An ethnographic study of domestic Violence faced by married women in Pakistan

Abstract

The study investigated the phenomenon of domestic violence against women; it’s types, the causes, consequences and the limitations that prevent them from seeking help in the society. The research was conducted in Islamabad and the target population included the women that face violence after their marriage. The women were selected randomly from different socio economic backgrounds. Additionally, in depth informal interviews were conducted with the participants to gain more of an insider view of the issue prevailing in the society. The findings include three case studies that have been added to give a clearer picture of the phenomenon. The results included that the most common forms of violence that women face are the physical and the verbal abuse. Few of the women have been facing emotional and the financial abuse. The causes of domestic violence include lack of mutual understanding, mistrust between the couple, age gap and authoritative in laws. Other factors include extra marital affairs, aggressive behaviour of husband, alcoholic and drug addiction observed in males that are the cause behind violent acts. Lack of education, poverty, socio economic status, dowry, and male child are also considered to be the cause of assault. The consequences observed in most of the women were lack of confidence and concentration, anxiety and depression, unable to sleep at night. Most of the women seek help from their family and friends to avoid been abused and end the torture they are going through. Many opt for the divorce option but few of them are sent back in order to protect the honour of the woman and the family. Amongst these women, there are females that avoid speaking openly about the torture they are going through and hide it from most of the people for the sake of their children.