Domestic violence Against Dalit
Women in Mahottari District
A Research Report
Submitted to SIRF/SNV Nepal
By Reena Ghimire
September 2008
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This research has been undertaken to help understand the Domestic Violence against Dalit
Women in Mahottari District. The objective of this study was to examine Domestic Violence
against women and girls in Dalit communities both of Teri and Hill origin & to examine specific
types of violence against women and girls for specific age groups from 8 and above 50.
This research is exploratory and explanatory type of research. It aims to examine domestic
violence against Dalit women in terrain regions. It will also find out attitude of male dominant
towards female and problem of Dalit women, which they tackle, from their family members and
society for being Dalit and women. Two VDCs and one Municipality of Mahottari district will
be selected for the proposed research. First, the situation analysis will be attempted using the
available secondary macro and micro information. This exercise will detail the macro
environment in which Dalit women are living and struggling. Second necessary field information
will be gathered and analyzed to evolve a comprehensive understanding problem and prospects
of discrimination and violence faced by women in the caste system in Nepal.
According to the Domestic Violence against Dalit women survey 97 percent women claimed
their husband show violent behavior after taking alcohol. Verbal assault, beating, slapping &
even marital rape was also found. After violent behavior 54 percent claimed that they need
medical treatment after violent. 90 percent claimed that small injure take place and they take
medicine at home due to shame and fear of male partner. Due to beating it effect negatively in
their health but due to fear of Family male partner, Shame & society 98 percent told that they
have done nothing against this violence. Even second marriage and polygamy is the main reason
of dispute.
This shows that due to fear of family male partner, society & shame women were suffering from
such violent and if someone ready report to police they claimed that they didn't get support from
police and due to structure of our society and dependency of women to their male partner were
the main reason to tolerate such violence easily. In the violence problem, when someone goes to
report police, then Police arrested the person and put them in custody. Police put only for some
days and after leaving that person from the custody same thing happens again. Likewise Local
NGOs and Leaders suggest not repeating such behavior but it happens in the village
Due to dependency to their husband and lack of employment & education women sufferer
violent from their husband.
Even 89 percent claimed their husband family member show violent behaviour against them.
Most of the respondent of the family dispute with their mother in law & sister in law & with
father in law too. The reason of the dispute was Allocation of excessive workload & for property
& for children too. Degrading words and mental disturbance has been found to be used highly
when dispute occurs
In the study of unmarried respondents, the survey showed that respondent hide her physical
violence problem due to the fear from the society and shame. On the other side, one respondent
became victims of Sexual harassment in the work place.
In widow women, out of 11 respondents, 10(91%) respondents were facing the Verbal assault
type of dispute/quarreling with their family. And one of the problem in widow case is nobody
responded how often the dispute happened. Also, after the violent activities, nobody was neither
reported to the police nor Local NGOs, Local Leaders.
In the study of divorce respondents, all (3) respondents were facing the dispute with their
husband and family member. The major violence was of both verbal and physical type. The issue
of violence between respondents and husband was due to the Dalit caste of respondents. In
another case, respondents divorced from his husband due to the unbalance of age.
Based on the study findings, it is recommended that prevention and early detection of domestic
violence can reduce women inferiority and morbidity of women being Dalit.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Many people have contributed in a variety of ways in the preparation of this research. So I would
like to thank them all who assisted me during the various stages of this research work.
First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to Social Inclusion Research Fund (SIRF), SNV/
Nepal for financial support in undertaking this study. My appreciation goes to Ms. Sita Rana
Magar of SIRF Secretariat, SNV Nepal for her support and guidance.
My special appreciation goes to my research advisor, Ms Seira Tamang for her Valuable
suggestions, co-operation, and support without her guidance; the research would not have been
possible.
My appreciation goes to Mr. Bharat Babu Tekhatri and Mr. Govinda Lagun for his valuable and
expert inputs.
I would like to thank Ms. Nitu Bishwakarma and Ms. Sabita Ghimire for their help and support
during the fieldwork.
Most importantly, my sincere gratitude to all the survivors who consented to reopen there
wounds and shares openly their pain and anguish. The study would not have been possible
without their contributions.
I would like to thanks are due to all those who were always in my side with best wishes for
finalizing this research successfully. I'd also like to welcome any comments and suggestion,
which will be the special guideline to me for further research, work in future.
At last but not least, I would like to express special thanks to all my family members for their
continuous support and invaluable inspiration, And especially thanks to my mum and my
brothers.
Reena Ghimire
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENT

ACRONYMS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF PIECHART

LIST OF DIAGRAM
Page No.
CHAPTER I
1.1 Background of the Study
1
1.2 Statement of Problem and Hypothesis
10
1.3 Justification of the Study
13
1.4 Relevance to the Society
15
1.5 Objectives
16
1.6 Conceptual Framework
17
1.7 Limitations of the Study
17
1.8 Organization of the Study
18
CHAPTER II
Literature Review
2.1 Perception on Domestic Violence
19
2.2 Global Overview of Domestic Violence
21
2.3 Domestic Violence in Nepal
24
2.4 Domestic Violence Bill
27
2.5 Recommendation to the Government of Nepal
30
CHAPTER III
Methodology
3.1 Selection of study area
32
3.2 Target Group
33
3.3 Type of Research
33
3.4 Sample Design
33
3.5 Process
35
3.6 Techniques of Data Collection
35
3.7 Data analysis and Interpretation
36
3.8 Documentation
36
CHAPTER IV
Data Analysis and Interpretation
4.1 Personal Identification of the respondents
39
4.2 Violence related to family
47
4.3 Violence related to Husband
55
4.4 Violence related to Unmarried
62
4.5 Violence related to Widow
63
4.6 Violence related to Divorced
64
CHAPTER V
5.1 Findings
65
5.2 Conclusions
71
5.3 Recommendations
73
REFERENCES
75
ANNEX – 1
78
Table used for Data analysis.
ANNEX –2
Questionnaire for Data Collection
ANNEX-3 (Photo of Different Place during Research)
88
ACRONYMS
AIDS- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
HIV- Human Immuno Deficiency Virus
INGO- International Non Government Organization
NGO- Non Government Organization
SEAR- South East Asian Region
UNICEF- United Nations Children's Fund
UNIFEM-United Nations Development Fund for Women
DVAW and G- Domestic Violence against Women and Girls
VAWand G- Violence against Women and Girls
WOREC-Women Rehabilitation Center
WHO- World Health Organization
VDC- Village Development Committee
CEI- Composite Empowerment and Inclusion Index
LACC- Legal Aid & Consultancy Center
FWLD- Forum for Women, Law and Development.
FEDO- Feminist Dalit Organization
NNDSWO- Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization
List of Tables
Topic
Page No.
1. Distribution of Sample respondents within Dalit caste
38
2. Age of Respondent
39
3. Status of marriage registration
40
4. Landownership
40
5. Age at Marriage
41
6. Number of Children birth
42
7. Family Status of respondents
42
8. Type of Occupation of Husband
43
9. Type of Occupation Wife
43
10. Education Level of Spouse
44
11. Education Level of Unmarried
45
12. Economic Status of Unmarried
45
13. Occupation of Unmarried
46
14. Dispute with Family member
47
15. Type of Dispute/Quarrel
48
16. Reason of dispute
49
17. Type of Physical violent behaviour
51
18. Need Treatment after violent acts
52
19. If nothing why?
54
20. Husband ever show violent behaviour
55
21. when does husband get violent against wife
57
22. how often husband show violent behaviour
58
23. Need medical treatment
58
24. Beat while pregnant
59
25. Done after violent
60
26. Dispute with any of the family members
62
27. Type of Oral violent
62
28. Need treatment after violent
63
29. Dispute with family members
63
30. How does the person show violent behaviour
64
List of Pie Chart
1. VDC wise distribution of sample respondents
38
2. Marital status of the sample respondents
39
3. Marriage age of respondents
41
4. Dispute with any of the family members other than husband
47
5. Type of Oral violent behaviour
50
7. How often such dispute/Quarreling take place
51
9. Need treatment after violent act
52
10. If yes, what kind of treatment
53
11. Done after violent acts
53
12. Husband show violent behaviour against wife.
55
13. If yes, what kind of violent behaviour
56
14. When does husband get violent against wife.
57
15. If yes, what kind of treatment
59.
List of Diagram
1. Distribution of Sample respondents within Dalit caste
37
2. Reason of dispute/Quarreling
49
3.
60
If Nothing why?
4. Kind of support is needed for the victims of violence
61
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The total population of Nepal is 2,31,51,423 out of which 1,15,87,502 are women constituting
50.05 percent of the population. (Census 2003) According to the census held in 2001, the total
Dalit population is 29,62,591(13.05%); of which the whole female population is 1,496,622 and
the male population is 14,65,969. However, women face discrimination on the basis of sex and
gender in various walks of life. The overall literacy rate of women is only 42.5 percent this is
grossly low than that of men, which is 65.1 percent. A study on women’s status in Nepal reveals
their secondary status and resulting oppression because of dominant Hindu religion and
prevailing social and cultural norms in the country.
Dalits1 are being back warded from socio-cultural, political and economic aspects because of
prevalence of the age-old traditional practices, poverty and deprivation. In a number of places,
this segment of the population could not get social respect in practical sense due to the existence
of caste-based system (though termed illegal) and inhuman behavior because of ineffective
enforcement of the Acts, which has made the caste system punishable (NPC, 2002). It is fact that
Dalits women are tackling lot of violence and discrimination being Dalit and women. Most
cultures of the world are patriarchal. In the socialization process while women are taught to be
non-aggressive, submissive, soft spoken, tolerant and timid, men are taught aggressive, violence,
boldness and to be put in control. Eastern cultures especially, put high value on the feminine
virtues of women, thus reinforcing myths of women ‘helplessness’. All these socio-cultural
values hold true in the context of Nepal. Women are socialized to put very low value on their
status and worth. A woman’s identity is always dependent on that of a man’s-her roles are
primarily identified in terms of whose daughter (her father’s), whose wife (her husband’s), and
whose mother (her son’s) in the society. Thus women are seen as having to be under the
The term ‘Dalit’, is understood as untouchable or Achhoot or the term connotes in the sense of Old Legal code of 1854, “Pani nachalne chhoi chhito
halnu parne jat” (caste from whom water is not accepted and whose touch requires sprinkling of holy water).
