Figure no. 4.10 displays the response obtained for item number 20 it was asked that ―has there
been a decline in the violence towards women recently as the protection of women from
domestic violence act is more enforced now‖ the figure shows that 62% of women say there is
a great decline and 38% say no.
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Table no. 4.10: Shows the response to item number 21 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 32 64

No 18 36

Total 50 100

Table 4.10 displays the response obtained for item number 21 it was asked that ―do you think
that the younger generation men are abstaining from domestic violence against women‖ the
table shows that 64% of women say they are very much abstaining and 36% say not abstaining
from violence.

Figure no. 4.11: Shows the response to item number 22 of the questionnaire.

Item number 22

20%

yes
no

80%

Figure 4.11 displays the response obtained for item number 22 it was asked that ―do you think
harassment of any mode will affect the marital harmony/depth of a relation in the long run‖ the
figure shows that 70% say it affects the marital harmony or depth of the relation, 20% say to
some extent and 10% say not at all affects.
 P a g e | 36

Fig 4.12 shows what are the barriers to helping someone who is a victim of domestic
violence.

Item number 23

28% 30%
Fear of consequences
Distrust on the legal mechanism
It is their fate
no barries - I will reach out
10%

32%

Figure 4.12 displays the response obtained for item number 23 it was asked that ―what are the
barriers to helping someone who is a victim of domestic violence‖ the figure shows 30% say
due to fear of consequence, 10% says due to distrust on the legal mechanism, 32% say it is
their fate and 28% say there is no barrier to help a person in need.
 P a g e | 37

Table no. 4.11: Shows the response to item number 24 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 21 42

No 29 58

Total 50 100

Table 4.11 displays the response obtained for item number 24 it was asked that ―do you think
the latest acts and amendments have helped to protect women‖ the table shows that women say
42% to a great extent and 58% not at all helped to protect women.

Figure no. 4.13: Shows the response to item number 25(A) of the questionnaire

Item number 25(A)

2%

yes
no

98%

Figure 4.13 displays the response obtained for item number 25(A) it was asked that ―― do
you feel physically protected at home ‖ the figure shows that 98% are physically safe and one
respondent replied she is physically unsafe.
 P a g e | 38

Figure no. 4.14: Shows the response to item number 25(B) of the questionnaire

Item number 25(B)

22%

yes
no

78%

Figure 4.14 displays the response obtained for item number 25(B) it was asked that ―― do
you feel verbally protected at home ‖ the figure shows that 58% are verbally safe, 42% are safe
to some extent and none are unsafe.

Figure no. 4.15: Shows the response to item number 25(C) of the questionnaire

Item number 25(C)

2%

yes
no

98%

Figure 4.15 displays the response obtained for item number 25(C) it was asked that ― do you
feel sexually protected at home ‖ the figure shows that 98% are sexually protected at home and
one person says she is unsafe.
 P a g e | 39

Figure no. 4.16: Shows the response to item number 25(D) of the questionnaire

Item number 25(D)

22%

yes
no

78%

Figure 4.16 displays the response obtained for item number 25(D) it was asked that ―― do
you feel emotionally protected at home ‖ the figure shows that 78% are emotionally safe and
22% says they are unsafe.

Figure no. 4.17: Shows the response to item number 25(E) of the questionnaire

Item number 25(E)

30%
yes
no

70%

Figure 4.17 displays the response obtained for item number 25(E) it was asked that ― do you
feel financially protected at home‖ the figure shows that 70% are financially safe and 30% says
they are unsafe financially.
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CHAPTER 5
FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
 P a g e | 41

FINDINGS
1. Based on the demographic variables the sample obtained comprised of 14 women
of age group 18- 30, 19 women of age group 31-45 and 17 women of age 46-60.
the age wise classification was more or less equal. 64% of the sample were married,
52% were educated up to plus two.
2. When it was asked whether "a woman can be thrown out of her dwelling" 36% of
women says it can be done if necessary which shows the lack of awareness
regarding women protection among layman.
3. To the item "whether it is ok to apologize after hurting" was asked 6% of people
say it’s perfectly ok, which is a very serious issue to be dealt with. More than half
the sample says it's sort of OK!
4. When asked how much of a problem is domestic violence in our society fortunately
80% accepts it as a major issue.
5. 64% of women says they don't know a victim of domestic violence and 74% says
they are not familiar with a perpetrator, when at the same time 86% of them say that
they are being harmed at their own home!
6. 76% of the sample says that the usage of mobile phones, alcohol and other
addictions have caused the domestic violence.
7. More than 50 % of women we studied are reluctant to help another woman in
trouble.
8. It is good to see that 78% of women understand the fact that violence at home will
have an impact on their physical as well as mental health.
9. A very significant fact noted is that more than half the sample is not at all convenient
in discussing their problems with others. Lack of communication is a serious
problem in our society. We try to hide issues and silently suffer.
10. 88% of women are unaware of the community resources available to handle
domestic violence and 88 percentage have never approached a legal or community
help.
11. 38% of the sample believes that even after the Act is more enforced there is no
decline in the violent behaviour towards women at home. When 64% of women say
that the younger generation is getting more supportive towards women 36% say
they have not at all changed.
 P a g e | 42

