Back to browse results
Violence against Women in India: Is Empowerment a Protective Factor?
Authors: Leela Visaria
Source: Economic and Political Weekly, VOL 43 No. 48 November 29 - December 05, 2008
Topic(s): Domestic violence
Women’s empowerment
Country: Asia
  India
Published: DEC 2008
Abstract: This study examines three issues related to domestic violence in India on the basis of data from the third National Family Health Survey. It shows that a significant proportion of women, regardless of their socioeconomic background, accept power differentials based on sex and that men have a right to discipline them. It also reveals that men from violent homes are significantly more likely to use violence against their wives. Most women do not seek help for the violence suffered, and the few who do, tend to steer clear of social service organisations and the authorities.