1
‘protection’ of a man is regarded with suspicion and doubt. The high value on being ‘protected’
and on virginity and purity conditions women from retaliating against violence or tolerating it
quietly.
There are sharp difference in the empowerment and inclusion levels of women from different
caste and ethnic groups. Terai middle caste and BCN (Brahman, Chhetri, Newar) women have
the highest CEI (Composite Empowerment and Inclusion Index) level, followed by jangati
women, which have less than the national average CEI level. Dalit women have the lowest CEI
level. The disparities between ethnic groups, castes and men and women in these indicators of
poverty and governance prove that they pay a 'penalty' because of their identity.
According to Kamala Hemchuri (1999:10), although all Dalits are equally humiliated and
victimized by the "high castes" through the practice of untouchability, it is the women who suffer
most. She mentions that Dalit women either have to wait for a long time to fetch water or are
often beaten while fetching water from the public sources.
The practice of untouchability is very severe in Madhes and the Hills of Mid-Western and FarWestern Development Regions. It is relatively less severe in urban areas.
Domestic Violence Against women and Girls (DVAW & G) has continued throughout history
unreported and unchallenged. At the end of the 20th century, sisterhood of womankind have
found a common cause and a common voice to protest against the over 2000 years of their
violence and victimization. A lot of process had been made on a global level in the past few
years. The International Conference on Human Rights in 1993 was a milestone in highlighting
women's human rights and the issue of VAW in the international arena.
The Fourth World Conference on Women organized in Beijing in September 1995 identified
'Violence against women ' among its 12 critical areas of concern. The high priority given to this
issue by the women of the world is reflected by the fact that it is included in the platform for
Action and governments have expressed commitment for implementation in their respective
countries.
In Nepal to cut across women and girls of all class, caste, age and ethnicity with 95% of
respondents attesting first hand knowledge of VAW & G incidents. In 77% of the cases the
perpetrators were reported to the members of the family. Most VAW and G incidents were
reported as occurring in the night. In the case of domestic violence, nearly 58% reported it as
being a daily occurrence. (SAATHI, 1997)
World Health organization (WHO) define violence the intention use of physical force or power,
threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, against a group or community, that either
results in or has a high lively-hood of resulting injury or death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation. Each year, more than million people lose their lives, and many more
suffer from injuries due to violence. Over all, violence is among the leading cause of death
worldwide for people aged 15– 44 years (World Report on Violence and Health, 2002).
Violence is a universal scourge that threatens the life, health and happiness of all human being.
This includes threats, coercion and the arbitrary deprivation of resources is violence against
women usually performed by a male partner (world Report, 2002).
Violence against women and girl (VAWG) is a global epidemic that kills tortures and Maims
– Physically, psychologically, sexually & economically. VAWG takes several forms. It also
includes domestic violence; women are not safe even in their own home. Every human being has
basic right to live in their home peacefully, but women’s basic right is isolated due to violence.
Therefore, VAWG is the most pervasive of human right violation.
Violence against women (VAW) has serious consequences on women's mental and physical
health, including their reproductive and sexual health. This includes depression, inquires,
unwanted pregnancy, gynecological problems, temporary or permanent disabilities, amongst
many others. It can also lead to death. WHO recognizes that more needs to be done in order to
understand and measure the magnitude and the nature of the problem and its health
consequences, as well as to identify effective strategies to prevent violence against women and to
provide care for those who experience violence.
In most of the traditional societies, wife beating is largely regarded as a consequence of a man's
right to inflict physical punishment on his wife. In many setting like ours women are expected to
look after their homes and children, show obedience and respect to their husband. If a man feels
that his wife has failed to play her role or overstepped her limits, for instance, asking for husband
expenses or stressing the need of their children then violence may be his response.
Various types of violence against women and girls (VAW&G) are prevalent in Nepal. This
includes domestic violence, polygamy, sexual harassment, rape and trafficking etc. Besides other
forms of violence against women domestic violence is one of the most prevalent form, which
transcends the boundaries of countries, class, caste, age, education, income, ethnicity and culture.
In general, domestic violence is an abuse -physical, mental, sexual or economical -that one
person in a family uses to control the other. In most of the cases domestic violence is committed
against women by their husbands or in-laws. Instead of protection, the family members subject
women to various abuses and even death that nullifies their enjoyment of human rights and
personal libertie
Due to economic inequality, many women have become victims of trafficking or compelled to
practice prostitution. Child marriage, unmatched marriage and bigamy are commonly practiced.
The lack of economic opportunities is a major factor that has exacerbated domestic violence
against women. Because of their financial dependency, women are forced to endure mental and
physical abuse. In every year 5000 to 7000 Nepali girls are trafficked to India and due to
trafficking there are currently over 2,00,000 Nepali girls working in the Indian sex industry.
Nepalese women are discriminated in economic, socio-cultural, political and legal spheres. Most
of the equal right agrees that legal discrimination is the main source of other discriminations.
Until 2000, no study was conducted to compile discriminatory laws against women. In 2000 for
the first time this study conducted to compile discriminatory laws against women and their
impacts on the lives of the women. In the year 2004, an update study has been conducted with a
view to compile the discriminatory laws, which still exist even after 11th Amendment to the
country code. Like the study in 2000, this study would help government officials, women's
activists, gender experts and other researchers to contribute in eliminating gender discrimination.
Identification of impacts of discriminatory laws on women and existing gaps in the government
and non-government activities would help for better lobbying to improve the status of women.
Dalit Communities in Nepal
In Nepal, the term Dalit is interpreted in various ways. According to some social scientists like
Biddya Nath Koirala, “Dalit refers to a group of people who are religiously, culturally, socially
and economically oppressed. It believes that Dalit is not a caste group but a politically coined
word used to refer to a socially backward community in Nepal Dalit or the untouchable
communities as a whole have the lowest status in the Hindu social hierarchical structure. Dalits
who constitute sizeable percent of the total population of Nepal are Hindus and are discriminated
against by the upper caste because of the deeply rooted beliefs fostered ironically over time by
the religion itself. Dalits across the country still stigmatized as untouchables. People belonging to
higher castes in many part of the country are still do not accept water and cooked food from
them. They are divided into three broad regional groups: (1) Hill Dalits (Kami, Damai, Sarki,
Gaine and Badi)
(2) Terai Dalits (Tatma, Mushar, Bantar, Dushad (Paswan), Dhobi Chamar, Chidimar, Dom
Halkhor) and (3) Newar Dalits (Jusule, Pode, Chyame and Halahulu).
The exact number of the Dalit population is not certain but it is estimated that they constitute
about 13% of the population, of which 61% live in the hills. There is no any agreement
concerning the exact number of Dalit castes making it difficult to estimate the exact population
of Dalits. The largest Dalit caste is kami (blacksmiths) with 38.10% of the Dalit population,
Damai 13.49%, Sarki 10.79%, Mushar 5.84%, Dusad 5.37% and Chamar 9% (Unequal Citizen,
2006). Dalit per Capita Income is Rs. 4,940, Adult literacy is 23.80%, Life expectancy is 50.8,
1.03% in Education Sector and 0 levels in High level officials. (Neupane 2000 and Gurung 2002)
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence against women is an entrenched problem in every region. It is the violence
that takes place in the home and within the family. There are different forms of domestic
violence, and studies differentiate between acts of physical aggression, psychological abuse and
various controlling behaviors.
According to the General Recommendation No. 19 of the CEDAW Committee, domestic
violence is one of the most insidious forms of violence against women. It is prevalent in all
societies. Within family relationships women of all ages are subjected to violence of all kinds,
including battering, rape, other forms of sexual assault, mental and other forms of violence,
which are perpetuated by traditional attitudes. Economic dependency and cultural value system
force many women to stay in violent relationships. The abrogation of their family responsibilities
by men can be a form of violence, and coercion. These forms of violence put women’s health at
risk and impair their ability to participate in family life and public life on the basis of equality.
Domestic violence is aggravated by social pressures i.e. shame in exposing certain abuses;
women’s lack of access to legal information; lack of effective laws, inadequate efforts by public
authorities to promote awareness and enforcing existing laws; and absence of educational and
other means to address the causes and consequences of violence. (Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women).
“Violence against women include any act, omission or conduct means of which physical, sexual
or mental suffering is inflicted directly or indirectly through deceit, education or threat,
harassment, coercion or any other means or any woman with the purpose or effect of
intimidation, punishing or humiliating her or of maintaing her in sex stereotype roles or of
denying her of human dignity, sexual self determination, physical, mental and moral integrity or
of undermining the security of her person, her self personality or of dimishing her physical or
mental capacities.” (SAATHI, 1997)
This definition challenged the persistent and wide spread tolerance of woman by trying to outlaw
abroad range of practice to which many women are subjected but which few are equipped to
challenge.
Domestic violence is alarming on the increase because unlike other forms of VAW, this case is
attached with the prestige of the home and the family and hence many a times it is tolerated.
Domestic violence is thus left unreported and even in rare cases of it’s reporting, there is failure
to protect victims or punish perpetrators. (Ahuja Rawat, 1998)
Domestic violence is a widespread but unreported problem in Nepal. Data on the issue is hard to
come by, as there are very few studies on the subject. Records of the Central Women Police Cell
register 3,505 cases on domestic violence between 1998 and 2004; women’s organizations,
however, maintain that a majority of cases remain unrecorded as women remain vulnerable and
largely
dependent
on
men.
Research in 2000 by a non-government organization SAATHI revealed 66 per cent of the women
in the country endure verbal abuse, 33 per cent emotional abuse, and 77 per cent of the
perpetrators of violence to be family members. Fifty eight percent of women who suffered
domestic violence confirmed daily abuse. A UNICEF (2001) study confirms these findings.
