Exploring the Impact of Domestic Violence on Asian Women's Health

This report delves into the critical issue of domestic violence and its profound impact on Asian women. It begins by defining domestic violence, outlining its various forms including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, and exploring the factors that perpetuate it, such as economic dependence, cultural norms, and upbringing. The report then examines the specific emotional and physical consequences experienced by Asian women, including both short-term and long-term effects, supported by statistical data from various Asian countries. Furthermore, it explores relevant legislation and protection measures aimed at safeguarding Asian women from domestic violence. The analysis highlights the prevalence of domestic violence in the region, discusses the challenges faced by victims, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions to address this pervasive issue.

How Domestic Violence has an Impact on Asian
Women

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER- 1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Title........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Introduction............................................................................................................................1
1.3 Background of topic..............................................................................................................1
1.4 Rationale................................................................................................................................2
1.5 Aims and Objective...............................................................................................................2
1.5.1 Aim.................................................................................................................................2
1.5.2 Objective.........................................................................................................................2
1.6 Research question..................................................................................................................2
1.7 Significance of topic..............................................................................................................3
CHAPTER- 2: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.......................................................................................4
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................4
2.2 Meaning of domestic violence with its type..........................................................................4
2.2.1 Sexual abuse...................................................................................................................5
2.2.2 Psychological abuse........................................................................................................5
2.2.3 Emotional abuse..............................................................................................................6
2.3 Factors that perpetuate domestic violence.............................................................................7
2.3.1 Economic dependence on men.......................................................................................8
2.3.2 Culture............................................................................................................................8
2.3.3 Upbringing......................................................................................................................8
2.3.4 Area bought up...............................................................................................................9
CHAPTER- 3: IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE...............................................................10
3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................10
3.2 Impact of domestic violence on Asian women....................................................................10
3.2.1 Emotional impact..........................................................................................................10
3.2.2 Physical impact.............................................................................................................12
3.2.3 Short term effect...........................................................................................................12
3.2.4 Long term effect...........................................................................................................13
3.3 Statistic related to various Asian countries on domestic violence.......................................13
CHAPTER- 4: LEGISLATION and PROTECTION FOR ASIAN WOMEN.............................16

4.1 Relevant legislation and data related with domestic violence.............................................16
CHAPTER- 5: CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................21
5.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23

