According to a community-based cross-sectional study by Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, around 70.5 per cent of married women admitted to being victims of domestic violence and despite 89 per cent of them being aware that it is punishable by law, only 9.5 per cent sought help. According to the National Family Health Survey, the prevalence rate of spousal domestic violence against ever-married women in Telangana is 36.4 per cent, higher than the national average of 25.3 per cent. Woman’s older age, illiteracy, longer married life, husband’s early exposure to abuse and alcohol intake were found to be significant factors contributing to domestic violence.
Among the women who reported domestic violence, 67 per cent said they were subjected to physical violence, three percent to sexual violence, 38.60 per cent to emotional violence and 14.50 per cent women reported controlling behaviour from husbands.
The study, Prevalence and Associated Factors of Domestic Violence Among Married Women in an Urban Slum in South India, was conducted among married women in the age group of 18 to 45 years residing in urban slums. They were asked regarding socio-demographic details, types of domestic violence, help-seeking behaviours, awareness and outcome and the victims of violence were also towards medical and legal help, and further counselling.