Domestic Violence in Pakistan

Domestic violence is a real and serious problem that affects millions of people every year. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or economic status. Domestic violence is often used as a tool to control and intimidate intimate partners. It can have a lasting impact on victims, both physically and emotionally. It can also lead to problems like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. And it’s not just the woman who suffers; children who witness or experience domestic violence can also be deeply affected.

Domestic violence is a major problem in Pakistan. In a country where women have few rights and are often seen as property, it’s not surprising that domestic violence is so common.

Pakistan is ranked as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women, and domestic violence is a big part of that. One in four Pakistani women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and many more will witness it.

What are the Causes of Domestic Violence in Pakistan?

Every year, thousands of women are killed or injured by their husbands or other male family members. There are many reasons why this happens, but some of the most common ones are:

1) The traditional role of women in Pakistani society.

Women are often seen as the property of their husbands or fathers, and they do not have the same rights as men. This can make it very difficult for them to leave an abusive relationship, because they may not have anywhere to go or any way to support themselves.

2) Lack of education and awareness about domestic violence.

Many people in Pakistan do not even know that domestic violence is a crime. They may think that it is just a normal part of married life and that there is nothing they can do about it. Lack of education and awareness about domestic violence is a major problem in Pakistan. There are many reasons for this lack of education and awareness, including poverty, social norms, and lack of access to information. This lack of education and awareness means that women who are suffering from domestic violence often have nowhere to turn for help. This is a major problem that needs to be addressed to help protect women in Pakistan.

3) Economic dependency on the abuser.

For many women in Pakistan, the decision to leave an abusive relationship is not a simple one. Often, these women are economically dependent on their abuser and have no way to support themselves or their children if they leave. This dependency can be used as a tool by the abuser to keep control over his victim. Leaving an abusive relationship is a difficult decision for any woman, but when she is economically dependent on her abuser, it becomes even harder.

351.	Assault: Whoever makes any gesture, or any preparation intending or knowing it to be likely that such gesture or preparation will cause any person present to apprehend that he who makes that gesture or preparation it about to use .of criminal force to that person, is said to commit an assault. Explanation: Mere words do not amount to an assault, But the words which a person uses may give to his gesture or preparation such a meaning as may make those gestures or preparations amount to an assault.
350.	Criminal force: Whoever intentionally uses force to any person, without that person’s consent, in order to the committing of any offence, or intending by the use of such force to cause or knowing it to be likely that by the use of such force he wilt cause injury, fear or annoyance to the person to whom the force is used, is said to use criminal force to that other. Illustrations (a) Z is sitting in a moored boat on a river. A unfastens the moorings, and thus intentionally causes the boat to drift down the stream. Here A intentionally causes motion to Z, and he does this by disposing of substances in such a manner that the motion is produced without any other action on any person’s part. A has, therefore, intentionally used force to Z; and if he has done so without Z’s consent, in order to the committing of any offence or intending or knowing it to be likely that this use of force will cause injury, for or annoyance to Z, A has used criminal force to Z. (b) Z is riding in a chariot, A lashes Z’s horses, and thereby cause them to quicken their pace. Here A has caused a change of motion to Z by inducing the animals to change their motion. A has, therefore, used force to Z. and if ,A has done this without Z’s consent, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy Z. A has used criminal force to Z. (c) Z is riding in a palanquin. A, intending to rob Z. seizes the pole and stops the palanquin. Here A has caused cessation of motion to Z, and he has done this by his own bodily power. A has, therefore, used force to Z and as A has acted thus intentionally without Z’s consent in order to commission of an offence A has used criminal force to Z. (d) A intentionally pushes against Z in the street. Here A has by his own bodily power moved his own person so as to bring it into contact with Z. He has, therefore, intentionally used force to Z; and if he has done so without Z’s consent, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy Z. he has used criminal force to Z. (e) A throws a stone, intending or knowing it to be likely that the stone will be thus brought into contact with Z. or with Z’s clothes, or with something carried by Z or that it will strike water, and dash up the water against Z’s clothes, or something carried by Z. Here, if the throwing of the stone produce the effect of causing any substance to come into contact with Z. or, Z’s clothes. A has used force to Z; and if he did so without Z’s consent intending thereby to injure, frighten or annoy Z, he has used criminal force to Z. (f) A intentionally pulls up a woman’s veil. Here A intentionally uses force to her and if he does so without her consent intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy her he has used criminal force to her. (g) Z is bathing. A pours into the bath water which he knows to be boiling. .Here A intentionally by his own bodily power causes such motion in the boiling water as brings that water into contact with Z, or with other water so situated that such contact must affect Z’s sense of feeling. A has, therefore, intentionally used force to Z; and if he has done this without Z’s consent intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury, fear or annoyance to Z. A has used criminal force. (h) A incites a dog to spring upon Z. without Z’s consent. Here, if A intends lo cause injury, fear or annoyance to Z, he uses criminal force to Z.
503.	Criminal Intimidation: Whoever threatens another with any injury to his person, reputation or property, or to the person or reputation of any one in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm to that person, or to cause that person to do any act which he is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do, as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat, commits criminal intimidation. Explanation: A threat to injure the reputation of any deceased person in whom the person threatened is interested, is within this section. Illustration A, for the purpose of inducing B to desist from prosecuting a civil suit, threatens to burn B’s house. A is guilty of criminal intimidation. Ingredients: This section has the following essentials:— 1. Threatening a person with any injury– (i) to this person, reputation, or property; or (ii) to the person or reputation of any one in whom that person is interested. 2. Threat must be with intent— (a) to cause harm to that person, or (b) to cause that person to do any act which he is not legally bound to do as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat, or (c) to cause that person to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat. Words, “well, I will see you” do not constitute an offence under Section 506.

