NARI develops test to measure violence against women

The nine-month study collated extensive data by researchers interacting with the police commissioner,women’s groups,women who were victims of domestic violence and others to eventually come out with a test that is specifically tailored to meet the Indian requirements. “By and large Western standards are adopted for measuring domestic violence. In our study we conducted exhaustive interviews apart from a survey of 630 married women in Pune that eventually helped us develop a test,which rated high on the Cronbach’s alpha scale – (the scale estimates the reliability of a psychometric test). It is not just the spouse alone who is responsible for abusing his partner. There are multiple perpetrators,” Sahay said. She said there is a need to expand the definition of domestic violence to include women in live-in relations or same sex relations. Domestic violence,according to NARI scientists,has been identified in four areas,psychological,physical,sexual and control/isolation.

Physical forms of domestic violence is mainly trying to poison the victim,use cigarette butts or rolling pins as a means of torture. Pyschological form of domestic violence is often sending the woman to her maternal home against her will,meting out harassment if she has had two or more girls and others. Sexual violence is trying to replicate sexual acts by watching pornographic videos.

“We have come across various forms of isolation of the women by controlling her. For instance,not allowing her to spend her own money despite being placed in a good job. She is not able to send money or presents for her brother or sister’s children. The woman has to work only during office time and cannot socialise with friends or colleagues while the in-laws control the way she dresses to work,” While the data of the survey in 630 women has yet to be analysed,NARI scientists said the average age of the women in the study was 35 years and married for 15 years. Sahay was assisted by researchers and Emory University student Ameet Kalokhe in the study.