Domestic violence in Northeast on downswing, says NFHS-5; experts doubt figures -Utpal Parashar

-Hindustan Times

Women activists and experts from the region say that though the figures show a decline, they might not reflect the reality of the problem on the ground. The only exception was Assam where the figure increased from 24.5% in NFHS-4 to 32% in NFHS-5.

Guwahati: Domestic violence faced by women seems to be declining in most parts of northeast India, except Assam, if figures of the recently released National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) are any indication.

The data for the latest survey collected in 2019-20 in seven states of the region from women aged between 18 and 49 years who were ever married, show that since 2015-16 (when NFHS-4 was conducted) six states witnessed a decline in domestic violence.

But women activists and experts from the region say that though the figures show a decline, they might not reflect the reality of the problem on the ground. The only exception was Assam where the figure increased from 24.5% in NFHS-4 to 32% in NFHS-5.

“The figures for Assam seem correct as it’s unlikely that an abuser will change his behavioural pattern within a short span of few years between two surveys. In fact, the true figures for the state could be even higher than what’s recorded in NFHS-5,” said Polly Vauquline, professor at Gauhati University’s women studies department.

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