Intimate Partner Violence and Women’s Help-seeking Behaviour: Evidence from India

Abstract

This study examines the role of socio-economic characteristics that influence a battered woman in India to either remain silent or approach someone for help in response to domestic violence. We investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on choosing between formal and informal sources of seeking help. The dataset used for the analysis is a nationally representative, community-based survey database—the National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3). A logistic regression framework was used to analyze the data. The results suggest that education and economic empowerment play a crucial role in deciding whether to seek help to stop domestic violence. Women exposed to violence attempts utilize both formal and informal sources of help; however, informal sources of help are more popular compared with formal sources in India. JEL: J12