Domestic violence exposure of married women in a rural area in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Domestic violence (DV) is common but underreported in the world. In Sri Lanka, information with this regard is scarce. The present study investigated the domestic violence exposure of married women in a rural area in the country.

Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 women in a conveniently selected Public Health Midwife area in Isurumuniya, in Anuradhapura. A self-reported questionnaire measured lifetime experiences of physical, emotional and sexual violence with individual, partners and family factors contributing to this problem.

Results: The overall DV exposure was 49% (n = 196), among them 53.4% emotional violence, 25.3% physical violence and 21.3% sexual violence exposures were reported. When comparing DV exposed and the nonexposed groups, significant differences were observed in women's education level, occupation, partners’ substance abuse, number of children in the family and partner's parent living with the family. Age, partner’s occupation, family income and women's parent living with the family showed no significant difference in exposure to DV. Among the exposed, only 58.2% had looked for help from others and 17% had obtained medical advices.

Conclusions: DV exposure is prevalent among married women. This issue needs attention from relevant authorities and necessary actions need to be taken to minimize this burden in the society.