An exploration into the process and consequences of Violence within marriage: Study of an urban slum community in India

The present study tries to explore and understand the context of intimate partner violence in Indian context through a small scale qualitative or exploratory study. The main objective of the present study is to understand the... [ view full abstract ]

The present study tries to explore and understand the context of intimate partner violence in Indian context through a small scale qualitative or exploratory study. The main objective of the present study is to understand the underlying mechanism of a violent relationship i.e. the initiation of violence, coping strategies and its consequences. Eight in-depth interviews were The present study tries to explore and understand the context of intimate partner violence in Indian context through a small scale qualitative or exploratory study. The main objective of the present study is to understand the underlying mechanism of a violent relationship i.e. the initiation of violence, coping strategies and its consequences. It is an exploratory research based on eight in-depth interviews among lower and middle class population groups in three urban slums of Mumbai city in India. As reported by the respondents, physical and emotional violence are quite common in their daily lives initiating within two to three years after marriage. Alcohol consumption, having no sons, husband’s extra marital affair and doubts on wife being unfaithful are the main triggering factors. Victims mostly continue to stay in the marriage because of their children’s sake and find the outlet in different jobs to earn money. The severity of the act confers upon the women as well as their children a series of physical injuries and emotional health problems. Strengthening and proper implementation of stringent laws to protect women from domestic violence as well as empowering them in every aspect of life are need of the hour to fight the evil of crime against women.
Keywords: Violence within marriage; Slum community; Mumbai