Women's perceptions and experiences of domestic violence in Punjab, Pakistan

This study reflects on Christian and Muslim women’s perceptions and experiences of domestic violence residing in the urban and rural areas of Punjab, Pakistan. It addresses a significant gap in the literature by concentrating on the intersecting identities of women. Previous research in the context of Pakistan has a focus on intimate partner violence and there is paucity of evidence investigating the active role of in-laws in violence instigation and perpetration. Thus, it compares the socio-cultural conditions of the Christian and Muslim women to understand the complex trajectories of family relations and the phenomenon of domestic violence. The research was carried out in two districts of Punjab i.e., Lahore and Nankana Sahib to collect data from women of the urban and rural localities. A total of 54 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted on the basis of religion, place of residence, age, and education of women along with the interview of a male Christian clergy. The findings illustrate that the socio-cultural norms of the society strengthen traditional gender ideology where women are symbol of honour that need protection whereas men are heads of households through their role as economic providers, they carry family lineage and have inalienable right to divorce. Domestic violence occurs due to its private nature and a widespread culture that normalise abuse of a husband and the affinal family. The findings demonstrate that the intersecting identities of women have implications, Christian women were carrying additional burden due to their minority status alongside unamended laws that increase their exploitation. Women of the rural locality had restricted circumstances that resulted in severe consequences of domestic violence. The patriarchal structure and ideology cannot be dismantled due to structural inequalities and the passive role of the state. Domestic violence would continue to occur unless any changes in the family residential patterns, amendments in existing laws, welfare assistance to women, and a change of mindset through education and socialisation.