12. 80% of the women support the fact that relationships are at stake if domestic
violence continues over a period of time.
13. An analysis of the reasons for not helping a woman in distress was made and it was
found that 28% says there is no barrier in helping, 30% says they are worried of the
consequences after helping, 10% says they don ‘t trust the legal mechanism and the
rest say it is a woman’s fate.
14. 58% of women say that the acts and amendments have not at all helped women to
improve their status. When asked how safe they are in five modes the responses
obtained were
15. 2% are not physically safe at home
16. 22% are not verbally safe
17. One said she is not sexually safe at home!
18. 22% of women are not emotionally safe at home and one said she is not at all safe
at home!
19. 30% of women are financially unsafe and one lady is not safe at all.
 P a g e | 43

SUGGESTIONS

1. Domestic violence often goes unreported to authorities, so these numbers are believed
to be significantly lower than what really occurs. It is important to understand domestic
violence and how to deal with it if it happens to us or someone we love.
2. Awareness should be provided regarding issues of domestic abuse.
3. Proper psychological evaluations should be done in a community basis. Abuse is about
power and control over a victim, often manifesting when an abuser feels a lack of power
in other areas of his or her life or desires to take power away from their victim
4. Community should be legally educated.
5. Community should Know what local resources are available
6. Community should be able to Deal with a Violent Partner abuse looks different in every
violent relationship. Some abusers never lay their hands on their victim, but instead use
psychological tactics to make their victim feel dependent and worthless
7. Community should help people to Determine if they are experiencing domestic violence
Learn about the warning signs of abuse, types of abuse, creating a safety plan, and
leaving an abusive relationship. You can help your friend by knowing what is going on,
understanding the legal implications, and finding available resources
8. If you suspect that your friend is being abused, do not be afraid to ask him or her.
Asking how he or she is doing or if a partner is hurting him or her is not a sign that you
are a nosy friend, it is a sign that you care.
9. Let them know that you understand that they are scared and feel vulnerable, but that
you want to support them and help them through the situation.
10. Community should be supportive If our friend insists that she is not being abused, let
her know that we are always a willing ear.
11. Support efforts to prevent domestic violence should be provided.
12. Ending domestic violence starts in the home, where we teach our children what
relationships look like every day. Teach your child how to be a part of a healthy
relationship, you are teaching him or her both not to be a victim and not to be an abuser.
 P a g e | 44

CONCLUSION

Domestic violence in India includes any form of violence suffered by a person from a
biological relative , but typically is the violence suffered by a woman by male members of her
family or relatives. According to a National Family and Health Survey in 2005, total lifetime
prevalence of domestic violence was 33.5% and 8.5% for sexual violence among women aged
15–49. A 2014 study in The Lancet reports that although the reported sexual violence rate in
India is among the lowest in the world, the large population of India means that the violence
affects 27.5 million women over their lifetimes. However, an opinion survey among experts
carried out by the Thomson Reuters Foundation ranked India as the most dangerous country in
the world for women.

The 2012 National Crime Records Bureau report of India states a reported crime rate of 46 per
100,000, rape rate of 2 per 100,000, dowry homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 and the rate of
domestic cruelty by husband or his relatives as 5.9 per 100,000. These reported rates are
significantly smaller than the reported intimate partner domestic violence rates in many
countries, such as the United States (590 per 100,000) and reported homicide (6.2 per 100,000
globally), crime and rape incidence rates per 100,000 women for most nations tracked by the
United Nations.

There are several domestic violence laws in India. The earliest law was the Dowry Prohibition
Act 1961 which made the act of giving and receiving dowry a crime. In an effort to bolster the
1961 law, two new sections, Section 498A and Section 304B were introduced into the Indian
Penal Code in 1983 and 1986. The most recent legislation is the Protection of Women from
Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) 2005. The PWDVA, a civil law, includes physical,
emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse as domestic violence.