CHAPTER- 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Title
How domestic violence has an impact on Asian women
1.2 Introduction
Domestic violence is increasing in all parts of world not only within the families of
backward areas but rather witnessed in Western countries as well. Domestic violence or domestic
abuse is that part of violence of any sort of abuse which is done by one person of family against
another like that of marriage or cohabitation. The history of this domestic violence from around
the world is very old as there was no legal system which was related to wife being beaten up by
her in-laws or husband. Apart from this there were also many significant changes within the rules
and regulations of countries across world which is marking or setting up examples for gender
equality. These change was witnessed after the Feminist movement in 19th century in USA, UK
and other parts of world which was regarding this domestic violence.
Domestic violence is not just physical but also mental abuse and torture which person is
facing when they are committed within any type of relationships and this also take place in
heterosexual or same sex relationships. So there are many cases of domestic violence would
include violence or threating against, parents, spouse, children and elderly person of family.
There are number of forms of domestic violence which could take place like that of reproductive,
verbal, physical, emotional, religious, sexual abuse and economic. These could lead to many
range of different forms like marital rape, acid throwing, female genital mutilation, choking and
beating that ultimately lead to death or disfigurement. The major victims of this domestic
violence from across the world are women as they are considered to as economically and
physically weak.
1.3 Background of topic
Domestic violence or abuse within the Asian women is highly witnessed than any other
part of world. As many of the research show that there is significant direct relationship between
rates of domestic violence and level of gender equality in country. As the country which is
having less rate of gender equality will be having higher level of domestic violence statistics. As
many Asian countries like that of China, Bangladesh, India, Turkey, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan
and many more. It was noted in one of the report that about 21-55% of women Asian are victim
of physical or sexual violence during the course of their life and about 18% of them are
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experiencing rape or case of stalking by their intimate partners as well. So this particular report
will be largely covering the number of victims with impact of domestic violence within countries
of Asia.
1.4 Rationale
This is very much important to include or research on this topic as this would be giving
clear idea related to domestic violence and why it is so much prominent or commonly done on
women of Asia. There are increasing crime rates against women and children in these countries
which is very common in respect to domestic violence. There are many countries especially with
Islamic law which are to very greater extend giving permission to husband or male member of
family for the violence against women or their wives. For example in Iraq husbands are having
their legal rights as to punish their wives as they are not aware of what is been done with them is
wrong or right. As majority of women think that domestic violence as the judgement from God
to them and blaming themselves for the existing violence. Other than this most of the women
also are having no knowledge about the existing law and policies which are specially meant to
protect their legal right.
1.5 Aims and Objective
1.5.1 Aim
To explore the impact of domestic violence on physical and mental health of Asian
women
1.5.2 Objective
 To understand the meaning of domestic violence with its type
 To explore the impact of domestic violence on physical and mental health of Asian
women
 To identify statistic related to various Asian countries on domestic violence
1.6 Research question
 What is the meaning of domestic violence with its type?
 What is the impact of domestic violence on physical and mental health of Asian women?
 What is the statistic related to various Asian countries on domestic violence?
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1.7 Significance of topic
This topic will be very much significant for the person or researcher to carry on the
research on topic of domestic violence so that they are having specified knowledge to determine
the importance of this topic. This research will also be helpful for social workers or social
activists so that they could know epidemiology of domestic violence among Asian women.
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CHAPTER- 2: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
2.1 Introduction
Domestic violence is an act which is exercised by one person of family over other for
showing their power and influence on them who are generally considered to as weak or
dependent on others. As included above domestic violence was in mid of 1800 considered to as
valid action of men or husband exercising over their wives. There are many type of domestic
violence which takes place throughout the world including marital rape, verbal and physical
abuse as well. While there are also domestic murders which are witnessed by women of house or
family like that of bride burning, dowry deaths and honor killings.
So this part which is briefly describing the effects of domestic violence both mental and
physical that is witnessed by women living in Asia. This will be done based on literature review
where various parts or research of previous researchers is included with the underlying impact of
it. The part will be covering various types of domestic violence been acted against women of
Asian community.
2.2 Meaning of domestic violence and its types
According to Straus, et al., (2017) domestic violence is the violent act or behaviour
within the home typically involving the violent and abuse of spouse or partner. This would be
including any incident which is threatening to the person (either physical or mentally) or abusing
them in various ways like sexual, financial or physical. This could be within or among intimate
partners or family members not related to gender or sexuality of that person. Domestic violence
is usually a set pattern over time with use of threat or force for frightening victim and controlling
their behaviour. This means that the person who is abused always will be in threat of losing their
lives as abuser is in power of fearing him or her. There are many sort of campaign and promotion
which are done for giving up several rights to women against domestic violence all around the
world (Tavoli, Tavoli and Montazeri, 2016). But certainly this started after Feminist movement
which started in 19th century which was majorly contributing to giving up rights to women world
and making them aware of their rights.
As per the view of Brickell, (2017) victims of domestic violence specifically women not
have any knowledge that they are been violated and their rights are not given consideration by
their family members including husband. this is due to lack of education that women in Asian
community regard abuse by their husband to as legal and not report this to police. There are also
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taboos which guide male member of family towards their use of right to much greater extent
which is even causing death and disfigurement of another member. This means that male
members are influenced by their surrounding environment and think that whatever they are doing
is right. Asian women are experiencing this domestic violence and they are often victim of abuse
within the wider community as well (Asian Women, Domestic Violence and Mental Health,
2019). Many families having males into their house would be proving to be financially stronger
part of society and then violating the right of other people as well. According to Roberson and
Wallace, (2016) the gender stereotypes will be having very high conventional and they are
considering women to as responsible for maintaining pride and reputation of family. This means
that females of house in Asian countries like that of India and Pakistan are regarded for keeping
families reputation in society.
As per the domestic violence report of 2000 it could be included that in Cambodia there
were about 16% of women who are been physically abused by their partners and about 8% of
them were reported to as being injured. While in case of India were majority of case of domestic
violence is been identified included that up to 45% of women were physically abused by their
husbands that were about 6900 women only in state of Uttar Pradesh in 1996. Similar was found
as in case of Korea where around 38% of women were physically abused by their husband and
in-laws. While in case of Thailand this ratio was about 20% of husband physically abused their
wives at least once during their marriage.
These are all case which is about 18 years old including the physical abuse as cases
regarding to mental health are not certainly reported by any victim in countries. In context of
Russia there are about each 1 out of 4 cases which are of domestic violence being experienced
within the family. From various countries this domestic violence is not included typically into
criminal offense but it will be charged into several other crimes like that of assaults as this would
be leading to death of victim as well. In case of Turkey there were about 42% who faced
violence by their husband. According to view of García-Moreno, Kilonzo and Watts, (2015)
there are many Islamic countries or states of Asia region which are having their prevalence of
domestic violence. As they are having majority of Muslim culture which are having extra
pressure on the domestic violence as their husband’s would be manipulating Islamic law into
their control as well.
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Figure 1: Statistic related to various Asian countries on domestic violence
[Source: García-Moreno, Kilonzo and Watts, 2015]
The above image indicates number cases of domestic violence in the year 2017 as this is
very much common into countries of Asia. This report is only based on the experience of women
in respect with their intimate partner’s violence from year 2000-2017 (García-Moreno, Kilonzo
and Watts, 2015). Within country like that of Pakistan there are many case related to domestic
violence more than 90% where women are subjected to any form of violence by any member of
family (Asian Women, Domestic Violence and Mental Health, 2019). It was also found that there
are many cases within Pakistan where honour killings are reported to as the most serious
problem and issue as per the report of Human Rights. It could also be added by García-Moreno,
Kilonzo and Watts, (2015) that the domestic violence in India is also very much common
problem that includes the form like that of custom of dowry, honour killings, rape, sexual
assaults, and murders as well.
Honour killings is type of domestic abuse mostly practised in South East Asia which
means killing of any relative especially that of women or girl who are perceiving to dishonouring
of their family. There are many reasons for this including separation from spouse, refusing for
arrange marriage, having sex before marriage, having relationship which is disapproved by their
family or victim of rape as well. On other hand system of dowry in India is also regarded to as
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reason for domestic violence in which new bride is punished for not giving dowry by their
parents at time of marriage.
2.2.1 Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse as per the view of Messerschmidt and Tomsen, (2018) is part of domestic
violence which occurs especially on women and children which is also known to as molestation
or undesired sexual behaviour. This is normally done by one person over the other by using force
of taking advantage of another person’s weakness. Human trafficking is trade of humans for
purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery and commercial sex worker as well. Sexual abuse is
done on child, individual who is younger than age of abuser, on spouse and people having some
disabilities as well. WHO propose that in violence against women sexual abuse is one of the
most common crime which is faced by them across world. Other than this there are several
crimes which are been imposed on women of some of the Asian communities like forced
marriage, marital rape, cyber-stalking, body modification, forcing to watch pornography and
many more.
According to Root and Brown, (2014) it could be included that about 23% of Asian
Pacific Islander Women (API women) are victim of sexual abuse within which about 10% of
them are victim of completed or attempted rape. While it was also included that about 21% of
API women was victim of non-contact unwanted sexual experience during their lifetime. While
it was also noted that the 9% men in of API were victim of contact sexual violence in their
lifetime. This data is been spread across the Asian Pacific women like about 64% of women
from Pakistan and India and 56% of women from Philippines were the victim once in their
lifetime of sexual abuse.
2.2.2 Psychological abuse
Heise, (2018) proposed that psychological abuse is also a type of domestic violence
which is faced by the women throughout the world as this could be described to as mental torture
or abuse. Psychological abuse can include that of depression, bullying, abuse at workplace, gas
lighting, torture, human right abuse and psychological trauma which is been witnessed among
Asian women. According to Jewkes, Flood and Lang, (2015) psychological abuse could be
connected by the abuser in way of conducting torture to victim of abuse and other form and
could lead to chronic depression. Till the time of 1996 there was no such consensus that was
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available about the number of cases or victims of emotional or psychological abuse. While after
conducting certain research regarding this is was found out that emotional torture is also kind of
abuse in form of verbal or constant criticism to one person by the other one.
The victim of psychological abuse may experience many severe ill effects on their
physical and mental health as well as will be involving like that of depression and physical
impairment. There are many ways in which the women of Asian community will be facing
psychological abuse. Stockman, Hayashi and Campbell, (2015) state that there are male partners
who would not allow women to visit their families and friends criticising them all time and
punishing them if they are not able to meet demand of partners. Taking control over their
physical assets like money or property will be another type of psychological abuse which tends
to be very devastating for women. There are many women who will be realising about their
abusive relationship that they are both emotionally and psychologically impacted. They will be
into feeling of shock and grief after they recognise that they were abused by their partners
or any other person as well. The Asian women would be able to recognise this only at time
when someone is identifying their problems or marks of physical abuse.
2.2.3 Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is termed to as harming the sentiments and feeling of other person not
by physically hurting them but in psychological manner. Roberts and et.al., (2015) note that the
time when one person is treating the other in very bad manner, calling their name in wrong way
or making them feel low or small all the time will be included as emotional abuse. There are
many constitutes of this emotional abuse which are all related to ill behaviour of one person to
that of others. Like intimidation or threats that includes shouting or acting aggressively and
making them feel scared and feeling them small as well as witnessed in Asian community.
Criticism is also kind of emotional abuse as stated by Dixon and Robb, (2015) which includes
making unpleasant or sarcastic manner which will be lowering down the self-esteem or self-
confidence of that victims. Emotional abuse could also be taken in form of undermining which
means that creating unnecessary doubts about the character of victim. It could be included that
emotional abuse is also caused by not having access to money in way of satisfaction of demand.
Economic abuse in women is very much prominent that would be making them dependent upon
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the male member of house and not allowing them in their finance or preventing them in getting
or doing any job.
2.3 Factors that perpetuate domestic violence
According to Bair-Merritt and et.al., (2015) social problems are the main factors that
perpetuate into domestic violence which create the highest vulnerability and lead with
victimising of women. However, it could be noted that there is no single factor which is
contributing into domestic violence against women from Asian region Dixon and Robb, (2015).
There are certain interrelated and some complex factors that are leading to the manifestation of
unequal power that is showing relation between women and men in Asian communities. On the
other hand, some of the factors which is contributing towards domestic abuse and other type of
violence against the women would be like that of cultural, economic, political and legal.
Figure 2: Factors that perpetuate domestic violence
[Source: Bair-Merritt and et.al., 2015]
From the above table it is clear that women in Asian countries are suffering from
domestic violence is due to reasons such as these communities are made up with gender specific
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society with an economic dependence on men, low level of legal literacy among women and risk
of challenge to status quo or religious laws as well. These are explored more specifically in the
following sections
2.3.1 Economic dependence on men
In the view of Katz, (2016) one of the main cause of domestic violence will be related to
women’s economic dependence upon men. Men are believed to be superior and into power in
this way they are always pressurising women and making them do as they want as men are the
earning member of family in countries like India. Women are generally regarded to as weaker
section of society and vulnerable to violence and their difficulty into extricating themselves from
violent relationship (Walker, 2016). As there will be chances when women are always deprived
of being dependent and not allowed to seek for job or any sort of employment that is leading to
their economic independence. In most of the Asian countries it could also be note that the
increased fear of involvement of women into economic activity will be leading to increasing
amount of violence by male members of family Dixon and Robb, (2015).
While from the idea of Basu, (2018) it is noted that there is also growing amount of
inequality, globalisation which is leading to proliferation of violence in region like that of Asia,
Africa and Latin America as well. As most of the male members of society will be taking most
of the decision into family this means that female are leading to male dominance and proprietary
rights. Women in Asia will be having limited access to case and credit this means that without
any economic independence it would be not possible for women to escape from their abusive
relationships.
2.3.2 Culture
As per Chesler, (2018) it was indicated that apart from the economic dependence on men
there are other cultural barriers that are studied. That would be gender specific socialisation
which means that male and females behave in different way due to their various roles played by
them. There are also marked definition of appropriate sex roles which are been defined by the
role which is most commonly given from society to both male and female. It could also be noted
by Walker, (2016) that there is certain different expectations from women like that are deemed to
remain as part of social life and not allowed to live their life as per their own rules. Males are
always considered to as superior as compared to women which brings out complete superiority
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of males into families. This is due to thinking of society that females would not be able to
compete with males in terms of generating income.
2.3.3 Upbringing
As per the view of García-Moreno, Kilonzo and Watts, (2015) it could be included that
society is always giving priority to male members of family into their studies and job or
employment as well. Thus this is bringing out that male are having more proprietary rights over
women or girls custom of marriage is one of the reason behind the upbringing of women or men
as well. This means that females are always taught in Asian community especially in India that
they will be going to their husband’s home after their marriage and till then they will be living in
their father’s home. As it could be included by Michau, Dutt and Zimmerman, (2015) female is
always in Asian countries not believed to be part of any economic activities if it is taking place.
Like at time of purchase of land or any other property generally women are not asked about this
especially in local areas of villages of Asia. They are bound by social and family culture and
mostly victim of honour killing in many parts of India and Pakistan as well. This will be one of
the reason of their own acceptability of violence as means in resolving the conflict arising into
families.
2.3.4 Area raised
In addition to this Matheson, Pedersen and O'Campo, (2015) studied that area into which
they are all bought up will be part and reason of increasing crime of domestic violence. Like in
backward areas where there is on access to education or learning crime against women are more
than urban areas. The women of Asia will be having fear of family not allowing them to raise
their voice in front of society and this will be called to as reason for domestic violence into
families. Women are not allowed to speak to any unknown person especially any other male
except their husband or those who they know.
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CHAPTER- 3: IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
3.1 Introduction
As included in above chapter domestic violence is of various kinds like both physical and
mental which are impacting women in different ways which will be discussed in current chapter.
This means that women who are facing physical and mental torture will impact their daily life
and their body very much. According to the point of Jewkes, Flood and Lang, (2015), emotional
domestic violence creates major impact on Asian women. It can be shocking to find a person in a
particular situation where they are regularly facing domestic violence (Domestic violence against
women in India, 2018). Long term effects of dual exposure in young children can be very
negative outcomes later in life. Certain studies include that sexual abuse during the childhood
time will be resulting into teenage pregnancy which is one of the negative outcome
(Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect, 2019). These outcomes have been is leading with
behavioural problems that include school dropout, violence, teen pregnancy, substance abuse,
eating disorders and suicide attempts. This chapter will explain all possible impact on mental
physical health of women who are facing domestic violence among Asian women.
Nearly, there are four out of every 10 women in United States have experienced in
physical violence by an intimate partner during lifetime. As per the point of Bair-Merritt,
McFarlane and Duggan, (2015), Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) with statistic
also higher with 21 to 55% of Asian Women which reporting for Physical and Sexual Violence
by an intimate partner during their lifetime those who are living in USA.
3.2 Impact of domestic violence on Asian women
There are many types of impact onto the physical, mental health which could be both
long lasting and short term effects on Asian women. These impacts are explored widely
described below as the whole dissertation is taking about Asian women only so impact will be
specified to them only:
3.2.1 Emotional impact
Emotional impact means how strong the feeling is regarding any incident or event which
is taking place in the life of any person (Astbury et.al., 2000). Bair-Merritt, McFarlane and
Duggan, (2015) states that chronic stress can majorly lead to mood disorder like that of anxiety,
depression and cognitive thinking problem and personality changes as well. As per the view of
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Anderberg, Rainer and Wilson, (2015) it was stated that most of the domestic violence against
women in Asian countries is regularly done by their in-laws, brothers and husband. The main
reason behind this is due to the fact that all women in Asian region are mostly taught not to raise
their voice above elders or husband as well. As in India and other Asian countries there is
tradition that women are not allowed to speak in louder voice in front of their elders. Most
commonly the effect of domestic violence on women will be on their self-esteem at the time
when they are been emotionally and psychologically abused by any one. In addition to this
Jewkes, Flood and Lang, (2015) included that unlike the physical abuse scares and impact of
psychological abuse is not immediately visible to other people on women. This means that
during the time when they are physically or mentally tortured then they develop sever problems
like that of eating and sleeping disorder. Most commonly seen problem which is been witnessed
by women is attempt to suicide, self or other harming and anxiety. Women attempt to suicide
which is the most common impact of them being victim of domestic violence while sometime
they would only try to harm themselves or others as well.
There are many cases when the husband or partners of women do not allow them to visit
their parents or family due to this they feel that their rights are been violated. Due to this the
impact of emotional abuse will be propounded to be long lasting. This means that it is kind of
abuse including not allowing women to meet their parents or other family members. Feeling of
shock and grief after they realise that they are been abused is very deep at several time they are
not been able to overcome abuse and it became hard to regain their confidence O’Connor and
Colucci, (2016). As many times uneducated women or those belonging to backward region
would not be able to realise that they are been physically or mentally tortured by their husband or
in-laws.
It is also important that these injuries are cared and cured at right time so that they could
be able to regain their confidence after they are physically tortured and mentally harassed.
Physical and mental trauma has major devastating impact on the victim of domestic violence
which could be defined to as ripple effect on their social identity. Root and Brown, (2014)
indicated that domestic violence are intended to harm and haunt the victim for many consecutive
years and then rubbing out their ability of living up normal lives as well. Women are to, loose up
their confidence in talking and interacting with others in normal manner, lack up emotional
13

