Abstract

Domestic violence remains a deeply entrenched and underreported social issue in Kashmir, exacerbated by socio-political instability, economic distress, cultural taboos, and systemic institutional gaps. This study, titled "From Law to Lament: Domestic Violence in Kashmir and the Crisis of Implementation," presents an empirical investigation into the prevalence, causes, and response mechanisms surrounding domestic violence in District Srinagar. Drawing on data collected from police records, the District Legal Services Authority, One Stop Centres, NGOs, and direct interviews with survivors and legal practitioners, the research reveals that despite the presence of robust legislation such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the implementation remains alarmingly ineffective. Findings highlight major issues including inadequate infrastructure (e.g., absence of shelter homes), lack of awareness among both victims and authorities, limited availability of trained protection officers, and societal stigmas that deter women from seeking help. The study also underscores the compounded impact of lockdowns—both political and pandemic-related—which intensified domestic abuse and further restricted access to legal and social remedies. This article calls for urgent structural reform, stronger institutional accountability, increased community-based awareness, and better coordination between law enforcement, judiciary, and support organizations. Without addressing the crisis of implementation, the law remains a hollow promise—leaving victims unheard, unprotected, and often, forgotten.

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