Socio-Psychological Correlates of Domestic Violence: A Multi Case-Study

Abstract

The study aims at examining socio-psychological correlates of Domestic violence. The investigator collected a list of total 90 cases from Police Stations and a lawyer of Ludhiana. The purposive sampling technique was followed. Out of these 90 cases, 25 cases were randomly selected, the study, on whom was conducted. For the qualitative analysis of data, case study method was applied to find out the sociopsychological correlates of domestic violence, the case histories were prepared on the basis of information provided by the victim of domestic violence, family members of the victim and their neighbours. Using Interview technique, for collecting information, the investigator personally visited the women who had faced domestic violence. An information sheet was prepared to get desired information from the victims. The data reveals the fact, that the seven victims of violence's had higher educational qualification. Out of twenty five cases, nine cases of violence relates to dowry offence, eight belong to incompatibility, three of extramarital relationship and other found to be of drug, infertility and their combination, drug and dowry or infertility and dowry. In some cases it was recorded that giving a birth to a female child also became the cause of domestic violence and its appearance becomes sharper when two or three daughters enter their house. Recorded data also shows that the rate of conviction at the trial court level is very low. Only educated and well qualified victims approached to the court for the solution. Eight cases of domestic violence sought the help of court and the judgments were delivered as divorces. The conviction rate was low, and in one case of infertility, poison was given to victim and she died but the parents did not file the case.