Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Domestic violence

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act has certainly come as a whiff of fresh air to the scores of suffering women. The moot question, however, is how effectively will the law be followed in letter and spirit? How many women will come forward to complain against their husbands with the fear of their marriage ending lurking in the background?

H.P. Murali,
Bangalore

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The Act will go a long way in boosting the confidence of women. The loopholes, if any, can be corrected in the course of time. No Act can be perfect in all aspects at the beginning. Though complete eradication has not been possible, Acts relating to dowry and child marriage have curbed the evil practices to a large extent.

R. Ponnarassi,
Vellore, T.N.

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The law will certainly deter the perpetrators of domestic violence to some extent. Awareness about the Act should be created among women so that the victims of violence approach the authorities concerned without reluctance and the fear of further harassment. Equally important is the need to avoid any false complaints by women.

V. Seshagiri Sharma,
Chennai

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The law may protect women from violence at home but what about their protection after they walk out of the marriage? It is better for a couple to behave with restraint and sensibility than give in to the temptation of separating easily unless they face extreme trouble in living together. The law should not be seen as a facilitator in breaking up families.

M.A. Hakeem,
Hyderabad

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What about the man who suffers in silence at the hands of a shrewish wife? Though this law was warranted, the Government has shown insensitivity in leaving men to fend for themselves.

C.G. Senthilkumar,
Davis, California

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The practice of respecting women should begin from one's childhood. Till that is done whether a woman is economically independent or not is immaterial. In India, a woman does not have an identity of her own. She is always a daughter, a wife or a mother. Only when this mindset changes can violence against women, whether it is mental or physical, come to an end.

R. Vathsala,
Bangalore

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Laws relating to the private lives of individuals are difficult to implement. The best example is the dowry system. Even the laws regarding untouchability have not been fully effective in some parts. Against such a backdrop, how can the government be sure of implementing the law on domestic violence? Most women will shy away from complaining against their husbands or their family members for fear of bringing a bad name to that family. No court can make a husband and wife live together showing love and affection. That should come from their hearts.

Karavadi Raghava Rao,
Vijayawada, A.P.

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