PREVALENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MARRIED WOMEN LIVING IN RURAL COMMUNITY OF LAHORE

Abstract

Domestic violence against women is a global issue that encompasses physical, sexual, and psychological abuse within intimate relationships. It is a significant public justice concern in Pakistan, yet formal reporting channels and statistics databases are lacking. This study aimed to explore the socioeconomic causes and prevalence of domestic violence against women in a rural community of Lahore. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 married women residing in the Lakhodair rural community of Lahore. A close-ended questionnaire, including demographic information and a domestic violence questionnaire, was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23, and prevalence rates of domestic violence were determined. Most participants were uneducated (93.3%), and prevalence rates of domestic violence were assessed across ten questions related to various forms of abuse. The prevalence of domestic violence is high in our study. Notably, 66% of respondents reported experiencing physical injury from their partners, and 65% had encountered physical violence, such as being struck, pushed, grabbed, thrown, or choked. Additionally, 55% of women reported experiencing sexual violence, while 51% faced forced sexual activity. Emotional abuse was also prevalent, with 52% feeling regularly belittled by their partners. This study revealed that more than 50% of women experience domestic violence after marriage in rural areas. It underscores the urgent need for awareness programs, women's education initiatives, and empowerment programs to address this grave concern. Future research should consider qualitative approaches to gain deeper insight into participants' experiences and feelings. Furthermore, focusing on domestic violence against males is essential to comprehensively address this complex issue.