Abuse against Widowhood in India

Bereavement in all cultures is a compound crisis. It is a painful emotional shock, a sharp change in social status, often an economic catastrophe and usually an introspective challenge to the widow. She is subjected to total segregation and stigma. The various abuses in widowhood goes unreported without protective and therapeutic assistance, rather they are left to suffer in silence. The present article discusses the nature and incidence of abuse in widowhood in India and presents an overview of research findings to date. The implications for counsellors and clinicians working with abused women in India are highlighted. Avenues for intervention for removing the stigma include challenging cultural beliefs, accepting role and being resilient. Furthermore, efforts to address victimization should focus on empowering survivors, promoting healthy coping, and addressing their individual needs.