Domestic violence in Eastern India: factors associated with victimization and perpetration.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine the factors associated with victimization and perpetration of domestic violence in Eastern India. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: Married women (n=1718) and men (n=1715) from three Eastern Indian states were included in this study. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the determinants of domestic violence. RESULTS: Age, education, occupation, marital duration and husband's alcoholism emerged as significant predictors of victimization and perpetration of all types of domestic violence. A higher level of family income was found to be highly protective against the risk of violence. In addition, other risk and protective factors for victimization and perpetration of each type of violence were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the violence literature by shedding light on the risk factors of perpetration and victimization of domestic violence. These results provide vital information to develop interventions, as well as policies and programmes towards preventing violence. Also, this knowledge facilitates healthcare personnel to intervene more effectively with women at risk of violence-related health problems.