A cross-sectional study to explore causes of domestic violence among married women

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence, as with all forms of gender-based violence, represents a barrier to development due to its negative impact not only on women, but also on men, children and the wider community. Objective was to find out the causes of domestic violence. To trace the reasons for which abused women continue to stay in abusive relationship. To find out help-seeking behavior of abused women.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 600 ever married women of 15-49 years of age.  All the information was gathered based on self-administered questionnaire. Confidentiality was maintained strictly.Results: Out of 600 respondents, 231 respondents were victims of domestic violence. Alcoholism of the husband was found the main cause of domestic violence as reported by a majority of about 29% of the respondents. Regarding reaction of victims to the violence, 168 of the respondents informed that they become silent. Total 159 respondents approached the informal or formal sources to seek help.Conclusions: Alcoholism of the husband was found the main cause of domestic violence against women. Majority of the victims could not resist or fight back. A majority of women were unaware about the relief available to the victims of domestic violence.