By Swati Shirtar, Assistant Director, Gender Unit, CYDA
Domestic violence and dowry-related harassment are deeply rooted issues in Indian society. These problems are perpetuated by patriarchal beliefs that treat women as mere commodities. For many women, violence is often not confined to their marital homes. Discrimination and control frequently begin in their parental households, where their choices and freedoms are restricted under the guise of tradition. After marriage, the cycle of oppression often continues. Family members frequently justify their actions through culture and customs, resulting in harassment, dowry demands, or emotional manipulation.
Scenario of Domestic Violence in Pune
While Pune is often celebrated as a growing urban hub of education and employment, the city also carries a quieter and more troubling reality, an increasing trend of domestic violence and dowry-related deaths. These incidents not only violate the dignity and rights of women but also highlight gender inequalities that remain unspoken in many households. Abuse can take many forms. It may be visible acts of physical violence, or it can be more subtle methods such as financial dependency, emotional pressure, or social isolation. For many women, home is not a place of safety but a space where they face daily emotional, physical, and economic abuse.
Regardless of how it appears, the outcome remains the same: there is a deep-rooted power imbalance. In this scenario, women are silenced and oppressed, and in severe cases, they may be subjected to life-threatening harm. Despite protective laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act (1961), Section 498A of the IPC, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), systemic gaps in enforcement, patriarchal attitudes and social stigma prevent many victims from seeking justice.
Crimes Against Women in Pune:
- The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report positioned Pune city fourth in Maharashtra, reporting 2,074 crimes against women, up 28.3% from 1,616 in 2021[i]
- Overall, proportionate to population, Pune’s crime rate against women stands at 58.1 per 100,000 women, with “cruelty by husband or relatives” (domestic violence, Section 498A IPC) particularly notable[ii].
- Across India in 2022, domestic violence comprised roughly 31.4% of all crimes against women, making it the most prevalent category nationally[iii].
The hidden face of violence
Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. Emotional, psychological, and economic abuse are also part of this spectrum. According to recent media reports and police data, Pune district has witnessed a rise in reported cases of domestic abuse and dowry harassment, particularly in semi-urban and peri-urban areas like Hadapsar, Kondhwa, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. For every reported case, many more go unspoken, masked by fear, stigma, and social pressure.
Dowry Deaths – A social stain that persists
Despite laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) and Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code, dowry deaths still occur with alarming regularity. A disturbing case recently surfaced in Pune where a young woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances just months after her marriage-she had allegedly faced continuous harassment for dowry. Her case, like many others, is under investigation, but the broader question remains: why do such traditions still hold power over our lives?
A Gender Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) Lens
From a gender equity perspective, domestic violence and dowry deaths are not just law and order problems, but they are issues rooted in unequal power structures, patriarchal norms, and systemic exclusion. Women, especially from marginalized communities, are more vulnerable due to limited economic freedom, lack of support systems, and societal expectations.
At Centre for Youth Development and Activities and through initiatives like Avaaz Hamari, Non Traditional Livelihoods under Gender Diversity & Inclusion unit we address these issues by :
- Empowering women through education, vocational training, and self-advocacy.
- Engaging boys and young men in conversations around gender norms and equality.
- Promoting safe spaces for survivors to access support, legal aid, and counselling.
- Mobilizing community leaders to break the silence and stand against harmful practices.
Why Inclusion Matters
A society that fails to protect its women cannot call itself progressive. True inclusion means recognizing that gender-based violence affects individuals differently based on caste, class, sexual identity, and age. Intersectional approaches are essential. For instance, LGBTQIA+ individuals often face domestic abuse and have no legal recourse or shelter options-another blind spot in the system.
Call to Action
We must treat domestic violence and dowry deaths not as isolated family matters, but as public issues demanding public accountability. Strengthening community-based mechanisms, improving police sensitivity, and supporting survivors through inclusive rehabilitation policies are essential steps forward.
Conclusion
Gender justice is not a one-time campaign. It is a continuous commitment and process. As we work toward a more equitable Pune, let us ensure that no woman is made to feel unsafe in her own home. Domestic violence must not remain behind closed doors. It must be brought to the center of our collective action.
References
[i] Pune MirrorHindustan Times+3Punekar News+3Hindustan Times+3.
