Causes of Violence against Women: A Qualitative Study at Bardiya District

Background Violence is universal act that threatens life, health and happiness of all human beings. This includes threat, coercion and the arbitrary deprivation of resources. Violence against women is usually performed by a male partner. Violence against women is a global epidemic and gives physical, psychological, sexual and economical tortures. Every individual has basic right to live in their home peacefully, but women’s basic right is isolated due to violence. Violence against women is the most pervasive of human right violation. Methodology Qualitative research design was used for this study to explore perceptions, suffering, pain, feelings, opinion or views on violence against women. 20 female victims of the violence against women were selected for the study. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. In-depth interview guideline was used to collect the data. Thematic data analysis was done to explore to causes of violence against women. Results Most of the respondents were under 30 years. Married and illiterate were observed more victims of the violence against women. Main causes of violence were low status of women, illiteracy, economic dependence, patriarchal society. Other causes were inter-caste marriage, husband listening to other family members, sexual dissatisfaction, and unemployment, and extramarital relation of husband, suspicious attitude, gambling, and dowry system. Conclusion Violence against women has evolved as a part of a system of gender relation. Ideas of male supremacy, dominance over female are often reflected in societies and considered as private matter. Violence is continuing of beliefs that grant men right to control women’s behavior, violence, which results in injury of the victims. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8721 Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013: 10-14