Scrutiny and control of women's sexuality and women's reproductive role by the state are well recognized in the history of societies [Sarkar 1993]. Tribal wars over possession of women were rooted in the struggle for survival of the tribe itself.

In the last decade, several international and national movements have focused their attention, on the long neglected areas of women's reproductive health.

Prior to 1983, every form of violence committed within the family, either in the natal or the spousal home, was not considered an offence.

There is a growing recognition that gynaecological morbidity is an important health problem among poor women in India.