Prevalence and perceptions of gender-based violence amongst married women in India

Abstract

Violence against women is experienced by women of all ages and social classes, all races, religions and nationalities across the world. It is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men. It is the most pervasive violation of human rights in the world today. Its forms are both subtle and blatant and its impact on development is profound and it is so deeply embedded in cultures around the world that it is almost invisible. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) amongst married women and their perceptions towards GBV. An online survey was conducted with a semi-structured questionnaire using non-probability snowball sampling technique that surveyed 50 married women through social networking platform. The prevalence of GBV amongst married women was found to be 38% (n = 19) where married women were physically, economically, psychologically and sexually abused in their marital life and due to the fear of society and family, maximum of 74% (n = 37) do not report their sufferings to anyone. The perception regarding GBV amongst married women is perceived to be high. A finding of the study gives an insight that the married women are physically, economically, psychologically and sexually abused in their marital life. There is a need to develop awareness programmes on GBV to sensitise people so that violence can be mitigated.