Partner and Relationship Factors in Domestic Violence: Perspectives of Women from a Slum in Calcutta, India

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Partner and Relationship Factors in Domestic Violence: Perspectives of Women from a Slum in Calcutta, India
Language: English
Authors: Pandey, G. K., Dutt, Debashis, Banerjee, Bratati
Source: Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 2009 24(7):1175-1191.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2009
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Expenditures, Family Violence, Females, Age Differences, Slums, Foreign Countries, Developing Nations, Poverty, Attitude Measures, Interpersonal Relationship, Intimacy, Socioeconomic Influences, Drinking, Marital Instability, At Risk Persons, Spouses, Power Structure, Self Esteem, Males, Antisocial Behavior, Intervention
Geographic Terms: India
DOI: 10.1177/0886260508322186
ISSN: 0886-2605
Abstract: A cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 751 women, living in slums, examined their perspectives on partner and relationship factors of domestic violence. More than 17% of women experienced physical violence in the past year. Individual factors related to the husband--namely, poor socioeconomic status, use of alcohol, extramarital relations, and visiting red light districts--increased the risk of violence. The following relationship factors were associated with a higher risk of violence: age difference of 5 years or less between spouses, husband's irregular contribution to family expenses, not sharing information about his personal expenses, manifestation of controlling behaviors, and longer duration of marriage. The study concludes that adverse socioeconomic conditions create low self-esteem and insecurity among men, who find expression in aberrant behaviors, and violence is used as a compensatory behavior. Interventions, therefore, need to go beyond the victim-centric approach and address partner and relationship issues for greater impact. (Contains 2 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 56
Entry Date: 2009
Accession Number: EJ842465
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 751 women, living in slums, examined their perspectives on partner and relationship factors of domestic violence. More than 17% of women experienced physical violence in the past year. Individual factors related to the husband--namely, poor socioeconomic status, use of alcohol, extramarital relations, and visiting red light districts--increased the risk of violence. The following relationship factors were associated with a higher risk of violence: age difference of 5 years or less between spouses, husband's irregular contribution to family expenses, not sharing information about his personal expenses, manifestation of controlling behaviors, and longer duration of marriage. The study concludes that adverse socioeconomic conditions create low self-esteem and insecurity among men, who find expression in aberrant behaviors, and violence is used as a compensatory behavior. Interventions, therefore, need to go beyond the victim-centric approach and address partner and relationship issues for greater impact. (Contains 2 tables.)
ISSN:0886-2605
DOI:10.1177/0886260508322186