Multidimensional Analysis of Domestic and Gender-based Violence Against Women in Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: Despite the implementation of numerous laws by Pakistan to address this issue, domestic violence continues to escalate daily. The objective of the study is to elucidate the reasons for domestic violence (DV) against women in Pakistan and its implications. The study examines a normative perspective of Pakistan's socio-political landscape, analyzing how institutional actors such as religion, bureaucracy, and the military interact with and are influenced by broader social currents.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses qualitative research methodologies since forensic psychology is an area that needs both descriptive and analytical approaches to reach its goals. The study's analytical focus, exploratory character, and knowledge were all enhanced by using random sampling to obtain the data. Medical professionals, psychologists, and attorneys were among the female intellectual practitioners who filled out a pre-designed questionnaire for this study.

Findings: Domestic violence is a complex issue that is not receiving a lot of attention in Pakistan due to the fact that it primarily occurs within families. According to research, the percentage of violent acts that occur in close relationships in the country ranges from thirty to seventy-five percent. Many factors contribute to Pakistan's domestic violence crisis. The most important things are that women don't have many educational opportunities, that they want to be empowered, that there are many false ideas about Islam, that cultural beliefs are deeply rooted, that people are struggling financially, that girls are discouraged from having children, that infertile people are stigmatized, and that people are drinking and using drugs more. It is possible that numerous initiatives may collaborate to alleviate domestic violence in Pakistan, but this would need the establishment of a complex Integrated Framework that would examine all of these issues systematically.

Implications/Originality/Value: According to research, victims of domestic abuse have a fourfold higher risk of taking their own lives than non-victims. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or drug addiction. According to the survey, many Pakistani women suffer from domestic violence, and there are preventable causes for this. Further research is also needed in this area.