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India's Silent Crisis: 23% of Women Face Partner Violence, Lancet Reveals

A shocking new report in The Lancet has put a number on a hidden epidemic in India. It found that nearly a quarter of women aged 15 and above experienced intimate partner violence last year. This abuse is strongly linked to severe long-term health problems like depression and chronic illness. The researchers are calling it a crucial public health priority that demands immediate action.

Key Points: Lancet Report on Intimate Partner Violence in India 2023

  • Over 30% of women in India experienced sexual violence as a child, report finds
  • Violence is linked to long-term depression, anxiety, and chronic illness
  • South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa show the highest global prevalence rates
  • Researchers call for stronger legal frameworks and survivor support services
2 min read

23 pc women in India faced intimate partner violence in 2023: The Lancet

A new Lancet report reveals 23% of Indian women faced intimate partner violence in 2023, highlighting a major public health and human rights crisis.

"These startling figures underscore an urgent need for preventive measures... - The Lancet Report Researchers"

New Delhi, Dec 10

An estimated 23 per cent of women aged 15 and above faced intimate partner violence (IPV), which includes physical and sexual abuse by current or former partners, in India in 2023, according to a new report published in the journal The Lancet on Wednesday.

More than 30 per cent of women and 13 per cent of men aged 15 and above are also estimated to have experienced sexual violence as a child in the country.

Globally, the number of women aged 15 and older exposed to sexual violence during childhood surged to more than a million. An estimated 608 million females aged 15 and older also experienced IPV, revealed the report.

These experiences are strongly associated with a range of long-term health conditions, including depression and anxiety, chronic illnesses, and increased risk of premature death, revealed the global report including authors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Gorakhpur and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai.

“These startling figures underscore an urgent need for preventive measures, including strengthening legal frameworks, promoting gender equality, and expanding support services for survivors to reduce the health toll caused by exposure to violence,” the researchers said.

“Addressing violence against women and children is not only a matter of human rights but also a crucial public health priority that can save millions of lives, improve mental health outcomes, and build resilient communities,” they added.

The research noted that the highest prevalence rates of IPV and sexual violence are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where high rates of HIV and other chronic conditions compound the health impacts of violence.

“Regions with weaker healthcare systems and limited legal protections for women and children exposed to violence face even greater challenges in addressing and preventing these harms,” the researchers said.

While high-income countries (HICs) tend to have lower overall prevalence rates, they still face substantial challenges, with IPV and sexual violence ranking among the top risk factors for disease burden, especially among young adults aged 15-49.

Factors such as substance use disorders and noncommunicable diseases in wealthier nations contribute to the significant health impacts of violence, said the report.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The report mentions strengthening legal frameworks. Absolutely. But laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act need faster enforcement. Police sensitivity training and more women helplines that actually work are crucial.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with survivors, the link to long-term health conditions is very real. The trauma manifests as chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and more. We need integrated health services that screen for and address this violence.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while the data is important, I feel the article could have highlighted more positive steps being taken. Many NGOs and local police stations are now setting up dedicated cells. Change is slow, but awareness is growing in our society.
K
Kavya N
It starts with breaking the silence. So many women suffer because "log kya kahenge" (what will people say) or for the sake of the family's reputation. We need community support systems, not judgment.
V
Vikram M
The fact that 13% of men reported childhood sexual violence is also a critical point that often gets overlooked. This is a societal cancer that affects everyone. We need to protect all our children, boys and girls.

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