The Heaven Becomes Hell: A Study of Domestic Violence in Pakistan,

Hassan, Y
for Shirkat Gah Special Bulletin, August 1995

Chapters: Chapter 1 International Dimensions of Domestic Violence, Chapter 2 Domestic Violence in Pakistan, Chapter 3 The Cultural Context of Domestic Violence, Chapter 4 Avenues for Protection, Chapter 5 Some Recommendations for Future Action

This paper presents the picture of domestic violence in its entirety by laying out the common forms of violence, the avenues available to women trying to get out of abusive situations and the perpetuation of abuse by agencies responsible for women's safety. The author emphasizes the recognition of culturally specific forms of domestic violence and the culturally defined social relations that perpetuate this abuse. The data however is restricted to urban areas of Punjab. Domestic violence is seen as systematic physical, sexual, emotional or mental abuse by any member of the family. Keeping in view the public private divide in Pakistani culture the author reviews stove burn cases, acid burn cases, honor killings, karokari, early marriages, watta satta and forced marriages as well as their legal implications. Chapter 3 provides the causal explanation, the inequality within the family, which leads to a secondary status of women and consequent violence. In chapter 4 starting from the family all social institutions, which can provide support and protection, are analyzed. These include the crisis intervention centers, community, legal aid centers, shelters as well as the legal framework. At the end this paper suggests various measures that can help in improving the situation.

Key words: cultural context, domestic violence, marriage, family, legal framework