Association Between Child Abuse and Domestic Violence in married women attending Primary Health Centers in rural South India

12/09/2026

AI Summary

High prevalence of current domestic violence among participants (61.3%), with emotional abuse most common (59.3%), followed by physical abuse (26%).
Childhood abuse and neglect were highly prevalent, reported by 94.0% of women attending rural primary health centres.
Witnessing childhood physical or emotional abuse increased odds of adult victimisation and both childhood and current abuse associated with greater depression and anxiety.

Child Youth Serv Rev. 2026 Nov;190:109257. doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.109257. Epub 2026 Aug 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Child abuse and domestic violence are widespread and major public health problems in India.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between childhood abuse and neglect and current domestic violence among married women in rural south India.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Married women (n=150) attending primary health centers in rural Karnataka, India.

METHODS: Cross- sectional survey using self-report instruments.

RESULTS: Most of the participants reported current domestic violence (n=92, 61.3%) with emotional abuse being the most common (n=89, 59.3%) followed by physical abuse (n=39, 26%). Most of the participants reported childhood abuse and neglect (n=141, 94.0%). Logistic regression analysis showed that women witnessing another household member being physically abused during childhood had higher odds of experiencing current physical abuse compared to women who did not report witnessing this (OR= 2.87, 95% CI: 1.09, 7.59). Logistic regression showed that witnessing physical (OR=3.96, CI:1.78,8.78) or emotional abuse (OR=2.80, CI:1.21,6.47) during childhood and experiencing current victimization (OR=5.39, CI:1.95,14.85) were associated with greater risk for depressive symptoms. Similar results were found for participants currently reporting at least mild anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS: Childhood abuse was significantly associated with adult domestic violence. Both were associated with greater risk for depression and anxiety. The association between witnessing childhood abuse and increased risk for adult vulnerabilities need to be confirmed in future longitudinal studies. Early interventions directed at reducing domestic violence may impact not only the adult victims but could also reduce the likelihood of daughters to be abused as adults.

PMID:42725101 | PMC:PMC13560754 | DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.109257

Document this CPD