Over the past decade, domestic violence has been increasingly recognized as a major public
health concern. It has been estimated that between 10 and 64% of adult women have
experienced lifetime physical or sexual violence at the hands of their male partners, with
estimates generally substantially higher in developing countries. Some of the highest reported
rates of violence have been reported in studies from the South Asian region.
 P a g e | 45

A substantial body of evidence exists highlighting the negative consequences of domestic

violence for women’s health and well-being. A number of studies have also reported an
association between domestic violence and women’s mental health and depression. A growing
body of evidence has also highlighted the potential linkages between such violence and
reproductive health outcomes, including non-use of contraception, unintended
pregnancy, gynaecological problems and sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.

Women in our society are well aware of domestic violence, but they are reluctant to help others
in trouble, discuss one ‘s own problems with others and they are not ready to accept the fact
that they themselves are undergoing the domestic violence. They are the victims and are trying
to hide from the society fearing the consequences, distrusting the legal system. Most of them
are reluctant to approach legal support systems. A small sector said they are seriously in trouble
and the study was able to help them. The researcher has discussed rehabilitative methods with
the panchayat and family welfare centre of the panchayat.
 P a g e | 46

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 P a g e | 47

1. Agnes F. ( 2005), Domestic violence act - A portal of hope. Combat Law;

4:6.

2. Bahl, Taru; Syed, M.H. (2003), Encyclopaedia of Muslim world. New

Delhi: Anmol Publications. ISBN 9788126114191

3. Bharat Budholia. (2005), The Protection of Women from Domestic

Violence Act : Dawn of A New Era

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International Research and Response to Domestic Violence: Jointly
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status-of-women-has-changed-in

6. http://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/dv_era.htm 1/3

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8. Kapil G.K. (2006), THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN IN INDIA UNDER

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT 2005: A SOCIO –LEGAL STUDY for
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An Unfinished Agenda, Indian J Community Med. 2008 Apr; 33(2): 73–76.

10. Legal Service India. (2005) - The Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act: Dawn of A New Era
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11. McQuigg, Ronagh J.A. (2011), "Taylor & Francis, p. 13Potential problems
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Oxford New York:
12. National Crime Records Bureau ncrb.gov.in/

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Distributors. Jaipur.

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in Cambodia, Phnom Pehn. Cambodia: The Asia Foundation.
 P a g e | 49

APPENDIX
 P a g e | 50

Awareness about “The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act,

2005” among the Rural Women in Uzhamalackal panchayat of
Trivandrum district.

Declaration
The study is conducted as part of the dissertation work of Bachelor's Degree in social
work and it is hereby declared that the collected data shall solely be used for academic
purpose and that personal identity of the sample shall be confidential
Name: AMAL ZS MUHAMMED
S/d-:
1) Name:

2) Age: 18-30 31-45 46-60

3) Marital status: Married Unmarried Widow

4) Education: Uneducated School Graduation Above Graduation

5) Can a woman be thrown out of her dwelling

Yes No If it is necessary

6) Do you think it is ok for a men or women to hurt his/her partner if he/she says sorry
afterwards
Perfectly ok Sort of ok It’s not ok

7) How much of a problem is domestic violence in our community

A major problem Somewhat of a problem Not a problem at all

8) Do you personally know someone who is a victim of domestic violence

Yes No
 P a g e | 51

9) Do you know someone who is a domestic violence perpetrator

Yes No

10) Do you think alcohol/drugs/mobile phones cause domestic violence

Yes No

11) Are you willing to help a neighbour or acquaintance who is a victim of domestic
violence
Yes No

12) Are you willing to help a family member who is a victim of domestic violence
Yes No

13) Have you ever been harmed (physically, verbally, sexually, emotionally or
financially) by your partner/a family member
Yes No
14) How frequently such incidents happen at your home
Daily Occasionally Rarely Once

15) Does the violent behaviour of the partner/family member have an effect on your
Physical health?
Yes No

16) Does the violent behaviour of your partner/family member have any effect on your
mental health
Yes No

17) How comfortable are you in discussing domestic violence with your friends and
family
Yes No
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18) Do you know what community resources are available for victims of domestic
violence
Yes No

19) could you get connected to a support group or legal counsel who knows about
protection of women from domestic violence act
Yes No

20) Has there been a decline in violence towards women recently as the protection of
women from domestic violence acts are more enforced now
Yes No

21) Do you think the younger generation men are abstaining from domestic violence
against women
Yes No

22) Do you think harassment of any mode will affect the marital harmony/depth of a
relation in the long run

Yes No

23) what are the barriers to helping someone who is a victim of domestic violence
Fear of consequences
Distrust on the legal mechanism
It is their fate
No barriers-I will reach out

24) do you think the latest acts and amendments have helped to protect women

Yes No
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25) Do you feel protected at home

a) Physically
Yes No

b) Verbally
Yes No

c) Sexually
Yes No

d) Emotionally
Yes No

e) Financially
Yes No