A Descriptive Study to Assess the Prevalence of Domestic Violence and its Effect among Women whose Spouses Indulge in Substance Abuse

Domestic violence, characterized by a pattern of assault and coercive behavior, poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of intimate partners, with women being disproportionately affected. In recent times, the issue of domestic violence has become more pronounced among women whose spouses engage in substance abuse. The main aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of domestic violence and its effects among women whose spouses indulge in substance abuse, with the intention of providing an informational booklet. A non-experimental approach with convenient sampling was employed, and data were collected using the WHO (World Health Organization) questionnaire module including 46 questions. The study was conducted in Narwal, Jammu, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results revealed a concerning prevalence of domestic violence, with 61% of subjects experiencing moderate violence, additionally, it was noted that a massive number of subjects were not seeking proper help, with only 40% seeking legal help and 20% each seeking help from the police or resorting to physical retaliation against domestic violence. Furthermore, the study found no significant association between women's education levels and autonomy, as shown by p-values of 0.276 and 0.095 for social support and property ownership, respectively. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support services to address the complex dynamics of domestic violence among women affected by substance abuse within marital relationships.