support from the people around them, depression seems to very much normal and common
among them.
3.2.2 Physical impact
According to Tavoli, et.al., (2016) physical and health related issues are those which are
most common and noticeable by others as well due to visible marks on body and sudden change
in behaviour. As domestic violence all against women will lead to mostly the physical and
psychological consequence and then leading to many disease and impairment of some of the
parts of body like hand. This is always regarded to as physical injury which is representing the
negative impact on health of women which is regularly witnessed by them all. It was included
that about 37% of Asian women who are seeking for medical treatment in emergency rooms in
hospital are the cases of injury related with domestic violence.
Thiara and Humphreys, (2017) noted that there are many physical impact on health of
women in Asian region which is leading to homicide, HIV/AIDS, suicide and physical
impairment as well. The assaults would be also having many injuries, fractures, bruises, some of
the chronic disabilities which include partial or permanent hearing loss or that of vision. Within
domestic violence Female genital mutilation (FGM) would also be included into physical trauma
leading to haemorrhage and sterility. As this is very brutal act against women which includes
cutting of female genital or removing some parts of it in way of reducing sexual desire into
women. Jewkes et.al., (2015) explained that most of the violence which is taken place during the
time of pregnancy of women is resulting into risk towards health of both mother and unborn
foetus. Other physical impact will include like that of unwanted pregnancy which is resulted
from rape and sexual assaults are also very much dangerous. There are many girls in parts of
Asia who have faced many issue during the time of their childhood would be engaging into
changes of their behaviour like that of early sexual intercourse and are at risk of unwanted
pregnancy as well. It could be included by García-Moreno et.al., (2015) there is risk of HIV and
AIDS as there would be no use of contraception or negotiating towards safer sex.
3.2.3 Short term effect
There will also be certain short term impact on women if they are facing domestic
violence in their regular terms of life. these short term effects would be like that of physical
injuries including that of fractures, dislocation of bones, cuts and bruises, loss of hearing or
14

