A Longitudinal Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence in India: Did Changes in the Law Make a Difference?

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), enacted in 2006, broadened the legal definition of domestic violence and extended protections to women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in India. This article presents a longitudinal analysis to assess if IPV declined after the law's ratification. Findings indicate that while the PWDVA correlated with marginal improvements in certain forms of IPV, other forms of IPV worsened. Deep-rooted social norms continue to influence behaviors and attitudes surrounding IPV, limiting the law's effectiveness. Addressing IPV in India requires a multidimensional strategy that goes beyond legal reforms.