Despite these laws, much more needs to be done to protect women from domestic violence in Pakistan. The government should enact laws specifically prohibiting and punishing acts of domestic violence. Additionally, law enforcement officials need to be better trained in how to deal with cases of domestic violence. Only then will women in Pakistan be truly safe from this scourge.

What Does the Law Say

There is no specific traditional law that directly addresses domestic violence in Pakistan, but there are several existing laws that can be used to address domestic violence. These include the Pakistan Penal Code, the Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, and the Women’s Protection Act.

The Pakistan Penal Code contains several provisions that can be used to address domestic violence. These include sections on assault, criminal force, hurt, and intentional insult. The Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance also contains some provisions that can be used to address domestic violence. These include sections on forced marriage, rape, and sexual harassment.

The Women’s Protection Act was passed in 2006 and contains many provisions that specifically address domestic violence.

Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006, S. 2.

Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006, S. 3.0

Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006, S. 4.

Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006, S. 5.

Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006, S. 6.

Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006, S. 7.

What Can Be Done in This Regard

One way to prevent domestic violence is to educate people about it. Many people in Pakistan do not even realize that what they’re doing is domestic violence. They may think that it’s normal for a husband to hit his wife, or that a son has the right to beat up his sisters. If more people are aware of what domestic violence is, they can start to change their attitudes and beliefs about it.

Another way to educate people about domestic violence is through public service announcements and campaigns. These can raise awareness about the issue and let people know where they can go for help. There also needs to be more shelters and support groups available for victims of domestic violence. These can provide a safe place for them to stay and help them get back on their feet.

There have been some steps taken in recent years to try and address this issue. The government has set up a helpline and established a task force to look into the issue of domestic violence. However, much more needs to be done to effectively tackle this problem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current laws related to domestic violence in Pakistan are not effective in protecting women and children from abuse. There is a need for more stringent laws that provide harsher penalties for abusers and better protection for victims. Additionally, more public awareness is needed to change the social norms that condone violence against women and children. Only then will Pakistan be able to create a safe environment for all its citizens.

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