vision, miscarriage, knife or gunshot wounds etc. from all these above described effect of
domestic violence there also include loss of vision or hearing which comes under both long and
short term effects of domestic violence. The same is also witnessed among women of Asia
especially countries having higher rate of domestic violence like Pakistan and India.
As according to Matheson et.al., (2015) domestic violence is leading to disability and
illness which both could be short and long term impacts of women health. Eating and sleeping
disorders are known to as emotional or psychological impact of domestic violence and this is
probably the short term impacts as well. As indicated by Messerschmidt and Tomsen, (2018)
either short or long term impact of domestic violence is both physical and psychological scare on
Asia women.
3.2.4 Long term effect
Any person who is facing domestic violence throughout their life is exposed to act of
abuse which is leading to serious mental health and physical disabilities as well. There is major
long term impact of the domestic violence which is faced by women in Asian region as they are
uneducated and backward and facing more domestic violence then other women in world. Some
of the long term effects could be like that of gastro-intestinal disorder connected with stress, back
pain, anxiety, depression, suicide, homicide, alcohol abuse, migraines, smoking, permanent
physical disability and gynaecological problems as well. According to view of O’Connor and
Colucci, (2016) assaulted women could be having many other types of mental disorders,
hypertension and demonstration of psychosomatic disorder as well.
It could also be included that those children from their very young age are been the
witness of this domestic violence being practised on their mothers is also having long lasting
impact in their mental health. As they are grown up watching all this throughout their life so this
could be included that what is hurting their mother will also is hurting them. The long term
effects on the woman may be that it causes continual anguish when they know their children
witness such actions; and also there is a chance that those children could then grow up to behave
in the same way as they have witnessed - and is this more specific to Asian families where they
can live in much tighter communities like in South Asia. In addition to this Roberts, Chamberlain
and Delfabbro, (2015) included that this is regarded to as long term impact of domestic violence
not only on health and mind of Asian women but also on their children. From majority of studies
15