The Nepal Human Development Report 2004 reinforces domestic violence to be a grave and
undressed problem. But the government is still to enact a law to prohibit domestic violence and
develop comprehensive legal and administrative measures to support women who have been
abused in their own homes. Most perpetrators of domestic violence escape persecution under the
Nepali criminal justice system. Though the National Human Rights Commission works actively
on the issue, other human rights concerns in this war-torn country take precedence.
After the political change in 2006, the situation of women has certainly changed but the fact is
that Dalit women lies on the ground of caste based discrimination and untouchability. Dalit
women have been facing lot of violence from various area, they have to face violence in home,
in public places and even at work in different occasions. (Padmalal Bishwakarma, "Violence
against Dalit women in Nepal")
However, there is no any proper legal provision as to protecting their basic human rights. Mainly
in terai region Dalit women are being victimized in the accusation of Boxi (witchcraft), dowry
system and beaten by their husband when they use alcohol. There is lot of cases against women
violence in LACC (Legal Aid & Consultancy Center), According to their application report from
Jan 1999 to 2006 no of cases are as follows: Total client’s No.
825
Cases registered in the court 1312
Decision
932
Running Cases
380
From 31 July 2006 to 31 Dec2006
Court Registered
529
Case Decision
551
Running Case
171
In court
380
Every year from 10,000 to 15000 women and grills are trafficking to India for prostitution.
In Which 90% are trafficking to India and 10% in another country. 70,000 thousand women and
girls are doing prostitution in Nepal and 30,000 women and girls are working in cabin restaurant
and hotel in Nepal. (Pandey Ajita, LACC)
More than 90% of our Dalit women living in the village earn their livelihood by working as
agricultural labors under the upper/class landlords. Their employers something rapes them. Some
women from Badi community have become involve in prostitution in the name of religious
tradition. Dalit women get fewer wages in comparison to their male counterpart. Generally, Dalit
women work as daily labor for transplanting seeding, threshing paddy/wheat or even as labor in
road or building construction. In the village of terai, chamar women accomplish maternity job.
The irony is that these women are permitted to enter the houses at the time of childbirth but as
soon as the job is over they are again reverted back to the untouchable status. They provide most
valuable service; they get nominal fees in the form of 5-10 kg of food grains. The Dalit women
fall high in trafficking percent. As a result of which they have to suffer a lot from dangerous
diseases like AIDS. (Nepal News .com/ Padmalal Bishwakarma).
To control all these violence, the tenth plan is focusing on Dalit empowerment agencies have
spent a big amount of money in the name of Dalit empowerment for decades. But the so-called
Dalit empowerment program seems to be mostly Katmandu based, activists-centered and is out
of the reach of grassroots levels.
To empower Dalit women there are some quota and reservation seats been set aside but still yet
it is not implemented and benefited to grassroots level. Even there is no any female participation
in political sphere from Dalit community.
1.2 Problems & Hypothesis
Problems:
Domestic violence is a universal problem. It is prevalent in all races, nationalities, races, social
classes, castes, religious groups, sexes and ages.
Nepal is a male dominated society. Man is the head of the family and decision maker of the
house. It is customary in the most ethnic groups in Nepal behave and act like that.
Female literacy rate is low. Only 42.5% females are literate compared to that of males, which is
65 %. However gender disparities remain- the male: female ratio of full time students is still only
57:43. Girl's enrolment has not attained parity even at the primary level (HDR, 2003). Even
though there were 66 literate women per 100 literate men in 2001, the number of women with
SLC (school leaving certificate) and higher degrees was only about 44 per 100 men (with same
qualification). In 1991 the number of women with B.A. degrees and higher degrees was less than
23 to 100 men. Most disadvantage are Dalit; they comprise only1.6 percent of those with SLC
and above only 0.8 percent with B.A degrees and above compared to 12 percent representation in
the age-cohort of 6 years and above. Dalit women are lag far behind education. (Unequal Citizen,
2005)
Dalit women are prohibited or denied of certain acts and practices, access to common property
resources, services and entry and participation in socio cultural sphere at private, common and
public places. Even they are discriminated in occupation, educational institution, enjoying
political rights, receiving government and donor supported programs. Dalit women get
overburdened as they belong to the lowest rank in the caste hierarchy and also being women.
Such practices are prevalent not only in the villages but also in towns, including the capital city
Katmandu
There is high fertilnatal rate i.e. 5.6/1000 live births. It could be due to early marriage because
the average age of marriage among females is 17. According to Saathi report 34% of males and
females get married before age of 15. (Saathi, 1998)
Women have to face the risk of pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal problems. Majority of people
live in village and therefore most women have to be under the care and treatment of sudenis
(traditional birth attendants) during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period.
Most women’s job is tedious household work and agricultural work. Only 6% women are
engaged in non-agricultural work while72% of women is engaged in agricultural and forestry
work. They don’t earn cash money, and therefore their work is considered economically nonproductive which isn’t fair. Most women have to depend economically on their husbands. This is
also one of the leading causes of domestic violence.
Female life expectancy of Nepalese at birth is 59.36 years whereas for males it is 58.63(2003
est.). It is because of a high maternal death rate and a woman vulnerable to communicable
diseases, which is due to low calorie and nutrient intake.
Thus poverty, illiteracy, lack of job opportunities, lack of family planning practices, lack of
women’s education and awareness and liberty are the leading causes of domestic violence. On
top of these problems men tend to entertain themselves with alcohol, drugs and gambling and
aggravate the problem of domestic violence such problems are prevalent in terai areas.
There is higher rate of child marriage vis-à-vis a high fertility rate among Dalit groups. This
results a high proportion of young population and worst form of child labor. Dalits have low
knowledge of family planning services and use of contraception. In addition there is high
morbidity and mortality in infants, children, and women among Dalits.
The formal, informal, vocational, technical and other kind of higher education is largely out of
reach to majority of Dalit population because of social discrimination and poverty. There are a
number of obstacles to Dalits girls for obtaining the basic education in their early age of life. The
amount of scholarships stipend is low and hasn't been able to reach to the needy groups.
Hypothesis:
To compare the different forms of violence suffered by Dalit women in hilly and terai origin
Dalit community following hypothesis and list of research questions has been proposed:
(1.) Whether sexual exploitation is prevent in the study area?
Null Hypothesis: Sexual exploitation like rape, polygamy, incest, child marriage, forced
pregnancy, multiple pregnancies; witchcraft etc is not widespread in Dalit communities.
Alternative Hypothesis: Sexual exploitation like rape, polygamy, incest, child marriage, forced
pregnancy, multiple pregnancies witchcraft etc are prevalent in Dalit communities.
(2.) What is the cause of domestic violence and sex based discrimination?
Null Hypothesis: Lack of education and awareness is not the cause of facing domestic violence
and sex based discrimination.
Alternative Hypothesis: Dalit women are facing domestic violence and sex based discrimination
because of lack of education and awareness.
(3.) Has law enforcement agencies considered Dalit women’s rights/concerns?
Null Hypothesis: Dalit women are often considered by the law enforcement agencies.
Alternative Hypothesis: Social affliction on Dalit women is often ignored by the law
enforcement agencies.
1.3 Justification of the Study
Domestic violence is home-based violence, which disproportionately affects women than
Men. This includes physical & psychological abuse, deprivation and marital rape. In the
Nepali context domestic violence stems from the assumption that once a man marriage a
Women he has absolute control over her. It is usually due to the right to domination of
Females. This is principally owing to the influence of the tradition idea of men “Men are
Senior to women" It has severe effect on human rights and dignity of women. It is the result of
unequal power relation between women & men (SAATHI, 1997).
In fact, the family should be the safest place for women in time of trouble. The family is a
Institution where one should get emotional support, comfort, care, food and shelter. Yet this
institution can be the unsafe place for women. It can be a battle zone, full of conflicts and strife.
Because it is perceived as a closed and private space, the home allows for atrocities to continue
undetected and sanctioned by the community. Domestic violence is one such atrocity.
Domestic violence is a problem, which is usually hidden from the public view. It is therefore an
issue which is largely unrecognized and unacknowledged in our country. The most important
thing is that they protect their beloved husband from having criminal records, which could
jeopardize his career and future livelihood.
Violence against women has gained increasing recognition as a human right issue, as a
Reproductive health issue, and as a developmental issue that affects not just women themselves
but society as whole. So it is necessary to provide recommendation that if the
Women do not report the incidence of domestic violence as a result it may become the most
unreported crime in society. It may be very wide spread and dangerous by leaving the spread of
domestic violence un-intervened; our society is condoning the culture of violence, which has
women and the country’s socio-economic well being as its hostage. So it is necessary to bring
out the matters, which always hide inside homes.
In the Nepali context, no one intervenes at the time of domestic disputes in the home due to our
cultural practices, one more backdrop of this pervasive culture where perpetrator of Domestic
violence receive legal, judicial and cultural impunity, a handful of individual Organization have
recognized the need for concrete effective means to address domestic Violence.
This study is designed to explore domestic violence against Dalit women in mahottari district.
The findings of this study may help to sensitize program designers to conduct further studies to
explain in more details for planning regarding legal protection for women especially Dalit
women.
1.4 Relevance to society
Examination of violence against Dalit women gives its exact status in each sphere. It will be
basis for bargaining and advocacy. Various improving and modernizing strategies can be
developed. It will develop sensitivity of FEDO, FWLD, LACC and Saathi the pioneer
organization working in field of violence against women to make awareness to nation and
women who are facing problem being lack of knowledge systems. It's finding will be useful to
various Dalit’ network to system planning for further advancement of such knowledge. It will be
bases for preventing victim of violence.
Domestic violence could be eliminated and prevented, if research is conduced to address such
issues. Policy makers, social workers, human right activists, police as well as all people who are
concerned about violence against women can utilize findings of this study. So findings of the
study not only help to prevent and control the domestic violence but also useful to uplift the
social status of women at large.
1.5 Goal
The overall Goal of this study is to examine domestic violence against women of
Dalit
communities in Mahottari district.
Main Objective
The main objective is as follows: 
To examine Violence against women and girls in Dalit communities both of Terai and
Hill origin.

To examine specific types of violence against women and girls for specific age groups 8
and above. In terai girls are married at age 8-12 thatshwhy I cover it.

To examine possible solution of the problem and develop indicators for the proper
monitoring violence against women and girls.
1.6 Conceptual Framework:
Dalit are living in complex web of society especially societal stratification (caste hierarchy),
various assets, and societal norms (norms, values, pattern of interaction, relationship, status etc).
Though Dalit women have been marginalized in each sphere. The measures of their
marginalization are their placement at bottom of caste hierarchy, lower level of education, lower
socioeconomic status, and various forms of inhumane behavior and exploitation ignoring
minimal standard of human rights etc. There are no specific laws that define violence against
women and girl in Nepal as a special form of violence. Current Nepalese law does not provide
for a specific act to book perpetrators of VAW & G or create support systems for women victims
of violence. However there are special acts regarding rape, incest, intent to rape, bestiality,
general assault, trafficking of women for prostitution provided within the new National Civil
Code. But some form of VAW&G such as domestic violence has not been specifically addressed
by any law. Therefore, victims of domestic violence seeking redress can only approach justice
through existing provisions. It becomes necessary to accept these provisions for certain acts and
the penalties prescribed as being preventive and controlling mechanisms being used by the law.
It helps Dalit women to get their rights against violence.
1.7 Limitation and scope of study
This study has been proposed to cover all (socio cultural, economic and political) aspects in
relation to domestic violence against women of Dalit' Communities. Having been proposed only
for six months, it will only focus Mahottari district. This study will not cover other region and
district due to time and financial constraints. However, it's finding will contribute to unleash
/show their hidden Violence. But, it cannot be generalized
national wide due to smaller
geographical coverage. It will be room for further empirical large research in large scale.
1.8 Organization of the Study
This study divided into five Chapters. The first chapter deals with the background of the
Study, problem statement, justification of the study, objective of the study, study limitations,
conceptual framework and organization of the study.
The second chapter focuses on review of related literature to domestic violence against
Dalit
women, especially global epidemic of the domestic violence, prevalence in Nepal.
The third chapter deals with the methodological part. Methodological part includes the study
design, population and sampling, tools and techniques, data collection procedure and methods of
analysis.
The fourth chapter deals with the discussion of the findings. The main focus of the study is to
explore domestic violence against Dalit women.
The final chapter presents summary, conclusions and recommendations. The summary
Includes a brief description about the objective, methodology; data processing
Etc. Conclusions are focused on the briefing of the overall study findings. Recommendations are
especially focused on the suggestions on the basis of the findings to reduce the violence in the
society
CHAPTER-II: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Perception on Domestic Violence
Domestic violence against women is a more insidious threat than any other form of violence.
Nobody wants to be faced with violence in their home or by their family. In all societies, to a
greater or lesser degree, women and girls are subjected to physical, sexual, and psychological
abuse that cuts across line of income, class and culture. Violence against women is proving to be
an effective weapon in the hands of men through which they can exploit women and establish
their supremacy. In recent years, violence against women is emerging as a grave social problem
particularly in the Asian Region. The problem is neither new nor unique to this region.
The problem receives little social recognition and legal redress because patriarchal values,
traditions, norms, and even laws discriminate against women. Women are subjected to physical,
sexual, mental abuses and tortures in all social structures in all countries. A few actions to
combat violence are recently taken up by the national governments and NGOs of this region.
Whereas many of these actions have not proved to be effective, there is a need for effective
action, legislation, and support services to address VAW in the region. The situation in Nepal is
not an exception.
A few studies on VAW in Nepal in recent years have raised public awareness on the matter. A
community survey conducted by a women's advocate group, SAATHI, (1997) showed that 88%
of the households reported domestic violence as at least occasional incidents. Physical beating is
reported to be the most common form of violence by 82% of the respondents. Other forms of
VAW include sexual harassment in public places and in the work place, telephone and letter
abuse, bonded labor, child marriage and forced labour. VAW also take place in conjunction with
religious practice as “Devaki"(a girl who is offered to the god and not allowed to marry. and
customs such as dowry.
Naturally, the question arises: why were these women putting with the violence? Some of the
reasons offered by these women may be summarized as follows:
1. Economic dependency: Women are economically dependent on men. This dependency
causes them to tolerate the violence. They have no other option but to meekly follow
men.
2. Lack of awareness: Women have a tendency to perceive the violence as a natural
behavior that happens everywhere. They have seen their mothers and sisters suffering
from violence.
3. Lack of training: These women are unskilled so they are not able to get a job.
4. Traditional up bringing: These women are brought up in such a situation that they have a
belief that they are inferior to men. (Breaking the Silence: Violence Against women in
Asia)
Domestic violence against women takes place in all societies and cultures affecting women
regardless of their race. Women are more vulnerable to trafficking, rape and other forms of
sexual abuse. It is admitted that violence against women is a challenge, and is now being
accompanied by the risk of HIV infection.
2.2 Global Overview of Domestic Violence
A National Survey of violence against women in Canada had shown that one third of all Women
had been physically assaulted by their partners. It is also mentioned that the weapon used by
perpetrators develops upon their cultural factors and availability of weapons. In the United
Nations, more murder of women is committed by guns where as in India, guns are used but
beating and death by fire are common. Then perpetrators of the crime claimed that she died in a
kitchen accident (WHO Report, 2000)
A National Survey by women’s aid organizations of Malaysia has conducted in-depth interview
with 60 women in 1990/1991. The report shows that among 60 women, 92% were kicked,
punched or slapped, 22% had suffered attempts of strangulation and 10% had been stabbed or
threatened with knife or instrument. Further more, 68% had reported being beaten when pregnant
and 50% experienced sexual coercion in the from of physical force during sexual intercourse
(Josioh, 2000)
Domestic violence prevails globally. World Report (2002) shows that In Peru 70% of all crimes
reported to police are of women beaten by their husband. A study in a Bangkok slum found that
50% of married women were beaten regularly. In the United States, every 15 seconds a woman is
beaten and four battered women die each day. Each year more than 1.5 million women seek
medical care for injuries resulting from domestic violence. 40% of Chilean women reported that
abuse against them increased during pregnancy.
A report of violence against women and girls in South Asia (2000) shows the incidence of
women physically assaulted by their abusive husband was as follows:
Nicaragua -69%
UK- 30%
Ethiopia -45%
Turkey-58%
A situation of violence against women and girls in South East Asia (Hayward& Finney, 2000)
has presented gender based violence is a violation of women’s rights. It also mentioned that the
most common form of domestic violence in South Asia in the most gender sensitive region in the
world where 79 Million females are missing. The South East Asian region has one of the highest
incidences of gender-based violence in the world. This is a result of overall inferior status of
women and girls and of unequal power relation between genders. The report notes that more than
5,000 women are killed every year in India because their- in laws considers their dowry
inadequate.
A health profile on women of South East Asia (2000) mentions the various evidence-based
studies of different countries regarding domestic violence. For instance in Bangladesh 270 cases
of deaths were reported during 1982-1985 in Newspaper related to abuse. 29% of women had
been beaten to death, 39% subjected to other forms of physical torture and 185 had been attacked
by sharp weapon. The other study of Maharastra, India shows that 120 cases of deaths of women
were due to dowry (Homicide committed by the husband or his family members). 88% women
were very young and below age 25. 46% of those women died of burns and 34% had died of
drowning. The principle accused were the husbands in 86% of the total 120 cases of homicide.
In 1986, the UN Economic and Social Council declared domestic violence a serious violation of
women's rights. In 1992, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
adopted a recommendation urging governments to take steps to eradicate violence against
women, seen as a form of gender discrimination.
Latin America and the Caribbean were the first to secure a major legal instrument to protect
women, namely the Convention on the Prevention, Eradication and Punishment of Violence
against Women, which was adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1994 and
ratified by 23 member countries.
In 1995, the General Assembly urged member states to strengthen criminal, civil, law-law and
administrative penalties in national legislation in order to punish violence against women in both
the private and the public spheres. Furthermore, it established that all forms of sexual abuse and
trafficking in women and girls are a violation of human rights. This, the first resolution to be
adopted on girls, was subsequently ratified in Bin stock in 1997.
Lisa, Sidney,Farzana & Khairul (2004) analyzed the socioeconomic factors and process
associated with demomestic violence in rural Bangladesh showed that of about 1,200 women
surveyed, 67% had ever experienced domestic violence, and 35% had done so in the past year.
According to the qualitative findings, participants expected women with more education and
income to be less vulnerable to domestic violence; they also believed (or hope) that having a
dowry or a registered marriage could strengthen a women’s position in her marriage.Yet, of these
potential factors, only education was associated with significantly reduced odds of violence;
meanwhile, the odds were increased for women who had a dowry agreement or had personal
earnings that contributed more than nominally to the marital household. Women strongly
supported educating their daughter, but pressures remain to marry them early, in part to avoid
high dowry costs.
A 1990 study reported that men who had seen their parents attack each other were three times
more likely than other men to hit their wives and ten times more likely to attack them with a
weapon. In 1985, in 59% of 1,500 Austrian divorce cases, domestic violence was cited as a cause
in marital breakdown. A 1987 study of hospital in Colombia revealed that 20% of the patients
were victims of marital violence, with women being the victims in 94% of the cases. In 1997
sample survey of 1,500 Swiss women aged 20 to 60 in a relationship, 20% reported being
physically abused. Battered women are over-represented among female alcoholics, drug abusers
and women who have mental illness. Suicide is 12 times as likely to have been attempted by a
woman who is subject to abuse than by one who is not. In Canada, it has been found that sons of
batterers are 1,000% more likely to beat their own wives. (World Health Organization (WHO),
Facts and Figures on Violence against Women)
According Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Nicaragua in 1997, the daughters of
battered women are three times more likely to require medical care. These statistics also revealed
that 63% of children who are exposed to domestic violence would have to repeat at least one
grade in school.
