The WHO studied on "Prevalence and Health Effects of Intimate Partner Violence and Non-partner Sexual Violence" documented widespread nature of intimate partner violence, with almost 30 percent of women experiencing physical and/or sexual violence. Further, the regional estimate showed a high prevalence of intimate partner violence among low - and middle - income regions ranging from 25 to 37 percent compared to 23 percent in high-income regions (WHO, 2013). While both men and women may commit violence in a marital relationship, women seem to be the frequently targeted victim as if the marriage license is a hitting license (Straus 1979). A study conducted in Cambodia estimated that nearly 25 percent of women consistently experienced all forms of abuse – physical, psychological and sexual – at the hands of their spouse (Yount and Carrera, 2006). In urban Thailand, 20 percent of the respondent husbands reported that they had abused their wives (Hofman, Demo, and Edwards, 1994). Domestic violence, therefore, is a complex and a persistent spousal violence problem per …show more content…
The BMIS is a nationally representative household sample survey mainly focused on the socioeconomic, demographic and health status of women and children. The response rate was 96 percent. The sample and the other aspects of the methods are described in more detail in Bhutan Multiple Indicator Survey (2010).
As a part of women’s social status evaluation, the BMIS included questions on domestic violence. There were 12 questions covering psychological, physical, and sexual violence, and including women’s attitudes toward domestic violence. Interviews were conducted face-to-face by specially trained female interviewers and maintained complete privacy while interviewing.
The BMIS interviewed 14,018 women aged 15-49 years old. However, the interview involved two stages. First, all women aged 15-49 years, irrespective of marital status, were asked questions about attitudes toward domestic violence. Second, the interview was restricted to married or cohabiting, or formerly married or formerly cohabiting respondents aged 15-49 years; and the sample consisted of 11,093 women. Among the 11,093 women sample, 23 samples were excluded due to missing information. Thus, this study analyzes the response of 11,070 women who were married or cohabiting, or formerly married or formerly lived with a man. The data collected