it is also revealed that children who are witnessing all these things throughout their life time will
be at higher risk of being alcohol and drug abuse. There are many chances within the society that
is typically of Asian region and countries where they are reinforcing the stereotypes and also
encouraging men in acting as aggressively and asking women in keeping patience.
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CHAPTER- 4: LEGISLATION and PROTECTION FOR ASIAN WOMEN
4.0 Introduction
In this chapter, secondary information taken in the study which helps to analysis
consequences of domestic violence. As a result, it can be stated that quantitative information
helps to identify appropriate information regarding local community. Domestic violence for
Asian women must be implemented to protect them from different issues. Moreover, different
legislations also undertaken that assists to reduce domestic violence from the business. With the
help of campaigns and awareness, it can be stated that building around the world played critical
role to promote enactment of laws and behaviour that change over the past 25 years. Continue
work also enable to gain better results towards eradicating in all forms of violence against
women for next 25 years (Chesler, 2018). Good news is to progress continuously so that
domestic violence can be successfully reduced for the first time. Amendments also show and
measured with legislation so that it cover economic violence. To seek support and make changes
among people views consider seriousness of the offence that can be enable to victims and take
support. Hence, it can be stated that victim to obtain support and judicial response.
4.1 Relevant legislation and data related with domestic violence
Domestic violence directed against women by their intimate partners which is an
epidemic global proportions that devastating physical, financial, social effects, emotional, etc.
Critical to efforts to combat domestic violence has been growing recognition of domestic
violence as a violation of women rights. Consequences of domestic violence in term of physical
and psychological are devastating that affect to women, children and community. Due to the
prevalence and pervasiveness of domestic violence in each part of the world (Root and Brown,
2014). Communities must react with a comprehensive strategy incorporated advocacy, legal
reform and education combat to problem. There are 21 to 55% Asian women experiencing
intimate physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. It is based on compilation of
disaggregated sample of Asian ethnicities in local communities. Furthermore, 18% of Asian
women also reported towards experiencing rape, physical violence and stalking by an intimate
partner in their lifetime national survey. As compared to this, 48% of American Indians and
native women example of this aspect (Heise, 2018). In six year of period, there are 160 cases in
Asian families resulted in 226 fatalities where 72% were homicide victims. 10% were child
homicide victims and 18% were suicide deaths. If they are seem to be violating their family’s
17