Even Non-violence Against Women on 25 November next, UNI Graphical calls on all member
organizations and the international trade union movement as whole to implement all kinds of
actions, campaigns, meetings, events, talks and conferences aimed at highlighting the persistence
and indeed the worsening of violence against women and girls.
Harmful traditional or customary practices, including female genital mutilation and crimes
committed in the name of honor, are forms of violence. Domestic violence, which encompassed
marital rape as well as other forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence, was one of the
most common, least visible forms of violence against women and girls. States have an obligation
to eradicate all forms of violence against women.
The absence of equal rights, gender-based discrimination and the denial of economic
opportunities to women are factors that could lead to women's increased vulnerability to
trafficking, which constituted the denial of the rights to liberty, and freedom from violence.
2.3 Domestic Violence against Women in Nepal.
A study on violence against women and girls (VAW and G) has found that violence against
women and girls in Nepal cuts across women and girls of all class, age and ethnicity with 95 per
cent of respondents attesting to first had knowledge of VAW and G incidents, and includes
physical, sexual, psychological and emotional violence and abuse. In 77 per cent of the cases the
perpetrators were reported to be the member of family. More overt form of sexual violence
includes rape, marital rape, custodial rape, gang-rape, incest, public stripping, and harassment
through language, gesture and / or touch (eve- teasing), trafficking and forced prostitution. The
more covert forms are verbal and psychological torture. Emotional torture was reported by 93
per cent of total respondents and beating was identified as the most common form of physical
violence against women and girls in Nepal (82 per cent), followed by rape 30 per cent and forced
prostitution by 28 per cent. Polygamy was reported without fail by respondents 64 per cent in
every target district and could easily be assumed to be the most prevalent form of traditional
VAW and G. (2003, Say No to Gender Based Violence, UNIFEM)
Domestic Violence in Nepal a study conducted by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights
reveals: In Nepal, violence against women frequently takes the form of verbal harassment and
emotional abuse in addition to physical violence. In the opinion of several women's human rights
advocates, psychological abuse (often described as "mental torture") is more pervasive than
purely physical abuse. Many Nepalese interviewed by the delegation emphasized that the
extended family structure frequently fosters abuse by persons other than the husband or
boyfriend. Therefore, to accurately capture the experience of Nepali women, the delegation
documented both psychological abuse and abuse perpetrated by members of the extended family.
(Graham Kathleen and Johanna Bond, September 1998, Domestic Violence in Nepal, Minnesota
Advocates for Human Rights, p.4-6)
Nepal is a signatory to all kinds of conventions on violence against women. Since the
promulgation of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, efforts are being made towards
mainstreaming women in the whole process of national development and towards protecting
their human rights to self-protection and justice. But despite constitutional provisions, political
commitments, louder voices raised at various forums- national as well as international, gender
development movements and awareness raising programs being launched by NGOs and Ingo's,
the situation of domestic violence against women is worsening day by day with considerable
increase in the number of victims. Pitiably, most of the victim cases go unrecorded or failed even
if recorded. The justice system, not being in favour of the victim, in most cases, the justice goes
in favor of the defendant.
The root cause of domestic violence is power imbalance between the victim and the accused,
especially between two sexes. It is one of the social evils characterized by gender inequality and
age-old socio-cultural milieu impeding the development of women. Apart from this, poverty,
economic dependence of women on their male counterparts, illiteracy, evil social customs and
manners, lack of social awareness, superstition, baseless social prejudices, etc. can be alleged as
some of the major causes of domestic violence. To cite an example of poverty-related case of
domestic violence, a few months ago, a Pakistani national, unable to feed his eight children
murdered all of them in order to relieve himself of his fatherly duties (MS-Nepal Newsletter 2002
Issue).
Such an act has nothing to do with personal enmity, jealousy, malice, etc. Female members
having to depend on male members cannot report and register cases of violence and sue cases in
the court. They, instead, tolerate injustice of all kinds and helplessly fall prey to violence. In the
Terai regions in Nepal, the number of dowry-related, Boxi (witchcraft) and alcoholism violence
is much greater than at other places.
The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women is the first international human
rights instrument to exclusively and explicitly address the issue of violence against women. It
affirms that the phenomenon violates, impairs or nullifies women's human rights and their
exercise of fundamental freedoms. The Declaration provides a definition of gender-based abuse,
calling it "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical,
sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or
arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life".
This definition of Article 1 of the UN Commission of Status of Women Declaration has been
also adopted by the UN Conference on Women's Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as
Paragraph 114.
Article II of the same Declaration states that VAW&G should be understood to encompass but
not be limited to the following:
(i)
Physical, Sexual and Psychological violence occurring in the family including
battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry related violence,
marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to
women, non-spousal violence, violence related to exploitation.
(ii)
Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community
including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, intimidation at work, in educational
institutions and other public institutions, trafficking of women and forced prostitution.
(iii)
Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetuated or condoned by state,
wherever it occurs.
This has been also reflected in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Convention). CEDAW Convention provides a
working forum for the process of eradicating gender-based violence and promoting gender equity
in the international community and at every level of national life.
2.4 Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Bill
The ‘Domestic Violence (Control) Bill, 2057’ has been drafted with the establishment Of the
Ministry of Women and Social Welfare of Nepal. This Bill was later improved And reformed by
the Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Bill, 2058 which Has incorporated various
positive concepts to protect domestic violence against Women, which are as below:
• Definition of domestic violence includes physical and psychological violence: The bill has
comprehensively defined domestic violence. It had incorporated physical and psychological
violence within the definition of domestic violence
• Provision relating to reporting: The Bill is liberal with regard to reporting of the crime. It
accepts both verbal and in writing reporting of the crime. If the case does not get resolved
through quasi-judicial bodies or mutual understanding, victim can file a case direct to the Court.
Furthermore, third party also can make a report on behalf of women victim.
• Interim relief: The Bill has also made provisions for the interim relief to the victim of the
domestic violence. The court can issue the order of interim protective measure for the period of
case proceedings.
• Compensation: The Bill has made provision for compensation for the victim. The amount of
compensation shall depend on the nature and extent of act of violence.
• Rehabilitation: The Bill has made the provisions which obligate HMG to establish
rehabilitation home for the victims of domestic violence.
• In camera court: The concept of in camera court has been introduced by this Bill. Court can
hear the case in camera in request of victim.
• Priority to domestic violence case: For a speedy trial the Bill has included special provisions
of giving priority to hearing of the domestic violence cases.
Caste-based discrimination is referred to as discrimination on the basis of descent and work
because each caste is restricted to one kind of work, with the most demeaning, menial, degrading
and 'polluting' work done by Dalits. Typically, this work involves the disposal of human excreta,
or the bodies of dead animals and corpses. Invariably, it is the Dalit women who are forced by
the men to do these jobs. The feudal nature of the caste system also prevents Dalits from leaving
their prescribed work. Many are paid nothing at all. Others are given no money, but only a
portion of grain or some other payment in kind. This practice leaves them in complete
dependency on the upper castes who control and own the businesses and land. (Integration of the
human rights of women and the gender perspective: Violence Against women submitted by the
Asian LegalResourceCentre (ALRC)
That Dalit woman suffers an additional layer of discrimination and violence on the basis of
gender both by people of higher castes and within their own communities has also been made
amply clear before the Commission (E/CN.4/2003/NGO/97). The extreme vulnerability of Dalit
women stems from the precariousness of their economic, social, and political position. Despite
the fact that both the constitutions of India and Nepal prohibit the practice of untouchability,
these provisions are not enforced. In India, even though the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act bar violence against the Dalits, it is not effectively
implemented. Nor does it in fact outlaw caste-based discrimination, which the government of
India has refused to recognize as a form of discrimination on the basis of descent. Under any
circumstances, whereas the police are the authority equipped to investigate crimes, in many cases
it is either the police who are the perpetrators of caste-based human rights violations, or high
caste persons with the influence necessary to have the police hush up the crime. (Statement on
'Violence against Dalit women in India and Nepal' received by Commission on Human Rights)
Apart from being forced into the most demeaning 'ritual' jobs, Dalit women are also extremely
vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Among the Dalit communities, one landless group, the Badi,
has for years survived by prostituting its women. More recently, young Dalit women from Nepal
are being brought to India in increasing numbers, where they are forced to work as prostitutes.
Sometimes they are sent further a field. Many believe that they will obtain jobs as domestic
helpers or similar, and willingly follow recruitment agents in the hope of earning money with
which to support their families. The police in both Nepal and India support the trade, opening up
routes for the women and girls to be sent through, and protecting the brothels. The victims end
up as sex slaves, and many die miserable deaths due to sexually transmitted diseases. Those who
protest are threatened and, if necessary, murdered, while the police ensure that such crimes are
never uncovered.
When a Dalit woman is subjected to violence the chances of her getting her grievances redressed
are remote. The victim may not even lodge a complaint. The reasons are usually that the victim
is facing threats from the perpetrators, usually upper caste persons or others with social
influence. Fears that the police will commit more violence against her. Does not know her
rights. . May have been discouraged by the unsuccessful attempts of other victims to have their
complaints recorded by the police.
The judiciary in India and Nepal does not help the situation in any way. Even where cases are
taken up, the victims face great ordeals in court due to the ignorance of judges, corrupt
prosecution systems, absence of legislation to provide compensation, and inordinate delays in
court proceedings. Other agencies such as the respective National Human Rights Commissions,
and the National Women's Commission in Nepal, provide little relief and are institutions
established by the respective states out of political convenience rather than any serious
commitment to the values they purportedly represent.
Dalit women today are not simply passive victims; the current mood is not one of mere
acceptance, but one of determination to ‘transform their pain into power’. In fact, they have been
active throughout history, though often this has not been recognized and recorded. They have
been actively involved in the anti-caste and anti-untouchability movements. Today they are the
strongholds of the Dalit movements in thousands of South Asian villages, and are often at the
forefront of struggles for basic human rights. They continue to play a critical role in the
movements for land and livelihood rights and against untouchability, pointing to the potential for
their self-emancipation, given adequate support. They are making their mark as independent
thinkers and writers in the literary world by critiquing dominant caste ideologies. They
participate today as visionary leaders in the local governance institution by asserting their rights.
