Domestic Violence and Women’s Mental Health in India: Causes, Effects and Solutions
Have you ever wondered how deeply domestic violence affects women—not just physically, but mentally? In India, the consequences go far beyond bruises and injuries. They reverberate in the mind, heart and soul.
Domestic violence isn’t a “private matter”; it’s a mental health crisis in disguise. Studies show that nearly 29.3% of married Indian women aged 18–49 have faced physical or sexual violence by a partner. That’s almost one in three—yet countless stories go untold.
Discover how domestic violence impacts women’s mental health in India—exploring trauma, depression, PTSD, laws, support services and recovery strategies.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Women’s Psychological Well‑Being in India?
Domestic violence deeply affects women’s physical and mental health in India. It can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Many survivors struggle with fear and low self‑esteem, making recovery and daily life more challenging without proper support. Let’s explore causes, effects, legal rights, NGO efforts and recovery solutions.
Understanding Domestic Violence in India
Understanding domestic violence in India starts with knowing how widespread it really is—and the numbers are startling. According to NFHS-5, about 29.3% of married women aged 18–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence by their spouse—nearly one in three women. Emotional violence also affects a significant number.
This abuse is not just physical. The law recognizes many forms—like emotional, verbal, economic, and psychological harm—under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005). It protects wives, live-in partners, sisters, widows—basically, any woman sharing a household.
Yet even with these strong definitions and protections, domestic violence often stays hidden. Social norms make it hard for many to speak up. In fact, 86% of Indian women who experienced domestic violence don’t tell anyone, and 45% believe it’s justified in some situations. Only a tiny fraction seek help from the police or formal services.
A recent Bihar report found that 40% of married women reported marital violence, underscoring how deeply embedded and normalized these experiences are.
These stats highlight a painful truth: domestic violence in India remains widespread, multi-dimensional, and underreported—despite legal safeguards.
The Link Between Domestic Violence and Women’s Mental Health
When a woman in India faces domestic violence—not just physical abuse, but emotional, sexual, or coercive control—the impact often goes far beyond visible wounds.
Studies in rural Central India show that among women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), almost two-thirds reported moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
In Delhi, among 827 ever-married women: About 25.3% reported unhealthy mental status, and DV exposure was strongly linked to poorer mental health and suicidal tendencies.
In psychiatric care settings, results are equally stark: over half of the women who’d suffered IPV met criteria for depression—and a notable number showed signs of PTSD, even if sub-threshold.
Interestingly, psychological abuse and controlling behavior—like limiting contact with family or strict monitoring—often affect mental health more than physical violence itself.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in Kerala, domestic violence was experienced by 25.8% of women, and those facing DV were over 4 times more likely to suffer from depression (adjusted OR=4.26) and anxiety (aOR=4.34).
Larger-scale studies also confirm that domestic violence correlates strongly with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, depression, chronic anxiety, PTSD, and even psychosomatic disorders among Indian women.
A broader study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that domestic violance is tied to increased rates of depression, suicide attempts, psychosomatic disorders.
Another study at a psychiatric hospital found that 83% of women developed psychiatric illness post-marriage, with IPV being a major stressor.
Domestic violence isn’t just a physical or social problem—it deeply scars a woman’s mental well-being. Survivors frequently carry invisible wounds—anxiety, depression, PTSD—that deserve urgent attention, empathy, and treatment.
How Abuse Ripples Across Daily Life
Abuse doesn’t stay behind closed doors—it spills into every corner of a woman’s life, quietly eroding her wellbeing.
For example, one groundbreaking Indian study revealed that 92% of women said domestic violence affected their ability to work, with many facing job loss or discrimination after disclosing abuse.
It’s not just about the workplace. Abuse can disrupt sleep, appetite, and overall health, while high stress and emotional trauma make daily tasks feel overwhelming.
In rural Central India, nearly two-thirds of abused women showed signs of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, making even simple routines a struggle.
The effects of domestic violence aren’t just emotional—but deeply practical.
Taking a shower, going to work, caring for children—daily life becomes a heavy burden when your mind and body are under siege.
Read Here: What are the Challenges of Women’s Safety in India?
Why Don’t Women Get Help?
Many women in India remain silent about domestic violence, not because it doesn’t hurt, but because seeking help feels impossible.
According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), about 45% of women and 44% of men in India agreed that a husband is justified in beating his wife under seven specified circumstances (such as neglecting household duties, arguing, or refusing sex).
The same survey also showed that 77% of women who experienced spousal violence never reported or sought help, reflecting the deep normalization of domestic violence in society. Nearly 80% of women never report abuse, and only a small fraction approach police or formal services.
Why this silence? Social stigma, fear of family dishonor, and economic dependence on the abuser are powerful barriers.
Many women also lack awareness of their rights under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005). Even when help exists, access is limited: One-Stop Centres (OSCs), set up to provide legal, medical, and counseling aid, often remain underfunded or understaffed.
The result? Women silently endure abuse—caught between fear, social pressure, and systemic gaps that fail to protect them.
The Role of Family, Society & Culture
Family, society, and culture shape how domestic violence is experienced—and often, how it is silenced. In India, violence isn’t always seen as “wrong.”
A survey found that 45% of women themselves believe a husband is justified in beating his wife in certain situations. This shows how cultural norms normalize abuse.
Shockingly, abuse often begins at home before marriage. A Kolkata-based study revealed 4 out of 5 women had faced violence from parents or siblings, creating an environment where control and punishment feel “normal.”
Patriarchal beliefs further fuel the problem. Research confirms that men who hold strong patriarchal views are more likely to control or abuse partners.
These patterns show that domestic violence is not only about individual relationships—it’s reinforced by family attitudes, cultural acceptance, and societal silence. Real change must challenge these deep-rooted norms.
