Domestic Violence: A Curse Against Women Empowerment In 21st Century

Abstract

Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing challenges to women’s empowerment in the 21st century. Despite legislative frameworks such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006, women continue to face abuse in physical, emotional, psychological, and economic forms. This paper examines domestic violence as both a social and cultural construct deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions, gender inequality, and economic dependence. It highlights how lack of education, financial insecurity, social stigma, and cultural taboos perpetuate silence and normalize violence within households. Drawing on secondary sources including books, reports, and scholarly articles, the study analyzes the causes, manifestations, and consequences of domestic abuse while emphasizing the need for awareness, education, and empowerment to break the cycle of victimization. The paper argues that eradicating domestic violence is essential not only for safeguarding women’s dignity and rights but also for fostering healthier families and a progressive society. It advocates a multi-pronged approach involving legal interventions, social reforms, education, community participation, and the strengthening of support networks for victims.