Gender Violence Among the Women Workforce in Cuddalore District

Abstract

The primary obstacle to women's advancement in various sectors is violence based on gender. In this male-dominated culture, it is believed that a woman's role lies within the household, and her work is viewed as domestic, leading to the perception that it lacks productivity. If half of the population is solely engaged in reproductive tasks, it will negatively affect not only the progress of women but also the overall development of the nation. Women in the workforce shoulder responsibilities both at home and at work. They face a high risk of gender-related crimes both within their residences and beyond. The recent "Me Too" movement has created significant upheaval, encouraging survivors of sexual harassment to share their experiences, despite the pressures of a biased patriarchal system. When a woman endures gender-based violence, she often seeks help from various organisations, including law enforcement, legal representatives, women's groups, and non-profit legal aid clinics. This research focused on 200 employed women who were victims of gender-based violence and sought legal support from the "Legal Aid Centre for Women" in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, from 2023 to 2025. The offences reported included child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. This paper outlines the socio demographic characteristics of victims, their employment types, vulnerabilities, and the obstacles they encounter in pursuing legal remedies.

Key Words: Victims, redressal, gender-based violence, vulnerability

References

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