Silenced Voices: Violence Against Women in the Shadow of Social Norms and Living Law
This article explores the intersection of living law (lebendes Recht) and the persistent issue of violence against women, focusing on how social norms can overshadow formal legal protections. While living law encompasses the everyday behavioral norms that govern communities, these norms often conflict with the principles of justice, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence. In many communities, customary practices and social expectations diminish the voices of women, marginalizing their experiences and allowing violence to be normalized. This article critically examines the limitations of living law in promoting gender equality and protecting women's rights. Drawing on a qualitative socio-legal methodology, it analyzes selected case studies, community narratives, and normative patterns to interrogate how living law operates in everyday conflict resolution. The article highlights the urgent need for a transformative approach that integrates formal legal frameworks with a reformed understanding of social norms to ensure justice for women. Addressing the silencing of women’s voices within both traditional and legal contexts is crucial to achieving a just and inclusive legal system.