Violence behind closed doors

''Strength in action'', a resource guide by Vidya Shah on domestic violence, was recently launched at One Style Mile, Mehrauli. Shah, director - education, Breakthrough, an NGO involved in promoting public awareness and dialogue about human rights and social justice, has attempted to highlight the issue of gender violence which is still prevalent in society, through her book.Of all the forms of violence faced by females, domestic violence, which usually happens behind closed doors, is the least discussed topic in public sphere. According to Shah, domestic violence is a global phenomena, it occurs in all societies around the world irrespective of caste, class, race, religion or nationality.
It is an incorrect perception that higher level of wealth or education automatically protects women from violence. Domestic violence is not always physical. It moreover, includes sexual violence as well as psychological abuse. The behaviour that causes psychological damage are - attempts at maintaining power and control through intimidation, name calling, humiliation, constant criticism, isolating women from her friends or family, extreme jealousy, restriction of freedom, tight control on finances and threats of physical harm, among others. In fact the factors which perpetuate gender based violence can be cultural, economical, legal or even political.
The resource guide is based on the premise that women''s rights are human rights which need to be safeguarded. The objective behind it is to create dialogue around culture, violence, vulnerability and rights of women. ''Strength in action'' contains activity handouts for encouraging debate on the issue and further suggests ways to the readers for helping in preventing domestic violence. It is supplemented by audio-visual clippings from films, documentaries and two music albums produced by Breakthrough. The guide is an academic exercise which raises the issue but it does not include any interviews of the victims. There are no personal details of any sufferer, no facts or figures to show whether the incidents of domestic violence have increased or decreased over the years and in which sector - poor, middle or rich class - it is more prevalent. To gain in-depth information on emotional or psychological violence or legal harassment, Shah should have talked to psychiatrists and victims as well.