Domestic violence is not only a criminal issue — it’s a public-health and human-rights crisis that affects millions of women across India and leaves deep psychological and social scars on survivors and families. The numbers tell a worrying story: according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting, India recorded roughly 4.48 lakh crimes against women in 2023, with cruelty by husband or relatives (Section 498A IPC) the largest single category. These reported figures, however, are likely the tip of the iceberg because social stigma, fear, economic dependence and limited access to services all suppress reporting.
The Economic Times
Beyond police records, national health surveys reveal the wider invisible burden. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) found that a substantial share of ever-married women report having experienced spousal violence (physical, sexual or emotional) — a prevalence that highlights how common intimate partner violence remains across communities and socioeconomic groups. Survivors often suffer long after the abuse ends: anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disorders and difficulties in parenting and work are common sequelae.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Why counselling must be central to the response?
Law enforcement and legal remedies are essential, but they are only part of the solution. Evidence from the World Health Organization and other public-health bodies shows that intimate partner violence profoundly harms mental health, and that survivors benefit from trauma-informed, survivor-centred counselling and integrated services. Counselling can reduce long-term psychological harm, help restore agency and safety planning, and improve survivors’ ability to navigate legal and social systems. Importantly, when mental-health services are not trauma-informed, they can re-traumatize survivors — which is why specialised training and compassionate care matter.
World Health Organization
What effective counselling provides?
A well-designed counselling response for domestic violence survivors typically includes:
• Immediate crisis support and safety planning (risk assessment, shelter referrals).
• Trauma-informed individual therapy to address PTSD, depression and anxiety.
• support and space to reduce isolation and build social capital.
• Family counselling where appropriate to rebuild relationships and protect children.
• Legal-psychosocial linkage so survivors can both get emotional support and pursue remedies (police FIRs, protection orders, maintenance, legal aid).
Research and program analyses from India and globally show survivors benefit most when counselling is combined with legal, medical support.
NCBI
Our Inner World — a compassionate, practical ally
At Our Inner World we believe healing begins when someone listens without judgment and acts with compassion. We offer trauma-informed counselling, confidential legal guidance, and coordinated referrals to shelters, healthcare. Our approach is survivor-centred: informed by evidence, respectful of choice, and tailored to each woman’s safety needs and cultural context. We combine clinical empathy with practical action — because emotional recovery and legal protection must go hand in hand.
Our slogan captures this promise: “In Our Inner World we are united women to speak out and you are not alone.” Whether you need someone to talk to, help filing a complaint, or a safety plan for you and your children, our team stands ready to support you through every step.
A call to community action
Ending domestic violence requires legal enforcement, stronger services and cultural change. Governments, civil-society organisations, health systems and local communities must invest in trained counsellors, One-Stop Centres and mental-health integration so survivors receive prompt, competent care. India is already building capacity — for example, initiatives to strengthen trauma-informed care in One-Stop Centres are under way — but scale and sustained funding are needed.
If you or someone you know is facing abuse
You deserve safety, respect and healing. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. If you want confidential counselling, legal information or a safe referral, reach out to Our Inner World — we listen, we act, and we walk with you. Remember: speaking out is brave, and you are not alone. In Our Inner World we are women united to speak out and you are not alone.
(Sources: NCRB 2023 reporting on crimes against women; NFHS-5 (2019–21) data on intimate partner violence; World Health Organization resources on IPV and mental health; public-health reviews and program guides on survivor counselling and support.)
NCBI
The Economic Times
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare