Suffering in silence: consequences of sexual violence within marriage among young women in Nepal
2011

Consequences of Sexual Violence in Marriage Among Young Women in Nepal

Sample size: 39 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mahesh Puri, Jyotsna Tamang, Iqbal Shah

Primary Institution: Centre for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA)

Hypothesis

What are the definitions, consequences, and coping mechanisms related to sexual violence within marriage as reported by young married women in Nepal?

Conclusion

Sexual violence within marriage is common in Nepal, with significant negative health consequences for women.

Supporting Evidence

  • 74% of women reported experiencing sexual violence within marriage.
  • 62% described forced sex during illness or after alcohol consumption.
  • Women reported negative health consequences including backache and thoughts of suicide.

Takeaway

Many young women in Nepal face sexual violence from their husbands, and they often feel alone and unable to seek help.

Methodology

Qualitative study using free-listing and in-depth case histories among young married women aged 15-24.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to social stigma affecting reporting of sensitive experiences.

Limitations

Underreporting of sexual violence due to stigma, exploratory nature of the study, and cross-sectional data limit causal inferences.

Participant Demographics

Young married women aged 15-24, primarily from Brahmin/Chhetri and Tharu ethnic groups.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-29

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