reputation or by any means taking part into this are in respect to men should be degraded or
abused up.
Domestic violence as per the view of Johnson, (2016) is having many types of forms
which need to be considered by researchers while they are collecting figures and facts related to
domestic abuse. The certain types or forms of domestic violence include that of physical,
emotional, sexual and economic while this could be against men, women, child, and elder people
and within the same sex relationships are most prominently witnessed from across Asia.
Moreover, 68% of victims were intimate partners of which 111 were women and 14 were
men. 83% of homicide perpetrators were men and 14% were women. Children were the second
largest group of victims and parents of wives and girlfriends were third largest group. Cultural
and familial norms may limit access to education through threats of violence and shame with
resource availability (Jewkes, Flood and Lang, 2015). Villages deep seated in tribal custom so
that conservative traditions expect women to care for them, perform to household duties and
serve for their husbands. Women who challenges with these norms can be seen as shameful or
immodest. Women easily protected with different legislation that set by country to diminish and
remove harms, injuries or endanger the health, safety, life, limb or well-being. Harasses, harms
need to be reduced with coerce her or any other person related to safety and meeting with lawful
demand for any dowry or other property or valuable security. Protection also made after giving
opportunities to the aggrieved person and respond of being heard in case to reduce domestic
violence. It is also taken to pass protection order in favour and aggrieved person to respond from
different acts (Thiara and Humphreys, 2017). Protection also take place which favour for
prohibiting respond from different acts in which committing any acts of domestic violence.
Restraining respond from dispossessing in a particular manner for peaceful possession of shared
household. Violence against women enabled to seek support and
With the help of campaigns and awareness, it can be stated that building around the world
played critical role to promote enactment of laws and behaviour that change over the past 25
years. Continue work also enable to gain better results towards eradicating in all forms of
violence against women for next 25 years (Chesler, 2018). Good news is to progress
continuously so that domestic violence can be successfully reduced for the first time.
Amendments also show and measured with legislation so that it cover economic violence. To
seek support and make changes among people views consider seriousness of the offence that can
18

