Why intimate partner violence is a structural problem that needs to be tackled at different levels

According to a recent report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UN partners, in India, nearly 30% of women in the age group 15-49 years have faced intimate partner violence (IPV) at some time in their lives.

One in five women faced IPV in India in 2023, the report added.

It also pointed out that nearly one in three women worldwide, about 840 million, have faced intimate partner or sexual violence at some point in their lives, a number that has barely shifted since 2000. In just the past year, 316 million women (11% of those aged 15 and above) experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner. Progress has been alarmingly slow, with global rates declining by only 0.2% per year over the last two decades.

For the first time, the report also provides national and regional estimates of non-partner sexual violence. It reveals that 263 million women have been assaulted by someone other than a partner since the age of 15. Experts warn that the true figure is far higher due to widespread stigma, underreporting, and fear of retaliation.

What is intimate partner violence (IPV)?

According to the WHO, intimate partner violence includes any behaviour within a current or former intimate relationship that inflicts physical, sexual, or psychological harm. This encompasses physical assault, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling actions by a spouse or partner, whether past or present.

The last National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) found that 32 % of ever-married women aged 18-49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional spousal violence. The most common type of spousal violence is physical violence (28%), followed by emotional violence (14%). About 6% of ever-married women aged 18-49 have experienced spousal sexual violence.

Among ever-married women aged 18–49 who have faced spousal physical or sexual violence, one in four report sustaining physical injuries. These include 7% who suffered eye injuries, sprains, dislocations or burns, and 6% who endured deep wounds, broken bones, broken teeth or other serious injuries.

Of the ever-married women in this age group who have experienced sexual violence, an overwhelming 82% identify their current husband as the perpetrator, while 14% name a former husband.

Despite the severity of the abuse, only 14% of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence from anyone have sought help to stop it.

NFHS surveys from previous years showed a very slight reduction in incidents of IPV.

In India, IPV is rooted in patriarchal norms, unequal power and a system that prioritises family reputation over women’s safety. Though laws for domestic violence exist, cases take years to conclude. And, not all women are empowered to seek legal help. It’s also not restricted to rural areas, with NFHS explaining that 27% of women experienced one or more forms of spousal violence in urban India.

IPV is a societal failure, and to tackle it, crisis interventions are not enough. Domestic violence laws must be strengthened, reporting made easier, fast-track courts must be introduced to solve these cases quickly, and nationwide helplines must work effectively to facilitate quick action. On the other hand, marital rape must be criminalised.

Data on domestic violence must be updated regularly instead of waiting for the next NFHS survey. IPV must be tackled before it starts; for this, women must be empowered socially and economically to understand their rights. Community measures must be implemented at the grassroots level, from panchayats upwards, where women’s collectives and self-help groups are empowered to detect early signs of abuse, intervene and provide swift responses.