Domestic violence and human rights: An anthropological view

Abstract

Over the past forty years domestic violence has evolved from a taboo subject, regarded as a private or family matter, into a health and legal global problem which is fiercely debated. According to feminist scholars and legal anthropologist, although the existence of appropriate legislation is a positive steps, yet the laws offer not concrete guarantee. In paying a special attention to the major connection between domestic violence and human
rights, the paper will try and discuss the anthropological interpretation of current data, juridical aspects and outcomes of fieldwork carried out in Italy, Kerala (South-India), Tanzania and Zambia.