be enable to victims and take support. Hence, it can be stated that victim to obtain support and
judicial response.
In order to protect Asian women, it can be stated that there are following legislations
included that assists to reduce domestic violence: Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929: Child marriage is one of the major issue and
domestic violence for Asian women. As a result, it can be stated that it is one of the
biggest issue that is related with age of minority which under Islamic law in age of
puberty while in other legislation it varies from 16 to 18. Issue of child marriage is
related with number of societal problems and customary practices. This law was
promulgated to deal with child marriages and solve issues and prescribed punishment to
involve adult bridegrooms, etc. (Basu, 2018). This act will be regarded to as social reform
for taking up rights of child who are victim of physical assault after marriages. As there is
increased number of child marriage in parts of Asia like that in India, China and Pakistan. Foreigners Act, 1946 and Foreigners order, 1951: According to this legislation, it can
be stated that laws deal with procedures relating with foreign nationals in Asia. These
also identify processes to deal with illegal aliens in particular nation. Detailed law also
perform with trafficked and persons being forcefully who enter in the country. These
laws are relevant with regards to fair treatment, include repatriation (Gangoli, 2016). Muslim Family Law Ordinance, 1961: This law deals with all matters that are related
with marriage, including registration, divorce, maintenance, polygamy, etc. relevant
process and procedures. It is relevant as violence that is often manifested through
marriage and family. Processes and procedures can be used for the violation of women
rights and protection. As a result, it is important for marriage that is registered and
women aware with her rights of divorce in a particular situation where husband marries
2nd time (O’Connor and Colucci, 2016). Dowry and Bridal gifts Act, 1976: This law places restrictions on the amount of gifts to
bride and groom. Therefore, it is required to consider limited expenditure on wedding
functions. It also mandates all dowry items to be vested properly. Hence, the federal
government may consider by notification in official gazette that are carrying purpose of
the act (Tavoli, Tavoli and Montazeri, 2016). This is creating very strict regulation
against dowry which is also termed to as bridal gift which is given to bride during her
19

marriage. So there is provision that this gift should not be exceed INR 5000 given to
bridegroom by parents of bride. Anti-Terrorism Act 1997: This act provides for the prevention of terrorism and sectarian
violence and speedy trial of heinous offences which includes kidnapping for ransom. This
law covers issues of child molestation and gang rape. Criminal Law Act 2004: This law introduced the definition of honour crimes within the
PPC and recognised it as an offence. It is also recognised that killings committed in the
name of honour were murders and booked with prosecuted so that murder and
exemptions not given for honour killings or crime (Anderberg, Rainer and Wilson, 2015).
It also made illegal the exchange of women in their marriage or otherwise for purpose
and satisfying disputes. Protection for women Act 2006: This law created changes in two of the Hudood
ordinates namely Zina and Qazf ordinance. It assists to remove number of clauses such as
pertaining to rape, abducting, kidnapping women that compel for marriage. Offences are
also relating with buying and selling for prostitution, kidnapping and abducting for
unnatural lust etc. this has the results of overarching rules and procedures of PPC
(Pakistani Penal Code). Protection against Harassment of Women at workplace Act, 2010: This law introduced
to provide wide description of the workplace which includes premises out of the place to
work. Official work and work activity also being carried so that harassment also solved
easily. It is defined within the concept of work so that number of techniques and forms of
evidence. Protection against Harassment of Women at the workplace Act, 2010: This law is
introduced with definition of harassment at the workplace as an offence. It provides wide
description of particular place which consider premises out of the place of work. In this
regard, any official work or work activity is being carried out. Harassment can be defined
within the concept of work. Number of penalties identified who found guilty of
harassment (Thiara and Humphreys, 2017). On the basis of degree and extent of
harassment, it is also spells procedures in such cases to set up committee. It also requires
all workplaces to set up and deal to attain overall goals and objectives.
20

