MANSI BHAMBRI | Dehradun
Experts said that the incidents of marital violence over time can be linked to the impact of social media and a lack of emotional connection between individuals. This observation follows a recent incident in Dehradun, where a husband reportedly injured his wife’s private part with a sharp object. Apart from this, there have been many other recent cases in Uttarakhand and other States where either the wife or the husband has resorted to extreme violence on the spouse.
Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta emphasised that the Dehradun incident highlights a significant concern regarding violence within marriages. She said that such occurrences often stem from a partner’s frustration and poor communication, which can lead to dissatisfaction within the marriage and ultimately contribute to such incidents. Social media significantly influences issues related to murder, glamourises violence and even perceptions of marriage. However, the negative consequences of any type of influences are rarely discussed, leading many individuals to adopt harmful behaviours in real life, she said. Violence portrayed on social media and a lack of cultural values and family interference can sometimes lead to conflict among couples. As a result, individuals in a marriage may feel frustrated and resort to negative actions. She said that people should set aside their egos, work to resolve conflicts in their relationships and focus on self-improvement instead of trying to change each other. Additionally, she emphasised the importance of organising discussions about the consequences of marriage-related violence at all levels.
According to clinical psychologist Pratibha Sharma, the said incident and other similar cases indicate that violence in marriages has indeed risen. She identified a lack of emotional connection, physical or sexual dissatisfaction, sexual disorders and a deficiency in patience and adaptability among younger generations as key contributing factors. Additionally, the influence of social media plays a significant role, particularly affecting individuals who may already be struggling with mental health issues, she said.
Sharma said that these influences can result in feelings of frustration and anger, which may escalate into violence within marriages. To counteract this trend, she advised couples to work on enhancing their emotional connection actively, seek cognitive behavioural therapy and pursue counselling.
