Minority Health and Health Disparities

Recently, I came across several heartbreaking incidents of dowry-related deaths in India, which prompted me to delve deeper into the issue. This exploration led me to the broader topic of intimate partner violence (IPV), a widespread problem that not only impacts individuals but also has significant repercussions for society at large. IPV, or spousal violence, refers to any form of domestic violence—including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse—perpetrated against ever-married women aged 15 to 49 by their current or former partners. Such violence often arises from deeply ingrained societal norms and gender inequality, creating a vicious cycle of abuse that is hard to break. Many victims feel caught in their circumstances due to economic dependence and the absence of support systems, which makes it even more challenging for them to seek help.

In addition, the stigma associated with IPV breeds a culture of silence, deterring women from coming forward due to fear of social ostracism, judgment, or retaliation from their partners and communities. It’s essential to grasp the wider context of IPV, including its psychological effects and the socio-economic factors that contribute to its occurrence. This understanding is crucial for developing effective strategies to address this serious issue and protect vulnerable women. 

To effectively address intimate partner violence (IPV), it is essential to implement education and awareness initiatives that empower women and transform societal attitudes, enabling them to reclaim their rights and dignity. Establishing community-based support networks, advocating for legal reforms, and ensuring accessible mental health resources are critical steps toward dismantling the barriers that keep women trapped in abusive relationships and impede their quest for justice. In India, recent statistics indicate that approximately 29.30% of married women aged 15-49 experienced intimate partner violence from 2019 to 2021, reflecting a slight decrease from the NFHS-4 report, which showed an average of (31.20%). This decline was observed in both urban and rural areas, with a larger drop among rural women (2.50%) than among urban women (1.10%). However, a notable disparity of (7.40%) remains, with rural women at (31.60%) and urban women at (24.20%).[1] 

Among various groups, Scheduled Caste (SC) women are particularly vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV). According to the NFHS-5 data, the rate of IPV among married SC women is (37.1%), a slight decrease from the (40.6%) reported in NFHS-4. This illustrates a significant gap of (12.9%) compared with General women, whose figure is (24.4%). Both groups experience physical violence as the most common form of IPV, but it is one and a half times more prevalent among SC women, followed by emotional and sexual violence. Several factors contribute to the widening disparity in IPV rates between SC and General women, including husbands’ alcohol consumption (26.33%), wealth index (24.48%), controlling behavior by husbands (24%), and a history of parental IPV (15.87%). [2] Despite the ongoing issue of intimate partner violence (IPV), a staggering 77% of women never reach out for help when they experience violence. This reluctance often stems from deeply ingrained societal norms, a culture of victim-blaming, feelings of shame, and the fear of being judged.[3] 

” You can tell the  condition of a nation by looking at  the status of its women” 
  Jawaharlal Nehru 

A notable connection was found between maternal exposure to spousal violence and infant mortality rates, which stood at 79.2 per 1,000 births, as well as under-five mortality rates at 103.6 per 1,000 births. These rates appeared to be higher among female infants (OR=1.15) and girls (OR=1.14) compared to their male counterparts, with male infants having an odds ratio of 1.04 and boys at 1.05. This leads to a distinct gender disparity in mortality rates for both infants and children under the age of five. [4] 

The data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) prompted me to reflect on the fact that these figures represent only the actively reported cases of spousal violence. While the NFHS offers the most thorough insights into domestic violence in India, the actual incidence of spousal abuse is likely much higher than reported. This disparity can be attributed to strict safety and privacy protocols during the survey, coupled with the social stigma and fear surrounding reporting such incidents, along with the normalization of violence in certain situations.

What are your thoughts on domestic violence? Have you ever witnessed or experienced any form of it, whether physical, sexual, or emotional? Do you believe that domestic violence can ever be seen as an act of justice? I’ll leave these questions open for discussion, and I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section, whether it’s suggestions, opinions, or insights.

References

1. S. Golder. Measuring Domestic Violence in NFHS Surveys. Oxfam: India. 2016
2. S. Chowdhury, A. Singh et al. “Decomposing intimate partner violence among Scheduled Caste and General category women in India: Analysis of NFHS-5 data.” SSM – Population Health, August 2022; (19)101189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101189
3. Kamakshi. NFHS-5 Data Reveals 30% of Indian Women Experience Domestic Violence, Just the Reported Cases! Women’s Web. Crime & Law, May 2022.
4. J. Silverman, M. Decker et al. Gender Disparities in Child Mortality Related to Maternal Exposure to Spousal Violence: The Heavy Burden on Indian Girls. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011 January; 165(1): 22–27. doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2010.261.