Domestic violence and coping strategies among married women in rural Manipur

Abstract

ABSTRACT Domestic violence is a major contributor to physical and mental malaise of women and is evident, to some degree, in every society in the world. To eradicate gender discrimination and all forms of violence against women, it is crucial to comprehend the pervasive culture of prejudice and violence. Using the case study method, the current study was undertaken in a rural area of Manipur using the narratives of ten women aged between 24 and 49. The primary cause of domestic violence was found to be an alcoholic husband. It was also typical for spouses’ relatives to incite their wives to beat them. The respondents faced various forms of abuse such as physical, verbal and emotional from their spouse and relatives. The study’s other findings showed that most of the women chose to remain silent despite experiencing abuse and were determined not to leave their abusive relationships due to financial instability, societal pressure, social stigma cultural beliefs and for the sake of their children’s lives.