LEGAL SAFEGUARDS AND MENTAL HEALTH: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND LEGAL EMPOWERMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v22.n3.3490Palavras-chave:
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, Mental Health, Women’s Rights, Legal Safeguards, Women’s Legal EmpowermentResumo
Background: Research indicates that domestic violence remains a social- and economy-driven problem in India, particularly in urban regions. This holds especially true for Lucknow, where domestic violence case numbers are particularly high. While some forms of abuse and neglect are addressed, the lingering impact of domestic violence from a psychological standpoint depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal behaviour-are largely neglected. Nearly 18 years of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA, 2005),but also by, limited legal awareness and enforcement. Purpose: This studies the direct psychological impact of domestic violence in women located in Lucknow. Documented research suggests the primary and neglected PTSD symptoms-including suicidal tendency-need focused research. This is driven by a gap in research that fails to assess the impact of legislative measures on mental health, legal knowledge, and justice access on psychological distress. Methods: A mixed-method research framework was designed where 264 women were surveyed and qualitative interviews were conducted. Standardized mental health assessment tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5) were employed. Regression analysis domestic violence severity with mental health outcomes and qualitative experiences with legal measures were evaluated through thematic analysis. Results: High domestic violence abuse is correlated with high levels of depressive, anxious, and PTSD symptoms. Legal abuse in this format, and discrimination enforcement, along with delay dominance proved limiting in impact. Conclusion: Developing more mental health and legal support resources, enhancing police training, and increasing awareness must be a priority to help minimize psychological injury and bolster legal protections for women.
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