BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: UNDERSTANDING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABUSE IN GUJARAT THROUGH A GENDER LENS

Abstract

This study examines the Abuse, whether physical or mental, continues to be a pervasive social issue with profound consequences for individuals and communities. In Gujarat, cultural norms, socio-economic disparities, and entrenched gender roles contribute to the persistence of violence and its under-reporting. This study, Behind Closed Doors: Understanding Physical and Mental Abuse in Gujarat Through a Gender Lens, explores the prevalence, causes, and impacts of abuse on the basis of gender. Using secondary data from government reports, academic journals, and global health organizations, the research highlights the complex interplay between patriarchal structures, economic dependency, and social stigma that sustains cycles of violence. The findings emphasize that women disproportionately experience physical and emotional harm, while men also encounter silent forms of psychological abuse that often remain unacknowledged. The paper underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive interventions, policy reforms, and awareness programs to address abuse holistically and promote safer, more equitable communities in Gujarat.