What Laws and Policies Exist?
India has a powerful tool in place: the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA). It defines domestic violence broadly—covering physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and economic abuse, including harassment over dowry. It also applies to women in marriage, live-in relationships, or shared households with family—making its reach very inclusive.
The law offers a range of remedies right away: protection orders to stop abuse, residence orders to secure a woman’s right to stay in the home, monetary relief, custody and compensation orders for emotional and physical harm, and free legal services.
The law empowers Protection Officers and service providers (like approved NGOs) to guide survivors—helping with legal filings, access to shelters, medical care, and counseling.
Alongside the Act, the government launched One-Stop Centres (OSCs) under the Nirbhaya Fund in 2015. These centers offer legal, medical, police, and psychological support—all under one roof—though many face challenges in staffing and infrastructure.
What Are NGOs and Support Services Doing?
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India are like lifelines for women facing domestic violence. They offer shelter, counseling, legal aid, education, and a way forward—and often fill gaps that government systems can’t bridge.
Many run safe homes, where women can escape abuse and get emotional and physical support, while others operate helplines and trauma-informed counseling services to help survivors recover and rebuild.
Some NGOs, like SNEHA in Mumbai, run One-Stop Centres that offer medical care, legal aid, psychological counseling, and police coordination—all under one roof—so survivors don’t have to navigate the system alone.
Specialized groups like Prajwala focus on rescuing and rehabilitating women caught in trafficking. They offer long-term care with educational, vocational training, and mental health support to help survivors stand on their feet independently.
Meanwhile, Vandrevala Foundation reaches distressed individuals—including women facing abuse—through 24/7 helplines and WhatsApp counseling. Their data shows more and more women are connecting through chat, making support accessible and private.
Healing and Recovery—What Can Help?
Recovery from domestic violence is not just about physical safety—it’s also about rebuilding mental and emotional wellbeing.
Research shows that timely psychological support significantly reduces depression, PTSD, and anxiety among survivors.
Key steps that can help include:
- Counseling and Therapy – Trauma-informed therapy helps women process fear, regain confidence, and prevent long-term psychological harm.
- Support Groups – Peer groups and survivor networks reduce isolation and create safe spaces to share experiences.
- Medical and Psychiatric Care – Access to mental health professionals, medication when necessary, and hospital-based interventions improve recovery outcomes.
- Legal and Social Support – Protection orders, OSCs (One-Stop Centres), and NGO services offer security and guidance.
- Economic Empowerment – Skills training and financial independence are crucial for long-term resilience.
- Community Awareness – Family and societal support reduce stigma and help survivors rebuild their lives.
These steps prove that healing is possible—not just survival, but a pathway to dignity and strength.
What Can India Learn from the World?
India is not alone in battling domestic violence—many countries have tried innovative strategies that India can learn from.
For example, Spain created specialized domestic violence courts that speed up cases and reduce survivor trauma. Studies show these courts improve conviction rates and increase women’s confidence in reporting abuse.
In Canada and Australia, community-based programs train healthcare workers to screen for intimate partner violence during routine check-ups. This early detection model has helped thousands of women receive mental health care before problems worsen.
Latin American countries like Brazil have introduced integrated women’s centers that combine legal aid, psychological support, and shelters under one roof—similar to India’s One-Stop Centres, but with stronger funding and coordination.
United Kingdom (UK) – The UK runs the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) program, where trained advocates work closely with survivors to provide safety planning, legal guidance, and mental health referrals. Reports show this model reduces repeat victimization and improves survivor wellbeing.
Sweden – Sweden integrates domestic violence screening into maternal and child healthcare services. Pregnant women are routinely asked about safety at home, and immediate counseling is offered if violence is disclosed. This early intervention reduces long-term trauma for both mothers and children.
New Zealand – New Zealand’s “It’s Not OK” campaign is a nationwide public awareness program that challenges cultural acceptance of domestic violence. Evaluations found it increased public willingness to intervene and helped reduce stigma for survivors seeking support.
By adapting these global best practices—speedy justice, proactive healthcare screening, and well-funded integrated support—India can strengthen its fight against domestic violence and ensure survivors get timely mental health support.
Read Also: How Does Caste-Based Violence Affect Rural India
Conclusion
Domestic violence in India doesn’t just hurt bodies—it shatters minds. Studies show that many women suffer PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and lasting trauma. These struggles are worsened by social stigma, lack of access to help, and patriarchal norms.
But there’s justice, counseling, healing, and strength in numbers. Legal rights exist. OSCs and NGOs stand ready. Mental health hotlines like Vandrevala, and champions like Prasanna Gettu are lighting the way forward.
We must talk about these issues—openly, supportively, urgently. Because mental health post-trauma isn’t just an outcome—it’s a fundamental right.
FAQs
1. What is the psychological impact of domestic violence on women in India?
Domestic violence deeply affects mental health, causing PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, and substance misuse, as consistently reported across Indian rural and urban studies.
2. How does childhood exposure to violence affect women later in life?
Women who witness or face violence in childhood are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties, and are at higher risk of becoming victims of domestic violence later.
3. Can therapy help women who face domestic violence?
Yes. Counseling, peer support groups, and trauma-informed therapy can reduce stress, build resilience, and improve confidence, helping survivors heal emotionally and regain control of their lives.
4. What legal rights do women have against domestic violence in India?
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, allows women to seek protection orders, residence rights, monetary relief, free legal aid, safe shelter, and access to medical care.
5. How can families and communities support survivors of domestic violence?
Families and communities can support survivors by listening, believing their experiences, offering emotional care, helping them access services, and challenging cultural norms that excuse or normalize abuse.
