Prevalence and Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in India

Abstract

Intimate partner violence against women is a global concern. Over the years, the occurrence of such violence has recorded a significant increase, especially in developing countries, including India. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of IPV in India. The study also seeks to determine the demographic and socio-economic factors associated with IPV. The study utilizes the fourth-round data of the National Family Health Survey 2015–2016. Chi-square (χ2) test and binary logistic regression model were used to determine IPV-related factors. Of 62,716 married women surveyed, 30.59% were found to have suffered from IPV. The prevalence of physical, sexual, and emotional violence against married women was 26.98%, 6.45%, and 12.07%, respectively. Women belonging to the following categories were found to have a higher likelihood of experiencing IPV: (i) women with higher educational attainment than their husbands; (ii) women involved in manual work, (iii) women having more than two children, and (iv) women belonging to the Muslim community. In addition, women earning more than their partners, women practicing independent decision-making, and women with partners addicted to alcohol consumption were also at higher risk of experiencing IPV. The alarming rate of IPV in India needs urgent attention. The need of the hour is to organize context-specific and community-based IPV awareness programs. In this regard, collaboration with various stakeholders and non-government organizations may help minimize the incidence of IPV in the country.