Domestic violence is a significant issue in India, affecting individuals especially women across various socio-economic backgrounds. As per the 2019 report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 4,05,861 cases of cruelty by husbands or relatives reported under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with domestic violence against women.

Domestic violence is a significant issue in India, affecting individuals especially women across various socio-economic backgrounds. As per the 2019 report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 4,05,861 cases of cruelty by husbands or relatives reported under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with domestic violence against women.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted from 2015 to 2016, 29% of every married woman reported experiencing physical or sexual violence from their spouse.

It is important to note here that this could just be the tip of the iceberg, as domestic violence is often underreported due to infinite factors such as social stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of awareness of legal provisions, in addition to ingrained cultural norms that discourage reporting. The actual prevalence of domestic violence is sure to be higher than the reported numbers.

Despite the advancements, in India there are several reasons why this occurs – Men are seen as the head of the household in India’s patriarchal society. Instead of equating this power in terms of responsibility and accountability, these men tend to control their women. Due to this misunderstanding of authority men are illusioned to enjoy the right to dominate and rule over their spouses, which often leads to abuse.

Lack of education topped by poverty followed by alcohol and drug addiction takes matters to violent dead ends. Women dependent on their abusers either financially or traditionally fail to break the vicious cycle and end up setting wrong low standards.

While many may argue that the scale of domestic violence is often heavier in rural areas when compared to urban lifestyle; in line with the universal concept of evolution and adaptations, domestic violence prevalent today is in its evolved form.

Domestic Violence often flashes images of battered women, bruises, wounds or broken bones but in reality, it encompasses a whole lot more than physical violence – it’s inclusive of all types of abuse, including financial abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, or stalking. A perpetrator of violence doesn’t need to make physical contact with the victim to have committed the crime, and mental or emotional abuse is no less serious or harmful than its former self.

These abusive behaviours can inflict deep emotional and psychological wounds that are often devastating and long-lasting; and within the context of domestic violence often invisible, leaving scars that can last a lifetime.

Mental and emotional abuse involves using methods aimed at controlling and manipulating the victim’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Perpetrators employ a range of tactics, including constant criticism, humiliation, intimidation, gaslighting, isolation and literal threats to gain power and control over their victims. Unlike physical abuse, mental and emotional abuse leaves no visible wounds, making it harder to detect and address.

Victims often experience a loss of self-esteem, self-worth and confidence as a result of constant belittling remarks. The victims begin to doubt their perceptions, leading to confusion, anxiety and feelings of isolation. Over time they may become emotionally dependent on their abusers, trapped in a cycle of fear, manipulation and trauma.

According to some reports in the Solomon Islands of the Pacific, the Islanders practise a special form of curse magic. If a tree needs to be cut down and it is too big to be chopped down, it is brought down by the combined efforts of the islanders cursing negatively and yelling at the tree. The negative energy somehow damages the tree’s life energy, as a result after 30 days of being cursed and abused, the tree dies off and falls to the ground.

Prolonged exposure to abuse can lead to depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal thoughts. The constant fear, stress, and emotional turmoil erode the victim’s overall well-being, making it challenging to maintain healthy relationships, pursue personal goals, and engage in everyday activities.

Recognizing mental and emotional abuse is crucial in providing support to victims and breaking the cycle of abuse. It requires raising awareness among individuals, communities, and professionals about the signs and dynamics of this type of abuse. Every youngster from the right time must be taught to recognize, deal and overcome all types of abuse.

Empowering victims to identify the abusive behaviours, fostering a supportive environment, and providing accessible resources and services are essential steps in addressing mental and emotional abuse effectively. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 is a significant legal framework in India that aims to protect women from domestic violence. The act recognizes various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and economic abuse.

The way of life enlightened by Islam has always promoted compassion, equality and prohibition of violence of all kinds – and those guilty of transgressing have been warned to either repent and seek forgiveness from the victim or else face dire-lasting consequences.

This highlights the Prophet’s exemplary behaviour and the exceptional criterion to excel. He (pbuh) also said, “The most perfect believers are those with the most excellent character. And the best of you are those who are best to their wives.”: (Tirmidhi) – thereby emphasizing the significance of treating spouses with compassion and highlighting the role of good character in maintaining harmonious relationships.

The standards set by the Creator are high and universal, instead of falling victim, one needs to rise victorious. The process of healing starts with awareness and recognition followed by recovery. Recovering from mental and emotional abuse is a complex and challenging journey. Support networks, such as helplines, counselling services, and support groups, play a crucial role in assisting victims in their healing process. Providing trauma-informed care, therapeutic interventions, and legal protections can help survivors regain their sense of self and rebuild their lives free from abuse. Together, we can strive for a future where no one suffers silently, and all survivors find the help and healing they deserve.