Srinagar, March 5 -- A harsh word. A slap explained away as anger. A pattern of control disguised as concern. For many women, domestic violence does not arrive suddenly it grows slowly, shaping itself around daily life until fear becomes normal.

Behind closed doors, countless women live this reality. They wake up, prepare meals, care for children, smile in front of relatives, all while carrying bruises no one sees and pain they are told not to name. What hurts even more than the violence is the expectation that they must endure it silently to protect family honour.

From childhood, many women are taught that marriage demands sacrifice. "Adjust." "Be patient." "Don't make it public." These words echo louder than their own cries for help. ...