While they continue to struggle against structural discrimination and exclusion, violence and
impunity are systematically unleashed by dominant castes to keep them in their place. (Hague
Declaration on Dalit Women's Right, held in The Hague 20 and 21 November 2006)
2.5 Recommendations to the government of Nepal
Key recommendations of the Seminar on the Human Rights of Dalit Women, House of
Commons, 28th November 2006
• Citizenship – The government should establish an effective process to grant citizenship to all
Nepali Dalits who have been denied citizenship, including the Badi Community, Madhesi and
Tarai Dalits.
• Establish voter education programmes for Dalit women and other marginalized women,
especially in rural areas, so that they are aware of the current political process and the
importance of their participation as both voters and candidates for election.
• All political parties (including the Maoist party), should establish a process for ensuring that
Dalit women can participate and stand for election to the constituent assembly as per the
agreement.
• Ensure Dalit women’s representation within the 33% reservation for women.
• The government should pass a Law to abolish on untouchability at all levels and in any form public or private - and ensure effective implementation of the law, including abolition of intra
caste discrimination within Dalits.
• End the system of slavery called Haliya Pratha. Recognize those affected as bonded laborers
and accepting this reality, release them from the debt and free them with a guarantee for their
proper settlement.
• Ensure that Dalits, and Dalit women, are, proportionally and equitably, represented in all public
institutions including the executive, legislature and judiciary at all levels.
• End impunity for violations of human rights committed against Dalits by the police, state and
institutions of justice. Ensure all incidents are reported, filed and investigated fairly.
CHAPTER-3
Methodology
3.1. Selection of study area
This study will try to identify the core issues about Domestic Violence against Dalit women.
Mahottari district will be selected purposefully with following reasons: First this district has
diversity in terms of ecological regions (Hill and plain terai); inhabitant of hill origin and terai
origin Dalit; mix of rural, urban and suburban area (remoteness and access ability). Second, it is
one of the districts of higher concentration of Dalit i.e.1, 13,325 population and 19,410
households (hill origin and terai origin) as listed by Census of 2001. Third, the accessibility and
security are other important reasons for this short-term study.
Focusing on aforementioned criteria, I have taken one municipality (Jaleshwor) and two VDCs
(Bardibas and Ramnagar). In which it covers both urban and rural women. I cover 113
households, 48(42%) household from hill origin Dalit and 65(58%) household from terai origin
dalit
The survey shows 149 respondents due to taken more than one respondent from one household. .
60(40%) respondent from hill origin Dalit and 89 (60%) respondent from Terai origin Dalit.
Due to limited resources and to be specified on violence related of Dalits women of Terai
district, the sampling district is purposively chosen Mahhotari. 149 respondents were taken
during this research; the study covers 46% respondents from Jaleshwor, 31% from Bardibas and
23% from Ramnagar VDC. Out of 149 respondents, Paswan covers 24% , Kami covers 23% ,
Musahar 14% , Damai covers 12% , Mestar & Chamar covers 8%, Sarki covers 4% and Dom
covers 3%.
3.2. Target Group
Dalit community women are selected/considered as focus group for short-term study, because
they are highly suppressed and marginalized groups. They are considered backward in terms of
socioeconomic status, education and violence. The target women age covered in this research is
8 and above.
3.3. Type of Research
This research is exploratory and explanatory type of research. It aims to examine domestic
violence against Dalit women in terai regions. It will also find out attitude of male dominant
towards female and problem of Dalit women, which they tackle from their family members and
society and being Dalit, and women. Two VDCs of Mahottari district will be selected for the
proposed research. First, the situation analysis will be attempted using the available secondary
macro and micro information. This exercise will detail the macro environment in which Dalit
women are living and struggling. Second necessary field information will be gathered and
analyzed to evolve a comprehensive understanding problem and prospects of discrimination and
violence faced by women in the caste system in Nepal.
3.4. Sample Design
On aforementioned criteria, Two VDCs of Mahottari district will be taken in accordance with set
criteria purposefully selected by adopting multistage sampling method. Firstly, this district is
selected due to aforementioned criteria. Then after respective VDCs, will be selected
successively. The rationale behind selection of these methods is that it is not possible to prepare
complete lists of potential sampling units as scattered over vast areas. Under such circumstances
use of multi stage sampling is the most appropriate and it reduces response error and improves
sampling efficiency. During sampling process, stratified random sampling will also be adopted
for easy gathering of various kinds of violence against women in Dalit communities in (table 1).
Further, simple random sampling method will be also deployed for reducing biases.
Table 1 Sample Design
Hill Origin Dalit
Terai Origin Dalit
Remarks
13
56
69
34
12
46
VDC 13
21
34
89
149
Area
Remoteness
Jaleswor
Municipality Ward
No.4, 5 and 2
Bardibas VDC
Ward no. 2, 4, 6 and
9
Ramnagar
Ward no. 3 and 6
Total
60
3.5. Process
Following process is adopted while selecting household this research: -
(1.) First visit to the Wada office and take the list of total number of household, which
includes their names, caste, family size etc. Then from the list select 42 households
randomly.
(2.) If there is large number of household then select one household and left second
household then again select third one. This process will be continuing while taking 41
households.
(3.) If there is mix of different caste then household no. Will be taken according to caste
wise. If there is presence of mass number of
household of bishwakarma then select
80% from bishwakarma and next 20% will be taken from another caste. This process
will be continuing while taking 30 households.
3.6. Techniques of Data Collection
3.6. I Primary source
3.6.ii Household Survey:
Household survey will be carried by administering structured and semi-structured questionnaires.
It is estimated that 113 households will be covered in the survey. The primary respondents will
be women and girls (who victimized from violence) and household heads also. It will be
performed by stratified random sampling method.
3.6.iii In-depth Interview:
The in-depth interview will be carried out with those women who are suppressed of domestic
violence in their home and society, Dalit women and girls, local women leaders. During this
process, information about women violence and other related aspects would be drawn in such
that it raises reliability and validity of information and findings. Interviewer are those women
and girls aged 8 and above.
3.6.iv Key informant survey
Few selected persons those who are knowledgeable about the study issues will be identified and
interacted at the sites. Efforts will be made to meet such people at each study sites. This method
gives true analytical picture including pros and cons of Domestic violence against Dalit women
and girls.
3.6.v Secondary Source of Information
Critical review of statistical reports, annual reports, district and village development, women
development office, profiles and plan documents, Journal articles, government policy documents
and other published materials and official records of I/N/GOs will be done.
3.7. Data analysis, interpretation
Data analysis will be done through Descriptive statistical tools like SPSS (Statistical Packages
for Social Sciences).
3.8. Documentation
On the basis of gathered qualitative and quantitative information (results), preliminary, draft and
final report will be prepared in accordance with format of SIRF. Finally, readable and
understandable reports will be made for dissemination and publication purposes.
CHAPTER-IV
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Description of sample
Due to limited resources and to be specified on violence related of Dalit women of Terai district,
the sampling district is purposively chosen Mahhotari. Out of 149 respondents, the study covers
46% respondents from Jaleshwor, 31% from Bardibas and 23% from Ramnagar VDC. The care
is taken on choosing the respondent of each caste within Dalit from the Mahottari district
according as the demographic population of Dalit. The study has covered sample respondents
from 3% to 25% of different caste. The table and bar diagrams show the sample respondents of
different caste within Dalit in two VDCs and one Municipality of Mahhottari.
Diagram 1: Distribution of Sample respondents within Dalit Caste
Table1: Distribution of sample respondents within Dalit Caste
Question administered to the respondents
SN
Caste
No. Of respondents
Percent
1
Chamar
12
8.1
2
Damai
19
12.8
3
Dom
5
3.4
4
Kami
35
23.5
5
Mestar
13
8.7
6
Musahar
22
14.8
7
Paswan
37
24.8
8
Sarki
6
4
9
Total
149
100
As presented in table1, Out of 149 respondent Paswan covers 24% , Kami covers 23% , Musahar
14% , Damai covers 12% , Mestar & Chamar covers 8%, Sarki covers 4% and Dom covers 3%.
This shows that Paswan and Kami Caste respondents are high then others.
Pie chart 1: VDC-wise distribution of Sample respondent
4.1 Personal Identification of the respondents
Table 2: Age of respondent
SN
Age of respondent
No. Of respondent
Percent
1
Below 20
53
35.6
2
Age in between 20-30
48
32.2
3
Age in between 30-40
30
20.1
4
Age in between 40-50
10
6.7
5
Above 50
8
5.4
6
Total
149
100
Out of 149 respondents, 35% of the respondents’ age was below 20. Approximately 32% of the
respondents’ age was in between 20-30, 20% of in between 30-40, 7% of in between 40-50 and
the rest of respondent's age was above 50.
Pie chart 2: Marital Status of the Sample respondents
The survey revealed that Out of the 149 respondent 73% are married women, 18% are
unmarried, 7% are Widow and 2% are Divorced.
Table 3: Status of marriage registration
Status
of
marriage
SN
registration
No. Of respondents
Percent
1
No
32
26.22
2
Yes
90
73.78
3
Total
122
100
As presented in table 3, Out of 122 respondents, 74 percent has marriage registration and 26
percent are unknown about this registration. It shows that majority of women are aware of
registering their marriage. In course of research as per the respondent few of them are unknown
on legal registration process.
Table 4: Landownership
SN
Landowner
No. Of respondents
Percent
1
No
139
93.29
2
Yes
10
6.71
3
Total
149
100
As presented in table 6, out of 149 respondents (93 percent) were not found the landownership,
only 7 percent has landownership.
This survey shows that women have not access in their property; husband was the owner of the
land and property.
