The Indian (Gender-Biased) Domestic Violence Act

For centuries in India women were treated like goddesses - or devis. Even though there was sati (suttee), with widows voluntary taking to and immolating themselves on their late husband's funeral pyre, as devout Hindus believe, or forced to do so, as opponents of sati believe, it was purely a religious custom, that had nothing to do with women rights¹. Man was the head of the family, but at home in fact he was his wife's puppet, a situation described by the wry aside: "He is the BOSS of the House - he has his wife's permission to say so!"

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 Hinduism's ancient culture, one of the greatest is the honored place ascribed to women. Manu, the great law-giver, said long ago, "Where women are honored there reside the gods." According to ancient Hindu scriptures, no religious rite could be performed by a man perfectly without the active participation of his wife - his wife's participation being essential to any religious rite. Married men could perform sacred rites on the occasion of various important festivals only when accompanied by their wives. Wives are thus befittingly called 'Ardhangani' (better half). They are given not only important but equal position with men (Source http://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Huma/HumaSing.htm by Dr. Ms. Rekha Singh of M.D.D.M. College.

The Indian Domestic Violence Act

According to the Indian Domestic Violence Act:

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over a female partner.

Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound the female partner.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender - except to males. It can happen among couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic Violence affects people of all socio-economic backgrounds and education levels.