An Empirical Study Of Domestic Violence In Central Asia With Special Reference To Uzbekistan

Abstract

Though the Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees equality for all its citizen irrespective of sex, right to life, liberty and security; particularly protection of honor and dignity along with protection of right and freedom, this research delves to explore the issue of domestic violence in Uzbekistan. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this research to explore the depth and breadth of domestic violence against women in Uzbekistan. It is reported that married women in Uzbekistan do face domestic violence and most of the domestic violence cases are not reported to the Police as respondents opined that reporting such issues to the police is a matter of last resort. Uzbekistan do not have a robust legal enforcement mechanism to approach directly by the victim of domestic violence. It is further reported that absence of economic independence of the women followed by alcohol and drug abuse; and extra-marital affair contributes to the major causes of domestic violence in Uzbekistan. There is a lack of awareness among the masses of the constitutional and legal provisions; particularly criminal provisions to curb the menace of domestic violence in Uzbekistan and a dedicated legislation is required in Uzbekistan to curb the menace of domestic violence.