Breaking silence

A startling revelation that 2,872 domestic violence cases have been registered in Jammu and Kashmir over the last two financial years is both alarming and deeply saddening. Behind these statistics lie thousands of stories of pain, fear and broken trust, stories that too often go unheard in a society still hesitant to confront the realities of domestic abuse. Domestic violence is not a private matter but a grave social and legal issue that strikes at the very heart of family and community life. The figures suggest not only a high prevalence of abuse but also reflect the growing courage among survivors to step forward and seek justice. Yet, for every case reported, countless others remain hidden due to stigma, societal pressure, and fear of retaliation. While Jammu and Kashmir has laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005, implementation remains inconsistent. Many victims still lack access to shelter homes, legal aid, and counseling services. In rural and remote areas, the absence of trained protection officers and awareness programs means that women are often left to suffer in silence. The government must respond with urgency and empathy. Strengthening women’s helplines, ensuring the presence of functional One-Stop Centres in every district, and sensitizing police and judiciary personnel are immediate steps needed. Equally vital is a sustained public campaign to change mindsets—because true reform begins when society collectively rejects violence within homes. The rising number of cases should serve as a call to action, not just concern. Protecting women from violence is not a women’s issue but a human rights imperative and a test of our social conscience. A society that cannot ensure safety and dignity within its homes cannot claim to be truly progressive.