Desertion of Married Women by NRIs in India: New form of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a global issue reaching across national boundaries as well as socio-economic, cultural, racial and class distinctions. It is one of crime against women which is linked to their disadvantageous position in the society. With varied forms of domestic violence such as mental, economic, sexual abuse and physical abuse desertion of married women by their Non-Resident Indian (NRI) husband is an emergent, unique form of violence against women. The problems of women being deserted by their NRI husbands which were earlier restricted to isolated cases has now become a major social problem. The issues of NRI deserted women are of recent origin and because of its sensitive nature and family influence, no concerted efforts have taken place. Moreover, these women do not speak about the violence or crimes they have been subjected to, because of social stigma attached to the divorced or deserted women. Besides, they want to protect their family life.
The study of this paper is confine to the problem and remedial measures to eradicate this new form of domestic violence with some suggestion to provide justice to the victims of desertion.