Dr Manas Ranjan Nanda did his post-graduation in Sociology from the Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1994 and completed his PhD from the Utkal University in 2000. He has added a feather unto his cap by acquiring a post-doctoral degree on an empirical study based on a sensitive issue entitled Naxalite Movement in Odisha: A Sociological Study. A known sociologist of our time, Dr Nanda is a faculty in the Department of Sociology, Ekamra Degree College. He is a prolific writer already having sociological publications, the most important being Migration of Construction Workers in Bhubaneswar City. In an interview to The Pioneer, Dr Nanda spoke to Sugyan Choudhury on domestic violence.
Can you please explain domestic violenceIJ
Domestic violence is a forced ‘pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an individual’. This behaviour is considered abusive because it is unwanted and often unwarranted by the person who is being abused.
Could you tell the types of violence a women experience during her lifetimeIJ
She passes through physical, psychological and financial abuse in the domestic sphere. Physical violence includes hitting, slapping, punching, pushing, throwing objects, burning, etc., that result in physical injury. A victim replied, “In the end of every month, my husband takes my salary and gives me little money for my expenditure. One month, I refused to give him my salary. He kicked me and dragged me by holding my hair and threatened me to kill. If I leave my husband’s house, who will nurture and educate my childIJ It is better to live in violent circumstances to educate my childIJ” It is also reported that women are forced to take drug and drink wine against their desire to satisfy the urge of the husband. Sometimes, the husband forcibly establishes sexual relationship (forced sex) without the will of the partner. Economic abuse may involve preventing the wife from resource acquisition, limiting the amount of resources to use by her, or by exploiting her economic resources. Emotional abuses include avoidance of sex, threatening with injury or harm, telling her that she will be killed if she ever leaves the relationship, isolating her from others and public humiliation.
Is that still playing key role in this era of information revolutionIJ
Patriarchy is still playing a very important role in the era of information revolution. This can be better understood by observing the study of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The UNFPA conducted a study in India which revealed that while 93.6 per cent of male respondents believed that a woman should obey her husband, 76.9 per cent of the men believed that if a wife or partner does something wrong, a man has the right to punish her. 51.1 per cent of the male respondents and 57.3 per cent of the female respondents believed that a woman should tolerate domestic violence to keep her family together. While 93.6 per cent of men and 91.1 per cent of women believed that a woman should obey her husband, 76.9 per cent men and 78.7 per cent women felt that a woman’s husband has the right to punish her if she does something wrong. Women’s organisations have given solid challenges to the structure of patriarchy in the era of information revolution. The information on violence against women is easily accessible to public and media. This has created a fear psychosis among male members.
Is a male also tortured in the familyIJ
A few cases of male torture by wives have come to the fore. One of my friends said, “My wife has been threatening me to book me under women law on certain family issues. I do not even dare to suggest her anything relating to our domestic matter. Whatever she feels, she does without caring my interest. law is meant for women. If we complain before any authority, nothing happens. I am living under mental agony.” To some extent, male torture is increasing. Some men rights activists are demanding a Men’s Commission to protect them from women’s cruelty.
What about child abuse and its consequencesIJ
Domestic violence has forced children to pass through different forms of violence. They are subjected to physical, emotional, psychological and financial oppression. Due to dispute between the parents, the children feel unhappy, frightened and distressed. They live in a violent atmosphere, for which they lag behind in the academic field. Due to parents’ inadequate love, affection and care, they become juvenile delinquents and criminals. They use to drink and take drugs. Many sociologists observe that the children nurtured in a violent atmosphere learn that violence is an effective way to resolve disputes and problems. Boys who witness their mothers’ abuse are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys grown up in non-violent homes. For girls, adolescence may result in the belief that threats and violence are the norms in relationships. Children from broken homes have higher chances of alcohol/drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and juvenile delinquency.
How does domestic violence affect a child’s feelings about his or her parentsIJ
Children who have witnessed domestic violence often have confused and contradictory feelings about their parents. They worry about the safety of the parent who has been abused, and they also worry that their parents will not be able to protect them. They may see their fathers as kind-hearted and loving some of the time and terrifying and dangerous at other times. For a child, it may feel less confusing to simply side with the perpetrator and blame the victim. Often, children feel torn over loyalties and are caught in the midst of the conflict.
What are the protective factors for childrenIJ
The most important protective resource to enable a child to cope with exposure to violence is a strong relationship with a competent, caring, positive adult, most often a parent. Schools and community centres can provide opportunities for children to benefit from the support of peer members, which has been proved to be instrumental in reducing deep anxiety and utter depression among children exposed to violence. The children should have access to positive social supports through religious organisations, clubs, sports, group activities, teachers, etc.
What’s the role of media in curbing domestic violenceIJ
Media is a very powerful agency of social change. It carries the voice of the people. Media has still played effective roles in minimising domestic violence against women. As media is the eye, ear and limbs of the society, they could help a great deal in mitigating violence against women. The media’s role should be to expose and generate awareness against the society’s ills and evils. Therefore, their role should be still more effective. The media is more aware of violence against women. Many people do not dare to torture their female members owing to the fear of their exposure by the media in the society. Media is highlighting injustices meted out to women by the male-dominated society. Media’s growing role in highlighting violence against women has created a strong awareness in the society and helped reduce the incidences of domestic violence.
Being a sociologist, what’s your opinion to end domestic violenceIJ
I must condemn the inhuman torture of either of the spouses in the domestic sphere. The family relationship is nothing but a line of understanding. The ultimate goal of marriage is not divorce but to lead a healthy conjugal life. Torturing the spouse proves the heinous mentality and split personality of a person. Both the partners must exchange love and respect with each other. I must suggest that women should break the ice of silence and raise their voice to protect and preserve their fundamental rights. Indian law has been a major instrument of change for the status of women in the society. I would sincerely appeal to women not to misuse the law that will lead to breakdown of many ideal families.