This research paper evaluates the prevalence of lifetime
and current physical wife abuse; and its association with
resources, dependence of women on marriage, family
characteristics and household decision making. A cross-sectional
survey is conducted among 151 currently married women of
reproductive age residing in 2 villages of MirpurKhas, Sindh,
Pakistan. Household financial resources are negatively
associated with physical wife abuse. Socio-economic
dependence of women on marriage increases the chances of
experiencing physical wife abuse. Higher the household decision
making in the hands of respondent or respondent and husband
jointly; the lower the risk of physical wife abuse. The
respondent’s isolated from natal kin and residing with in-laws
are more likely to experience physical wife abuse. Results
indicate that the dependence on marriage is a risk factor, while
the respondents who never attempt to leave violent husband even
temporarily and household ownership are protective factor
against physical wife abuse.
