Prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner violence and related injuries in India: evidence from National Family Health Survey-4

Abstract

ABSTRACT Violence against women perpetrated by the partner is a serious human rights violation and public health concern. This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) and related injuries in India using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015–2016. We found that 27.4% of women experienced physical violence, 12% faced emotional violence, and 6.7% suffered from sexual violence perpetrated by the partner. Additionally, around one in every four women (24.5%) were subjected to violence-related injuries. Multivariable regression results show that alcohol consumption by couples, history of family violence, child marriage, and longer marital duration increased the likelihood of intimate partner violence and related injuries. Women who belonged to Muslim and Scheduled Caste communities and were employed had significantly more likelihood to experience husband-perpetrated violence than their counterparts. Contrastingly, women residing in rural areas, belonging to economically well-off families, and having higher levels of education and decision-making autonomy were associated with lower odds of intimate partner violence and injuries. This study underscores the need for prioritizing girls’ education, promoting gender equality, and enforcing strict actions against the perpetrators to prevent the act of violence.