Reproduction, Functional Autonomy and Changing Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Within Marriage in Rural India

Bibliographic Data

ID19544918
AuthorsChristine Bourey (0000-0002-8402-5250, Johns Hopkins University), Rob Stephenson (0000-0002-9239-2640, Johns Hopkins University), Michelle J Hindin (0000-0001-9941-7639, Johns Hopkins University)
Year2013
Volume39
Issue04
Pages215-226
Publication date2013-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1944-0391 • E-ISSN: 1944-0405
PublisherGuttmacher Institute (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1363/3921513
PMID24393727
OpenAlexW2136407878
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited30

CONTEXT: The literature on intimate partner violence in resource-poor contexts relies primarily on cross-sectional studies. Because changes in women's status and empowerment are hypothesized to influence violence vulnerability, longitudinal studies are needed to determine the potential benefits and harms associated with such changes. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively from a representative cohort of 4,749 married women in rural areas of four socially and demographically diverse states in India in 1998-1999 and 2002-2003. A multinomial regression model including social and demographic characteristics and intersurvey changes and events related to functional autonomy and reproduction was fitted to a categorical outcome measuring the absence (reference), initiation, cessation and continuation of intimate partner violence. RESULTS: Continued freedom of movement, increased freedom of movement and continued financial autonomy between baseline and follow-up were associated with a lower risk of violence initiation rather than no violence (relative risk ratio, 0.7 for each). Having a first child was associated with lower risk of violence initiation and continuation rather than no violence (0.6 and 0.2, respectively). Women who reported that their relative economic contribution to the household decreased or increased and women who experienced an unwanted pregnancy had a higher risk of violence continuation rather than no violence (1.8, 1.8 and 1.5, respectively). The death of a child was associated with higher risk of violence initiation rather than no violence (1.4). CONCLUSION: Future research to inform interventions to reduce intimate partner violence should consider how changes in women's reproductive experiences and functional autonomy may be linked to changes in intimate partner violence

Autonomy · Domestic violence · Empowerment · Environmental health · Poison control · Political science · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Demography · Global Maternal and Child Health · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Medicine · Psychology

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