A large proportion of women in the Maldives are subjected to domestic violence

Abstract

This study aims to understand the prevalence and factors of domestic violence against women in the Maldives. It also addresses an exploration of the changes and confidence levels of women overcoming abuse after the implementation of the legislation on domestic violence that was enacted recently. This study is carried out as a quantitative study due to the sensitive nature and also because of the scope of the project. The sample is taken from 6 islands of Laamu Atoll and consists of 107 randomly selected women aged 15-49 who are married or were previously married. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The participants were given the choice to complete the questionnaire on their own, or by the researcher completing the questionnaire based on the answers given by the participants. According to the research 45.8% of women had suffered some kind of violence from their partners including physical, sexual and emotional violence. The most common factors leading to violence were recorded as financial problems, family stress and lower educational levels. A high percentage of 88.5% of their children are been affected by these violent acts. Most of the women faced with violence did not seek any help. Moreover 60% of the women do not know that a legislation related to intimate partner violence has been implemented, even though 51% of them think that a law could help them in overcoming violence. Overall, a high prevalence rate of domestic violence is recorded. As domestic violence causes severe injuries to the victims and also affects their children, the consequences are considerable and costly. Therefore it’s very important to combat intimate partner violence. The measure useful to combat intimate partner violence as understood through the study is the low percentage of victims who reports the cases and a high percentage of women preferring to live with the abusers. The results indicate that these women need education and empowerment. Furthermore compared to the percentage of emotionally abused victims, very few women seek help or get counseling. This means that they need better treatment and preventive programs.