Domestic violence, alternatively called violence in the family is not an occasional menace like eve-teasing nor a rare argument or fight; it is a serious social malady, an exploding problem. Domestic violence is a severe social malady and an exploding problem. Also, it is one of the most common but least reported crimes. In recent times, however, there is a rush of publicity regarding women abuse in general. There are those who the victims as wrong-doers and justify violent acts such as wife beating. Some human right activists prefer to consider domestic violence as structural violence in the family that manifests itself in poverty and unequal access to health, education etc. Increasingly women are becoming the victims of discrimination and denial despite the overall progress in the society, economy and polity. That they are vulnerable and subject to humiliation and harassment even at homes to be considered as the safest of all places which is strange yet painful. Both mental and physical tortures, often leading to the death of women in the family is shaking our faith even in familial ties. Alcoholics increase the scope for domestic violence which in turn causes broken families. Customary laws also encourage domestic violence so that uniform civil code will be entertained. Keywords; Broken family, human right activists, social malady, structural violence, victims of discrimination, uniform civil code.