 Domestic Violence Act, 2012: Domestic violence bill makes against women and children
an offence. The bill also been stipulates about cases regarding domestic violence to be
dealt with expeditiously. Connection also given in effective manner to focus on
protection. The law also classifies domestic violence as act of physical, sexual or mental
assault. In addition to this, force, criminal intimidation, harassment, hurt, confinement
and deprivation of economic or financial resources carried (Jewkes, Flood and Lang,
2015). Prevention and control of Human Trafficking Ordinance, 2002: This law defines the
crimes of human trafficking. It also provides punishment for such trafficking and
identifies those responsible. This law is also relates to external trafficking which requires
crossing of international borders. Internal trafficking it not fully covered by this law for
women. These laws will be mainly practiced in country like that of Philippines which is
reporting highest cases of human trafficking. As will be safeguarding the women and
children their rights in respect to their migration and protecting them as well. There are
women who are married to other parts of country and then sold to these human traffickers
in very low rate after which they are all passed into the activity of prosecution. Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2010: This law creates an amendment to section 509 of
the PPC. It replaces original section with offence of sexual harassment. Therefore, wide
definition of sexual harassment included in this law which is effectively criminalising.
Furthermore, it is also provides corresponding punishment so that it is more specifically
develop about harassment at public places. This act will be safeguarding the right of
women and children in regard to criminal activities which are performed against them. Criminal Law Second Amendment Act 2011: This law includes provision within the
PPC to specifically deal with offence of hurt that being caused by acid. In this aspect
crime solved those are most common victim of. It makes amendments in particular
section which includes effects of acid. It also assists to solve issue and problem i.e.
disfiguring and defacing (Tavoli, Tavoli and Montazeri, 2016). It also aids with specific
clause that is related to hurt by corrosive substance and punishment. The Prevention of Anti Women Practices 2011: This law assists to make amendments to
PPC which includes within the PPC number of offences that also considered with
customary practices. It also expanded with clause on prohibition on exchange of women
21

purpose of resolution for dispute that includes prohibition of customs to protect women.
New section also made which helps to expanded existing clause on prohibition for
exchange purposes of women for resolution of dispute. These amendments target to force
women into such situations depriving with appropriate rights or coercing them against
their will (Thiara and Humphreys, 2017).
 Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005: This act is enacted in India
which is mostly for protection of all women against domestic violence which was being
enacted in year 2006. This is protecting women in both physical and mental violence
which is performed by any of the household member. But this act is not been applied into
the state of J&K as it is having different law of Jammu and Kashmir Protection of
Women from Domestic Violence Act 2010.
22

CHAPTER- 5: CONCLUSION
5.1 Conclusion
From the whole dissertation based on impact of domestic violence within Asian women
including countries like that of India, Pakistan, Jordan, Philippines, China, Korea, Indonesia and
many more it could be concluded that domestic violence is very much prominent within these
countries. There are many ill impact which all women who are facing on regular bases domestic
violence from any member of their family. There are many facts which are related to mental and
physical violence leading to many ill effects like that of physical impairment, certain disorders,
diseases, fractures and mental problems. From many section of the research it was concluded that
women are living in very poor state as they are not allowed to raise their voice against the
violence which is been practiced against them. They are from stating age of their life are taught
not to speak in front of their elders or even their husband this is the main reason why they are
facing too much problems.
All the issue and violence will be related to their inability to expose themselves and not
able to express their views as they are not even having knowledge about their rights. It is very
much important to educate them at all level so that they are having knowledge about their rights
and how to perform them as well. The increasing domestic violence in parts of Asia is very
concerning issue which is leading to illegal activities been performed by people against women.
It could also be concluded that most of the domestic violence is been caused by marriage as this
will be including sections like that of homicide, honor killing, dowry etc. the domestic violence
is leading to many impacts both physical and mental that is not allowing the women to live their
life in most appropriate manner.
There are problems like that of impairment and even death of women in most cases
where they are facing the issue like that of domestic violence on regular bases. As per the
statistic in the whole dissertation it is very much clear that women in all parts of Asia are facing
problems for domestic violence. Apart from this it could be included that there are many laws
and regulations in each part of Asia which is protecting the rights of women and children who
are been assaulted. The law like that of The Prevention of Anti Women Practices 2011 will be
protect=ing all women against the ill practice which they are facing. Other than this is Domestic
Violence Act, 2012 preventing all domestic violence against women so that they could be
protected for their rights and not been harmed in any way. But however it could be added that all
23

laws and rules are not been followed in Asia as the ill practice against women are not been
stopped after so many years as well. there are many types of abuse which they are facing
including the emotional and physical that is not allowing the women to grow and develop while
they are been deprived of their rights. The laws of each country need to be very much strong by
giving strict punishment to all the people who are causing these assaults.
24

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