Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a major area of concern when it comes to issues of women. Domestic violence is a form of violence by a person to hurt one’s spouse or partner either physically, psychologically or sexually. Though its outcomes are primarily related to physical health, but its causes and secondary outcomes are psychological as well as sociological. This review paper focuses on psychological causes and outcomes of domestic violence underlined in previous studies. Need for power and control, low self esteem, personality traits, gender role stereotypes, patriarchal beliefs, gap in spousal education and employment, marital maladjustment, alcohol consumption by husband, unemployment, attitudes towards women are some of the socio-psychological factors leading to domestic violence. Outcomes of domestic violence are equally harmful for women and their children. It has been noted that women who face domestic violence are at greater risk for mental health disorders. Education and higher socio-economic status of husband and wife are protective factors against domestic violence to some extent. Some recent research has also focused on domestic violence against men and domestic violence in same gender relationships, but there are a very few studies emphasizing on these two issues in India. It can be concluded that domestic violence is leaded by many interlinked psychological and sociological factors and its outcomes are dangerous for the victims.