An exploratory study on experience of domestic violence among women in a selected rural community, Ernakulam District, Kerala

Back ground of the study: A study undertaken by Sakhi in Kerala in 2004 revealed that 40% of respondents had experienced violence in the home at some point in their lives. Need for the study: The studies done in Kerala regarding domestic violence are very few in number, for taking necessary actions in this field we need the current status of women experiencing domestic violence. Purpose: The study explored the experience of domestic violence among women and assessed the knowledge of them regarding domestic violence. Design: Descriptive survey design was used. Sample: Comprised of 200 women between the age of 18-60 years selected by proportionate stratified random sampling. Method: Data was collected using two tools developed by the researcher. The data then obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage and frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (Chi-Square). Major findings: Fourty three percentage of the subjects were experiencing domestic violence at the time of the study. Majority of the subjects (49%) had poor knowledge regarding domestic violence, 18% had good knowledge regarding domestic violence. Association found between physical violence and age (χ²(2)=12.5, p=0.002), education (χ²(3)=10.94, p=0.012), and duration of marital life (χ²(2)=24, p<0.001). Significant association noticed between emotional violence and age (χ²(2)=8.28, p=0.016), education (χ²(3)=10.94, p=0.012) and duration of marital life (χ²(2)=20.09, p<0.001). Association found between economic violence and duration of marital life (χ²(2)=9.47, p=0.002). Association was noticed between knowledge level and age (χ²(4)=13.87, p=0.008), education (χ²(6)=12.95, p=0.004), occupation (χ²(6)=13.22, p=0.04). Conclusion: The findings of the study show that this evil is still growing in our society. Also the knowledge of the women about domestic violence is found to be poor. It shows the need for gender sensitization and empowerment programmes.