ABSTRACT
Background: This study investigates domestic violence against women in Kandhamal district, Odisha, through a qualitative case study approach. Rooted in a socio-cultural context characterized by patriarchal norms and economic dependency, the research aims to explore the multifaceted nature, causes, perpetrators, and impacts of domestic abuse. Eleven detailed case studies were analyzed, drawing on survivor testimonies, legal petitions, and reports from local Women’s Support Centres to provide rich, contextualized insights. Methods: Data collection involved primary sources including direct survivor accounts, formal complaints, and institutional reports. Purposive sampling ensured representation of diverse manifestations of domestic violence, such as intimate partner violence, dowry-related abuse, economic exploitation, and extended family involvement. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns related to causes, types of violence, perpetrator profiles, and consequences for women and their families. Results: Findings reveal pervasive physical, psychological, economic, sexual, social, and legal violence sustained by entrenched patriarchal power imbalances, extramarital relationships, economic exploitation, dowry-related abuse, and systemic institutional failures. Husbands and extended family members, particularly in-laws, emerge as principal perpetrators. The study highlights severe repercussions for women’s physical and mental health, economic autonomy, and family stability, including child welfare concerns. Despite existing legal frameworks, weak enforcement, social stigma, and inadequate support perpetuate cycles of abuse. The research underscores the necessity for comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions encompassing strengthened legal enforcement, institutional responsiveness, economic empowerment, safe shelter, counseling, and community awareness. Addressing dowry-related violence and extended family abuse, alongside transformative education and policy reforms targeting patriarchal attitudes, is critical to advancing gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights in Kandhamal.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Women’s Vulnerability, Patriarchal Norms, Economic Dependency, Intimate Partner Violence, Dowry-related Abuse, Extended Family Violence, Psychological Abuse, Physical Abuse, Economic Abuse, Sexual Violence, Social Stigma, Power Imbalance, Child Custody, Gender Equality, Survivor Testimonies, Case Study.
