Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Women in Kashmir: Partner Violence and Reproductive Health

Abstract

The frequency and effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on reproductive health in Kashmir among rural and urban women are investigated in this paper, together with evaluations of their knowledge, awareness, and practices (KAP). Six hundred women from three districts—Anantnag, Srinagar, and Baramulla who suffered with IPV, reproductive health issues, and their KAP was surveyed. The results show that, in rural women as opposed to urban women, where psychological violence is more widespread, IPV prevalence is higher. With rising STIs, reproductive pain, and medical consultations, results suggest that IPV has significant effects on reproductive health. Comparatively to rural women, urban women show better knowledge, awareness, and more proactive behaviours connected to reproductive health. Particularly in remote regions, the results suggest the need for context-specific treatments, including healthcare services that would integrate IPV screening and reproductive health support. Policies aiming at IPV prevention combined with community education initiatives aiming at raising KAP in rural settings could help reduce the health effects of IPV and promote reproductive health equity. The long-term and cumulative consequences of IPV on health must be investigated in future studies, including a conservative test of the literature on such socio-cultural settings.