MANIPUR & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

An FIR has been filed against a renowned Manipuri actor for allegedly beating his wife. While further details are yet to be investigated, the news bombarded social media, leading to several conflicting reactions from the public. But comments on the news took a worrying turn as many decided to take matters into their own hands, immediately asserting views that largely reflect a puzzling reality about women's position. Vast comments justifying wife-beating by husbands, including public calls to keep such matters private and personal shows a grim reality of this society towards women.

As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8th, with this year's theme “Give to Gain,” it is time to reflect on how we are supporting equality and the growth of women. And with matters like this now and then, it also reminds us that structural and systematic support remain essential to continuously empowering women.

According to the National Crime Report Bureau (NCRB) 2022 statistics, more than 1,40,000 women suffer domestic violence at the hands of their husbands and relatives in India. This report excludes the number of reports of crimes related to rape, molestation, kidnappings, honour killings and others. A release by the Press Information Bureau, based on 2017 data from the NCRB under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, mentions that the number of domestic violence cases reported or registered under the ‘Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act’ for the state of Manipur was ZERO consecutively in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The irony is how common domestic violence is in the state, accounting for a large number of households, and yet none have been reported in recent years. This raises serious eyebrows and presents a scathing picture of our society and the efficiency of agencies which are there to protect and safeguard women.

Hence, the comments are not surprising. They are, sadly, a manifestation of the reality faced by many women. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 of 2019-21, 45.5% women and 44% men in India justify the behaviour of wife beating for specified reasons. This says all. Wife-beating justifications will continue as long as we continue to close our eyes to such violence. Aggression against women should not be a compromise for the male ego. Women's rights are real, and they exist. No one is above the Law! Call Women Helpline 181.