Pie chart 3: Marriage age of respondent
Table 5: Age at Marriage
SN
Age at marriage
No.Of respondents
Percent
1
Between 8-12
33
27.049
2
Between 12-16
56
45.90
3
Between 16-20
26
21.31
4
Above 24
7
5.73
5
Total
122
100
As presented in table 5, marriage age of respondent between 8-12 is (27 percent), between 12-16
are (46 percent), respondent between 16-20 are (21percent), and above 24 are (6 percent).
The survey revealed that more than 94% of the respondents were married below the age 20.
Table 6: No. Of children birth
No. Of Children
No. Of respondents
Percent
1
24
23.52
2
21
20.58
3
27
26.47
4
18
17.64
5
7
6.86
6
5
4.90
Total
102
100
The survey shows that, out of 122 respondent 84 percent women respondent given birth of child.
26 percent respondent were given 3 children birth, 20 percent respondent were given 2 children
birth, 24 percent respondent were given 1 child birth, 18 percent respondent are given 4 children
birth and rest 10 percent were given 5 or 6 children birth.
Table 7: Family status of respondents
SN
Family Status
No. Of respondents
Percent
1
Joint
54
44.26
2
Nuclear
66
55.74
3
Total
122
100
The table shows that Out of 122 respondent, 56 percent are from nuclear family and 44 percent
are from joint family. Likewise in the case of unmarried respondents 12 are from the nuclear
family and 15 from the joint family.
Table 8: Type of Occupation of Husband
Occupation of Husband
No. Of respondents
Percent
Agriculture
41
37.96
Driving
12
11.11
Laborer
29
26.85
Work in Gulf Country
3
2.78
Private job
5
4.62
Traditional Occupation
13
12.03
Own business
5
4.62
Total
108
100
The survey revealed that out of 108 married women, 38 percent of their husband’s main
occupation is agriculture. The driving work of 12 percent includes the pulling of Rickshaw and
motor driving. Approximately 27 percent are laborer, 3 percent of their husband works in Gulf
Country and only 5 percent are involving in private job. There are nearly 12 percent are
involving in the tradition occupation which includes the tailoring, Master and Mistral work. Only
11 percent of their husband is setting their own small business for the survival.
Table 9: Type of Occupation of Wife
Occupation of Wife
No. Of respondents
Percent
Agriculture
12
9.83
Laborer
37
30.32
Private job
4
3.27
Traditional Occupation
1
0.81
Own business
1
0.81
Household
67
54.91
Total
122
100.00
The survey revealed that out of 122 respondents, 55 percent women are doing household work.
30 percent women are doing Laborer work includes the doing works in other land as labor and
bring wood from forest .10 percent are doing agriculture work, 3 percent women were involve in
private job like Master and garment work. Only 1 percent women are enveloped in traditional
occupation and own business.
Table10: Education Level of Spouse
Wife's
Education Level
Husband's education
education
Illiterate
64
97
Primary Level of education
20
14
Secondary Level of education
18
5
Intermediate Level of education
5
6
Above intermediate Level
1
0
Total
108
122
The survey revealed that out of 108 husbands, most of them were illiterate and could not write
their name. There were only 20(18 percent) husbands having primary level of education and
18(17 percent) have secondary level of education. And only 6 husbands have education higher
than SLC. In case of wife education, most of the respondents were illiterate but they could read
and write their name by the help of Adult education. There were 14 (11 percent) respondents
have primary level, 5 (4 percent) have secondary level of education and only 6 (5 percent) have
education higher than SLC.
Table11: Education Level of Unmarried
Respondent's Father's
Mother’s
Education Level
education
education
education education education
Illiterate
10
15
23
9
13
9
6
2
1
5
6
5
2
12
5
education
2
1
0
0
0
Above intermediate Level
0
0
0
1
0
Total
27
27
27
23
23
Primary
Level
Level
of
education
Intermediate
Level
Sister's
of
education
Secondary
Brother's
of
In unmarried case, 10 (37 percent) respondents were illiterate, 9 (33 percent) have primary, 6 (22
percent) have secondary, and only 2 (7 percent) have education higher than SLC level. In
general, most of the unmarried family members were illiterate.
Table 12: Economic Status
Economic Status
No. Of respondents
Percent
Insufficient
92
61.7
Possible to save
4
2.7
Economically Self Sufficient
18
12.1
Sufficient
5
3.4
Don't know
30
20.1
Total
149
100
As presented in table, Out of 149 respondent, 62 percent claim that their economic condition is
very low and it was insufficient for them to survival. 12 percent respondents were economically
self sufficient from their income, 3 percent claimed that they were sufficient for having food.
Only 3 percent respondents were able to save money more than having the sufficient food. And
20 percent respondents didn’t want to explain their economic status.
Table 13: Occupation of unmarried Respondents
Occupation
No. Of respondents
Percent
Household
12
45
Jobholder
3
11
Student
12
44
Total
27
100
The survey revealed that out of 149 respondent, 27 (18 percent) is unmarried. 45 percent are
household, 44 percent student and 11 percent are jobholder (works in other home, like dish
wash). Most of respondent mother & sister were housewife & household worker and their father
& brother were laborer.
The overall result shows that most of the respondent is illiterate due to financial problem.
4.2 Violence related to Family
As presented in pie chart, out of 149 candidate 89 percent have dispute with their family and 11
percent have found no dispute.
Pie chart 4: Dispute with family members
Table14: Dispute with family member
If yes, with whom?
No. Of respondents
Percent
Mother in law
41
31.06
Mother in law and Father in law
16
12.12
Sister in law
30
22.73
Brother in law
6
4.55
Daughter in law (Buhari)
3
2.27
Brothers and Sisters
17
12.88
Son
2
1.52
Daughter
3
2.27
Step mother
6
4.55
Neighbors
8
6.06
Total
132
100
The survey revealed that out of 149 respondent, 31 percent claim that they have dispute with
their mother in law, 23 percent have dispute with sister in law, 13 percent with brother & sisters,
12 percent with mother in law & father in law. Even 6 percent respondent claim that sometime
their neighbor dispute with them, and 4 percent has dispute with step mother & brother in law, 2
percent has dispute with daughter in law, son and with daughter.
Above mentioned fact shows that most of the respondent of the family dispute with their mother
in law & sister in law & with father in law too.
Table 15: Type of dispute/ Quarreling
What type of dispute/ Quarreling you often have to
face?
Physical attack( Beating)
Verbal assault
Verbal assault & beating
Total
No. of
respondents
13
111
8
132
Percent
9.85
84.09
6.06
100
The survey shows that, 84 percent have to face verbal assault with their family, 6 percent have to face
verbal assault and beating too and rest of the respondent were beaten by their family member .The
overall result shows that most of the respondent faced verbal assault while dispute with their families
members.Diagram 2: Dispute/ Quarreling you often have to face
Table16: Reason of dispute
Reason of dispute
No. Of respondents
Percent
Harassment due to dowry
6
4.55
Allocation of excessive workload
75
56.82
Food not cook properly
5
3.79
Sexual harassment & teasing
1
0.76
Discrimination in food allocation
3
2.27
Property and land
17
12.88
Alcohol
1
0.76
Second marriage
2
1.52
Inter caste marriage
3
2.27
Children
13
9.85
Birth of daughter
2
1.52
No births of child
1
0.76
Unbalance of spouse age
1
0.76
Son's support to his wife
2
1.52
Total
132
100
The survey revealed that, Out of 132 respondent 57 percent reason of dispute were Allocation of
excessive workload, 13 percent for property and land, 4 percent were found harassment due to
dowry, 2 percent claimed second marriage & son's support to his wife, 1 percent claimed
unbalance of spouse age & no. Births of child & also alcohol were reason of dispute.
Most of the Dalit households are landless and they are living like refuge.
Pie chart 5: Type of Oral violent behaviour
As presented in pie chart, out of 127 respondents 61 percent claimed degrading word was used
when family member show violent behavior even 39 percent suffer degrading word & mental
disturbance too.
Table16: Type of physical violent behavior
Type of physical violent
behavior
Beating
Broken limb & hand
small injure
Total
No. of respondents
17
3
1
21
Percent
53.12
14.28
4.76
100
The survey shows out of 21 respondent, 53 percent respondent suffers from beating, 4 percent
seems having small injuries.
Pie chart 6: How often such dispute/ Quarreling takes place
Out of 132 respondents, most of the respondent (57 percent) claim that such type of dispute
occurs weekly, 21 & 22 percent claimed that it will happen daily and monthly.
Pie chart 7: Need Treatment after violent acts
Table 17: Need Treatment
Did you ever need treatment after violent acts?
No. Of respondents
Percent
Yes
19
14.39
No
113
85.61
Total
132
100
Pie chart 8: Kind of Treatment
Most of the respondent (86 percent) told they don't need treatment after violent behavior & 14
percent need treatment after such violence.79 percent respondent told that they have to suffer
from small injure but 21 percent claim they were admitted in hospital after such violent.
The overall result shows that most of the respondent injured after violent behavior.
Pie chart 9: Done after violent acts
Out of 19 respondent, 5 percent claimed due to fear of Family male partner, Shame & society 85
percent told they have do nothing against this violence only 10 percent report to police.
Due to dependency upon the male partner they silently tolerate violent behavior.
Table18: If nothing why
If nothing why
No. Of respondents
Percent
By shame
1
5.88
By shame& fear of male member
5
29.41
Fear of male member
2
11.76
Fear of society
4
23.53
member
5
29.41
Total
17
100
Fear of society & fear of male
The survey revealed that, Out of 17 respondent due to fear of family male partner, society &
shame most of the women were suffering from such violent and if someone ready report to
police they claimed that they didn't get support from police and due to structure of our society
and dependency of women to their male partner were the main reason to tolerate such violence
easily.
4.3: Violence related to Husband
Pie chart 10: Husband ever shows violent behaviour against wife.
Table 19: Husband ever show violent behavior
Does your husband ever show violent behavior against No.
Of
you?
respondents
Percent
No
3
2.78
Yes
105
97.22
Total
108
100
As presented in table, Most of the respondents (97 percent) claimed that their husband shows
violent behavior against them and only 3 percent told us their husband behave with them
properly.
