FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY, PUNJAB INDIA.

Background:Violence against women is a pervasive social intimidation and a major public health problem in India. It is associated with adverse physical and psychological health in women. This study examined the determinants of domestic violence among women residing in rural community of Punjab, India. Material and methods: A cross sectional community based household survey was conducted during May 2014 to September 2014. A sample of 213 eligible married women age group 18-39 years who having at least one child were selected using cluster systematic random sampling from three rural community. Information was sought by using socio-demographic profile sheet and factors associated to domestic violence through face-to-face structured pretested self-developed interview schedule after obtaining written consent. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics was applied to generate results. Results: The study findings shows that alcoholic husband, poor education of husband, early marriage, working status of women, and bigger size of the family are more frequently reported factors predisposed domestic violence. Women with alcoholic husband and married in early age were significantly at a great risk of domestic violence than their counterparts. Interpretation & Conclusions: The findings suggested that domestic violence is prevalent in rural community setting and certain specific factors fueling domestic violence. Use of mass media, reforming laws related to domestic violence and marriage could be great initiative from gorvement side to curb this social intimidation.