Predictors of Early Marital Intimate Partner Violence Onset in India

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is highly prevalent in India. Little is known about the timing of IPV onset and predictors of early IPV onset in marriage; understanding is crucial for the development and timing of primary prevention interventions. Hence, the present study explores IPV onset and predictors of early IPV onset (i.e., occurring within 2 years of marriage) in India using data from the 2019-21 National Family Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify sociodemographic and behavioral predictors of early IPV onset. Results indicate that 29% of married women aged 18 to 49 years have experienced physical or sexual IPV. IPV onset averages 3.30 years (SD: 3.94) post-marriage, with sexual violence (Mean: 3.17 years, SD: 4.22) initiating slightly earlier than physical violence (Mean: 3.32 years, SD: 3.94). Approximately 90% of IPV onset begins within the first 7 years of marriage, with half (around 50%) occurring within 3 years. In multivariable regression, urbanicity, age, marital age and duration, religion, region of residence, and husband's use of control were each associated with earlier IPV onset. Findings emphasize the urgent need for early intervention and inform populations and regions in which primary prevention should be prioritized.