Exploring the Evolution of Gender-Based Violence in India and its Contributing Actors

Violence against women is an issue worldwide; however, this paper focuses on India, where women are at greater risk of becoming victims of violence from a range of perpetrators - including their own families, to a certain extent. Although there are various forms of violence, dowry-related domestic violence and rape are comparatively abundant, especially in coverage in the Indian news media. Despite the first feminist efforts against the violence and degradation of women nearly 50 years ago, there have yet to be any substantial changes. Throughout the history of the subcontinent — first as the Indus Valley civilization and later as a country free from colonization — women’s role devolved, becoming increasingly restrictive due in part to the violence. Though legislation and laws intending to protect women from violence were instituted, they regularly fell short. The culmination of societal factors, lack of legal support, and increasing media coverage showcasing violence add to an environment where this type of violence is normalized. This paper explores the different actors contributing to such normalization, specifically the Indian news media, which is accessible to many and can influence attitudes.