The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), in collaboration with Indian researchers, is pleased to present the first in a series summarizing the research studies being undertaken in India on domestic violence against women. The summary reports presented in this volume have been prepar

Violence against women has been recognized as one of the eleven critical areas of concern by the Indian government in its 1995 Country Report for the Fourth World Conference on Women at Beijing.

In order to survey and assess these responses in their various forms, domestic violence was first defined broadly to comprise those acts of intimidation and cruelty such as mental, emotional, financial, and physical abuse of a woman, which may make a woman or her family members seek the support o

The English common law or law created by English judicial decisions treated the wife as the husband's chattel, allowing the husband to do as he pleased in the private domain of his home.

The sensational murder of a Delhi model has triggered off endless debate on the break- down of traditional values and the rise of the cash and carry culture. Many have proffered the pernicious argument that since she was bar tending dressed in shorts, she was perhaps asking for it.

Domestic violence against women is increasingly recognised as a major health and social problem in India. It is also a concerns for public health.

In this paper I am going to discuss some important matters regarding domestic violence and women and support structures, both regarding the issue in general and our experiences in this field.

Women in India have been facing violence in all spheres of life for thousands of years. They face domestic, political and social violence also, making it a multifaceted and complicated issue.

THE United Nations Commission on the Status of Women defines violence against women to include "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women..." [Economic and Social Council 1992].

Domestic violence against women is increasingly recognised as a major health and social problem in India. It is also a concern for public health.