Ranchi: Nearly one in four women aged 18 to 49 in Jharkhand experiences spousal violence, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6. The state average stands at 27%, surpassing the national figure of 22.3%. However, this marks a marginal decline from 31.4% reported in NFHS-5. Nationally, spousal violence also decreased from 29.2% in the previous survey.
Rural Women More Vulnerable
The survey highlights a significant urban-rural divide: 29.2% of rural women in Jharkhand reported domestic violence, compared to 18.2% in urban areas. Among neighboring states, only Bihar recorded higher violence at 36.1%, while Chhattisgarh (16.1%), Odisha (18.9%), and West Bengal (19%) fared better than the national average.
Expert Insights on Rising Cases
Ajay Kumar Jaiswal, founder of the Asha Kiran Foundation, noted that women in Jharkhand are becoming more self-reliant and economically independent than a decade ago. “Independent women speak out about their priorities, likes, and dislikes. But partners and in-laws often resist this change, leading to increased domestic violence,” he said. He added that despite shouldering household responsibilities, women face violence from partners. However, greater awareness of laws has encouraged more women to report such incidents.
Government Initiatives Show Results
Social Welfare Department Director Kiran Kumari Pasi emphasized the declining trend in domestic violence in the state. “Jharkhand has historically faced crimes against women like child marriage and witch-hunting. The recent NFHS report shows a decline in domestic violence, thanks to government schemes reaching remote areas,” she said. Initiatives such as women helplines, one-stop centers, and integrated Shakti Sadans have empowered women to report violence.
