Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Intimate Partner Violence: A Public Health Crisis in India
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a big problem in India.
It's not just about laws or culture; it's also a serious health issue.
Women who experience IPV are more likely to have health problems like depression, anxiety, and heart disease.
These problems can last a long time and make healthcare more expensive.
Many women don't seek help because they feel ashamed or afraid.
Doctors and nurses need to be trained to recognize and help with IPV.
Communities also need to support women so they can speak up and get the help they need.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health crisis in India, leading to significant health outcomes in women.
Women exposed to IPV are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
IPV is a greater risk factor for poor health in women of reproductive age in South Asia than obesity, smoking, or alcohol use.
Nearly 30% of married Indian women aged 18-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence by a spouse.
Over 75% of women who experience spousal violence never seek support due to shame, economic dependence, and fear of social ostracism.
- Who
- Women in India, particularly married women aged 18-49
- What
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) and its health impacts
- When
- Ongoing public health crisis
- Where
- India, with a focus on South Asia
- Why
- IPV leads to significant health outcomes and is a major public health crisis
- Prevalence of IPV
- Nearly 30% of married Indian women aged 18-49
- Health Risks
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders
- Risk Factor Comparison
- Greater than obesity, smoking, or alcohol use for reproductive-age women in South Asia
- Help-Seeking Behavior
- Over 75% of affected women never seek support
- Research Focus
- Often ignores mental health and IPV catalysts