Breaking the cycle: The domestic violence act and the road to reform

Domestic violence remains a grim reality in Indian society, deeply entrenched in its patriarchal structure where the abuse of women has, over time, become disturbingly normalized. Enacted in 2005, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act is a commendable legislative initiative aimed at addressing this pervasive issue. Many women endure this cycle of violence throughout their lives in various roles such as daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, partners, or single women, largely due to a lack of awareness about their rights and prevailing social attitudes. This comprehensive legislation marks a departure from previous legal frameworks, which were either narrower or failed to recognize many of these abuses. Although the legislation is progressive in its intent and scope, it faces several challenges in practice. This article evaluates the significance of the Domestic Violence Act in contemporary Indian society, examining the protections it offers, the gaps that remain, and recommendations for more effective enforcement. Key words Domestic Violence-Patriarchy- Legislation-Protection- Awareness- Implementation- Abuse