Intimate partner violence (IPV) among married Indian women

Violence against women is one of the most pervasive and devastating human rights abuses worldwide. In India, intimate partner violence (IPV) is deeply embedded and complex. Recent estimates found 39.7% of ever-married Indian women experienced some form of partner violence. Literature suggests that societal gender inequity manifested as unequal gender norms contribute to women's experience with IPV. Using a nationally-representative sample of 23,300 matched-couples from India's National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-2006) this study investigates how sociodemographic characteristics, women's personal power, partner traits and relationship dynamics are associated with IPV. Univariate statistics were performed for descriptive information and logistic regression analyses were conducted to test associations with IPV. Results indicated that multiple factors were significantly associated with IPV (p<0.001). Women who witnessed parental IPV, and had lower education and lower household wealth were more likely to experience IPV. Women's gendered attitudes (justification of IPV and perceptions of low sexual decision making ability) were positively associated with IPV. Women who perceived their husband's financial decision making dominance were more likely to experience IPV. Partner characteristics associated with IPV were increased alcohol use, controlling behaviors, and witnessing parental IPV as a child. Within the relationship, couple's age and educational differences were not associated with IPV. Findings suggest to effectively combat IPV, programs must address the broader context of women's lives: personal characteristics, as well as, partner, relationship and community traits. Further, both men and women must be included in the dialogue on gender inequity, women's empowerment and intimate partner violence.