Spousal violence in India

Does risk of spousal violence higher among polygynous unions

Bibliographic Data

ID22110475
AuthorsMargubur Rahaman (0000-0003-2403-9033, International Institute for Population Sciences), Avijit Roy (0000-0002-2707-8639, Malda Medical College and Hospital, corresponding author), Nanigopal Kapasia (0000-0001-6386-8155, Malda Medical College and Hospital), Pradip Chouhan (0000-0002-5500-2842, University of Gour Banga)
Year2022
Volume8
Issue1
Publication date2022-12-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCogent Social Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2331-1886 • E-ISSN: 2331-1886
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23311886.2022.2103945
OpenAlexW4286945757
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited31

This study aims to understand the risk of spousal violence in the context of polygyny in India. National Family Health Survey (2015–16) data has been used in this study. The study population consisted of women who answered the questions regarding spousal violence and the number of additional wives of their husbands. Chi-square significance test and multi-level logistic regression were used to establish the association between spousal violence and polygyny. Findings of the study suggested that women in polygyny marriages experienced higher spousal violence than women in monogamy unions. In particular, the likelihood of overall spousal violence was higher among polygyny marriages (39.9%; 95% CI = 38.5–41.4) than in monogamy marriages (32.6%; 95% CI = 32.3–33). Simultaneously, the likelihood of spousal violence was significantly high in polygyny marriages among Muslims compared to Hindus. Muslim women in polygyny unions (30.4%; 95% CI = 29.4–31.4) faced significantly higher spousal violence than monogamy unions (43.8%; 95% CI = 39.6–48). The study revealed regional variability in relationship between spousal violence and polygyny in India. In the south region, women in polygyny unions’ experienced higher spousal violence compared to other regions. The risk of spousal violence can be reduced by empowering women and launching a community-wide awareness campaign about legal options for spousal violence victims. Efforts in this direction may support India in meeting its long-term development goal of ending violence against women and girls by 2030

Domestic violence · Environmental health · Ethnic group · Geography · Poison control · Polygyny · Population · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Demography · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Medicine · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Technologies

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