Perceptions of Emotional Abuse with Respect to Depression, Anxiety and Low Self-Esteem among Pakistani Women from Low Income Families

Abstract

In this paper, the implications related to emotional

Intimate partner violence against women in Pakistan: a review of qualitative research

“…The perspectives and problems faced by young married women were discussed by 13(52%) articles. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Most of the women face serious restriction, are denied basic rights 18 and kept in strict pardah (seclusion). 14 They are given limited autonomy and provided with limited societal support.…”

“…They are also not allowed to continue/finish their education, often their activities only being confined to household chores and taking care of the family. 13 Most women are forced to work in menial low-paid jobs as husband is either unemployed or does not earn enough. 20 To exacerbate it, they are not given control over their incomes which coupled with increased responsibilities of domestic chores and providing for the family causes strain in their marital life.…”

“…14 Most women believe that obeying their husband, even if he is abusive, is the way to please God, hence fulfilling all their demands whether sexual or otherwise. 13 She is also supposed to keep her husband happy 10,13 and not trigger him to violent acts of abuse. 10 Often husband's need for sex at inappropriate times leads to forced sex and physical violence.…”

“…12 Most women also believe that men are superior and should be treated as such, thus giving men the right to be abusive. 13 Women are also expected to stay silent during a fight or any kind of abuse. They are also not allowed to make their own decisions whether it is to go shopping or to get a job.…”

“…If a woman is earning, she is forced to hand over all her pay to her husband while the husband reserves the right to ridicule and humiliate her at all times. 13 Using abusive language to address and threaten them is also very common. 18 One article discussed the problems faced by Pakistani immigrant families in Germany which induced stress and isolation due to change in culture leading to spousal abuse.…”