Prevalence and associated factors of domestic violence among married women in an urban slum in South India

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence (DV) is a public health problem with an estimated global prevalence of 35%. The prevalence rate of spousal domestic violence in Telangana is 36.4% which is higher than the national average of 25.3%. Despite being a punishable offense, DV is still on the rise in India. Hence, there is need to assess its extent and determining factors for planning of remedial measures. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of domestic violence and its associated factors among married women of an urban slum in Telangana. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 18- to 45-year-old married women in urban slums of Telangana. The sample size was 200. Multistage random sampling was done. Data collection was done using questionnaire with information regarding socio-demographic details, types of domestic violence, help-seeking behaviours, awareness, and outcome. The victims were directed towards medical and legal help, and further counselling. Descriptive analysis was done to find proportion of domestic violence. The associated factors were found using Chi-square test and logistic regression. RESULTS: Domestic violence was reported by 70.5% of the study participants. Physical abuse (67%) was the main offense followed by emotional abuse (38.5%). Though 89% of women were aware of domestic violence being punishable by law, only 9.5% of women sought help. Woman’s older age (COR = 2.015, 95% CI: 1.088-3.733, P = 0.026), illiteracy (COR = 2.181,95% CI: 1.097-4.3381, P = 0.026), longer married life (COR = 1.961, 95% CI: 1.008-3.815, P = 0.047), husband’s early exposure to abuse (COR = 4.439, 95% CI: 1-19.705, P = 0.034) and alcohol intake (COR: 1.995, 95% CI: 1.038-3.838, P = 0.037) were found to be significant factors in the bivariate analysis. Husband’s exposure to abuse in childhood (AOR = 5.326, 95% CI: 1.163-24.400, P = 0.031) and alcohol intake (AOR = 2.206, 95% CI: 1.109-4.389, P = 0.024) were found to be independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Domestic violence is highly prevalent in urban slums of south India. A woman’s age, education, duration of marriage, husband’s early exposure to abuse, and alcohol intake are determining factors. Awareness programs need to be conducted regarding helplines, medical and legal aspects. All domestic violence cases should be registered, and social, psychological and legal support be provided to the victim.