Wife-Beating in Rural India: A Husband's Right? Evidence from Survey Data

Abstract

THE United Nations Commission on the Status of Women defines violence against women to include "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women..." [Economic and Social Council 1992]. The definition is understood to encompass, but not be limited to, physical, sexual, and psychological violence occurring in the family and outside it. Gender-based violence, including wifebeating, rape, sexual abuse, and dowry- related murder is widely prevalent in India. Of these, wife-beating and intimidation are the most endemic and widespread forms of violence. Despite its prevalence, it is only recently as a result of relentless efforts by women's organisations, that violence against women in the home has received any public attention. Information, thus far, has come largely from mass media reports, and, to a lesser extent, from grossly under-reported crime data. Community- based research on the prevalence and
patterns of gender-based- violence is sparse, but urgently needed if political action is to be spurred [Heise, Pitanguay and Germain .1994].