Rising Divorce Rates in Jammu and Kashmir

Tariq Bhat 

 

A Need for Marriage Counseling and Community Support

 

In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp increase in divorce rates, marking a shift in social dynamics and marriage expectations.

 

 

 

This trend has raised concerns across communities, highlighting the need for proactive measures, such as premarital counseling and conflict-resolution support for married couples.

 

 

 

 

 

Addressing this issue requires an understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to marital discord and finding ways to foster resilience within marriages.

 

Several factors contribute to the rising divorce rates, including changes in social expectations, shifting family dynamics, and lifestyle aspirations. Reports indicate that many marital conflicts arise from unmet expectations, with a significant number of cases now filed by women.

 

 

 

 

While the decision to dissolve a marriage can be complex, these cases reflect the increasing assertion of individual needs and self-expression in modern relationships.

 

 

Traditionally, marriage roles in Jammu and Kashmir—and in many other regions—have been defined with specific expectations for both men and women. Men often bear the responsibility of financial security and support, while women manage family responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

 

However, societal changes have led to evolving perspectives, with many women today seeking personal growth, financial independence, and emotional fulfillment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the issues raised is the lack of preparation or guidance for women before marriage. Family support and education on conflict resolution and coping mechanisms can be invaluable for both men and women as they transition into marriage. Without this support, couples may find it difficult to navigate the complexities of marriage, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men, too, face unique challenges in marriages. Often expected to handle financial and familial pressures alone, many struggle with the weight of these expectations. Additionally, as the nuclear family model becomes more popular, the support that extended families traditionally provided is often no longer available. Men may find themselves managing financial, emotional, and family demands, which can be exhausting without a support system.

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing counseling and support programs can play a pivotal role in helping couples navigate marital challenges. Counseling provides a platform for open communication, helping couples to express their needs, resolve conflicts, and understand each other better.

 

 

 

 

These programs could also include educational sessions for parents, especially mothers, on how they can prepare their daughters and sons for marriage, instilling values of empathy, resilience, and respect for each partner’s needs.

 

 

The increasing divorce rates in Jammu and Kashmir highlight the urgent need for intervention and support for married couples.

 

 

 

 

By fostering open communication, understanding, and empathy within marriages, and providing guidance to young couples and their families, the community can help couples build stronger and more resilient relationships. Proactive measures like counseling, education, and support can help in managing marital challenges and reducing the strain on individuals, ultimately leading to healthier and more fulfilling marriages.