Domestic Violence Against Men in India: A Critical Analysis with Special Reference to Indian Laws

Abstract

Laws that discriminate against women exacerbate the situation. Everyone experiences violence, regardless of gender, yet the frequency can differ. This fact cannot be ignored. The future lies in gender-neutral legislation. Instead, one alternative is divorce under section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, which establishes an acceptable reason for divorce if the petitioner is treated cruelly after the solemnization of marriage. Men do not have clear protections against domestic Violence or abuse. Discussions of domestic abuse frequently centre on women. It is always presumed that a man is the perpetrator. But because of contemporary socio-economic trends that impact family structures, men are now also victims of domestic abuse. Verbal, physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse of men is common. Men are silent victims because they don't report this detrimental behaviour, making them the quiet victims. Indian domestic violence laws prioritise protecting women over men. It gives the false impression that men are only capable of committing crimes and cannot be victims. Domestic Violence against men is becoming more commonplace. This paper aims to analyse domestic Violence against males and the laws in India that deal with it. It attempts to investigate the judicial tendency in domestic violence legislation that favours men and makes reforms that would be helpful to Indian victims of domestic Violence. Laws must be gender-neutral. By raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions and legislation should be changed to recognise domestic Violence or abuse against men effectively. Males support communities and families emotionally. According to studies, Violence and its stigma impact men's ability to participate in and contribute to their communities. It is pervasive across all cultures, social classes, and age groups. It involves Violence in marriage relationships, live-in relationships, Violence against other family members, and Violence between husbands and wives.