An Overview of Gender Based Violence in Rural Areas

Deep rooted cultural and traditional upbringing is the root cause of discrimination between male and female. My paper intends to analyse physical, sexual, psychological, financial and domestic exploitation and dominance of men over women in rural areas with specific study of villages in Ballari district in Karnataka. It is pathetic to know the fact that most of the women accept domestic violence and male dominance as a part of their life. In rural areas women are unaware that they are victimised and some are helpless to fight against injustice. Though some of the Government Departments, policies, laws and NGOs are working to bring awareness of gender equality, still women face insecure environment in society. There is a need of Male education, awareness programs for male to change their mind set and behaviour in treating women and bring equality in families and society. Women Empowerment cell should be introduced in every villages as a part of panchayat office. Legal advice and assistance, counselling centres should also be established in villages.

Keywords: - Violence, equality, dominance, discrimination.