It shows that most of the women suffering violence from their husband.
Pie chart 11: what kind of violent beaviour?
The survey revealed that out of 105 respondent, 20 percent claimed verbal assault, 19 percent
claimed beating, 18 percent claimed beating & verbal assault both when dispute occurs, 15
percent claimed marital rape too, and 14 claimed Slapping & beating.
The overall result shows that most of the women are facing violent from their husband even
marital rape too.
Pie chart 12: When does husband get violent?
Table20: When does husband get violent against wife?
When does he get violent against you?
No. Of respondents
Percent
After gambling
2
1.90
After taking drugs (hashish)
1
0.95
After taking alcohol
92
87.62
After taking alcohol & gambling
4
3.81
After listening sister’s view
1
0.95
When angry
2
1.90
When discuss happening
3
2.86
Total
105
100
As presented in table, Most of the respondents (87 percent) claim that there husband show
violent behavior against them when they take alcohol. 4 percent told when their husband drink
alcohol & gambled, 3 percent claimed violent occurs when discuss will be happened between
them. 2 percent claimed violent occurs when their husband get angry and gamble cards. Even 1
percent respondent claim their husband shows violent behavior after listening sister's view &
after taking drugs.
The overall result shows that most of the respondent suffers from violent behavior when their
husband takes alcohol.
Table21: How often husband show violent behavior
How
often
does
he
show
violent
behavior?
No. Of respondents
Percent
Daily
16
15.24
Monthly
29
27.62
Sometime
5
4.76
Weekly
55
52.38
Total
105
100
As presented in table, Out of the 105 respondent 52 percent claimed their husband show violent
behavior weekly, 27 percent claimed monthly, 15 percent claimed daily & only 5 percent
claimed for sometime.
The survey shows that most of the husband shows violent behavior weekly and monthly.
Table 22: Need medical treatment
Did you ever need medical treatment after violent
incident
No. Of respondents
Percent
No
48
45.71
Yes
57
54.29
Total
105
100
The survey revealed that, out of 105 respondent (54 percent) told they need treatment after
violent behaviour & 46 percent claim that they don't need treatment.
Pie chart 13: What kind of treatment?
Out of 57 respondents, 90 percent claimed small injure and take medicine at home, and rest 5
percent claimed admitted in hospital & broken limbs and fractures too.
The overall result shows that most of the women need treatment after violent behavior.
Table 23: Beat while pregnant
No.
Of
Did you ever beat you while you were pregnant?
respondents
Percent
No
78
79.59
Yes
20
20.41
Total
98
100
Out of 98 respondent, Only 20 percent claimed they were beaten by their husband while pregnant
rest of the respondent 80 percent were not beaten.
Table 24: Done after violent
What did you do after violent acts?
No. Of respondents
Percent
Beat husband too
1
1.75
Nothing
56
98.25
Total
57
100
The survey revealed that out of 57 respondents only 2 percent told they beat husband too rest of
98 done nothing after violent.
Diagram 3: If nothing why?
The survey revealed that 40% of female seems non-responsive against man's violent behaviour
due to fear of male and the shame of society. 3% of female shows their non-reaction against male
member due to expectation of behavioural change.
Diagram 4: what kind of support is needed for the victims of violence.
Out of 108 respondents, 30 percent demanded house and employment facility, 25 percent facility
for medical treatment, 21 percent for employment and education, 18 percent for employment, 3
percent for family mediation, 2 percent for house facility & 1 percent demanded women rights
and employment too.
The overall result shows that most of the respondent demand facility for medical treatment,
employment, house & education and even women rights.
In the violence problem, when someone goes to report police, then Police arrested the person and
put them in custody. Police put only for some days and after leaving that person from the custody
same thing happens again. Likewise Local NGOs and Leaders suggest not repeating such
behavior but it happens in the village.
4.4 Violence Related to Unmarried
Table 25: Dispute with any of the family members
Do you ever have dispute with any of the family members No.
Of
that create relationship problems?
respondents
Percent
Yes
24
88.89
No
3
11.11
Total
27
100
As presented in table, out of 27 respondent 89 percent claimed dispute with family members only
11 percent don't have dispute.
The survey shows that even unmarried respondent have to face dispute with their family. Most of
the respondent claimed that verbal assault occurs with brothers, sisters & sister in law and the
reason were allocation of excessive workload.
Table 26: Type of Oral violent
Type of Oral violent behavior
No. Of respondents
Percent
Use of degrading words
20
83.33
disturbance
3
12.5
Mental disturbance
1
4.16
Total
24
100.00
Degrading
word
&
mental
The survey revealed that out of 24 respondents, 83 percent claimed use of degrading words while
dispute, 12 percent claimed degrading word & mental disturbance even 4 percent claimed it
occurs mental disturbance too.
In unmarried respondents, there was occurred physical violence of slapping with only one
respondent. Nobody was responded how often dispute take place.
Table 27: Need treatment after violent
Did you ever need treatment after violent?
No. Of respondents
Percent
No
23
95.83
Yes
1
4.17
Total
24
100.00
Out of 24 respondents, only 1 respondent (4 percent) told need treatment after violent behavior
most of the respondent (96 percent) does not need treatment.
4.5 Violence Related to widow
Table 28: Dispute with family members
Do you ever have dispute with any of the family members No.
Of
that create relationship problems?
respondents
Percent
No
1
9.091
Yes
10
90.909
Total
11
100
Out of 11 respondents, only 9 percent do not dispute rest o 91 percent have dispute with their
family members.
In widow women, out of 11 respondents, 10(91%) respondents were facing the Verbal assault
type of dispute/quarreling with their family. The reason of dispute was allocation of excessive
workload and for Money & work too.
Table 29: How does the person show violent behavior?
No.
How does the person show violent behavior?
respondents
Of
Percent
Oral
10
90.91
Oral and Physical
1
9.09
Total
11
100
One of the Widow respondents was facing both oral and physical violence. The physical
violence was she is beaten by her husband. And one of the problem in widow case is nobody
responded how often the dispute happened. Also, after the violent activities, nobody was neither
reported to the police nor Local NGOs, Local Leaders.
4.6: Violence Realted to Divorce
In the study of divorce respondents, all (3) respondents were facing the dispute with their
husband and family member. Among these respondents, its seems all have physical and verbal
violence. This type of violence, according to the respondents causes the divorce. In another case,
respondents divorced from his husband due to unbalance of age.
CHAPTER-V
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
This is the last chapter of the research. It presents the findings, conclusion and recommendations.
Based on the basis findings, conclusion and recommendation have been made. The applicable
suggestions have been presented as the form of recommendation that will certainly provide the
guideline for concerned parties.
5.1 FINDING
1. Out of 149 respondent Paswan covers 24% , Kami covers 23% , Musahar 14% , Damai
covers 12% , Mestar & Chamar covers 8%, Sarki covers 4% and Dom covers 3%. This
shows that Paswan and Kami Caste respondents are high then others.
2. Out of 149 respondents, 35% of the respondents’ age was below 20. Approximately 32%
of the respondents’ age was in between 20-30, 20% of in between 30-40, 7% of in
between 40-50 and the rest of respondent's age was above 50.
3. Out of 122 respondents, 73% has marriage registration and 26% are unknown about this
registration.
4. The survey shows that women have not access in their property; husband was the owner
of the land and property. Most of the Dalit are landless and they are living in land of
government like refuge.
5. Marriage age of respondent between 8-12 is (27%), between 12-16 are (46%), respondent
between 16-20 are (21%), and above 24 are (6%). It revealed that more than 94% of the
respondents were married below the age 20.
6. The survey shows that, out of 122 respondent 84 percent women respondent given birth
of child. 26 percent respondent were given 3 children birth, 20 percent respondent were
given 2 children birth, 25 percent respondent were given 1 child birth, 17 percent
respondent are given 4 children birth and rest 10 percent were given 5 or 6 children birth.
7. Out of 82 respondents, 41 percent were given 1 son birth, 37 percent given 2 son births,
17 percent were given 3 son and 3 percent were given 4 or 5 son birth.
Out of 80 respondents, 57 percent were given 1 daughter birth, 25 percent were given 2daughter birth, 12 percent were given 3-daughter birth and 5 percent were given 4daughter birth. It revealed that no. Of son birth is high then daughter birth.
8. The survey revealed that out of 108 married women, 38 % of their husband’s main
occupation is agriculture. The driving work of 12 % includes the pulling of Rickshaw and
motor driving. Approximately 27% are laborer, 3% of their husband works in Gulf
Country and only 5% are involving in private job. There are nearly 12% are involving in
the tradition occupation which includes the tailoring, Mestar and Mistri work. Only 11%
of their husband is setting their own small business for the survival.
9. The survey revealed that out of 122 respondents, 55 percent women are doing household
work. 30 percent women are doing Laborer work includes the doing works in other land
as labour and bring wood from forest .10 percent are doing agriculture work, 3 percent
women were involve in private job like mestar and garment work. Only 1 percent women
are enveloped in traditional occupation and own business. It shows that most of women
are household and labourer worker.
10. The survey revealed that out of 108 husbands, 64% of them were illiterate and could not
write their name. There were only 20(18 percent) husbands having primary level of
education and 18(17 percent) have secondary level of education. And only 6 husbands
have education higher than SLC. In case of wife education, 97% of the respondents were
illiterate but they could read and write their name by the help of Praud education. There
were 14 (11 percent) respondents have primary level, 5 (4 percent) have secondary level
of education and only 6 (5 percent) have education higher than SLC.
11. In unmarried case, 10 (37 percent) respondents were illiterate, 9 (33 percent) have
primary, 6 (22 percent) have secondary, and only 2 (7 percent) have education higher
than SLC level. In general, most of the unmarried family members were illiterate.
12. Out of 149 respondents, 62 percent claim that their economic condition is very low and it
was insufficient for them to survival. 12 percent respondent were economically self
sufficient from their income, 3 percent claimed sufficient for 2 times food, 3 percent
respondent save some money and 20 percent respondents don't want to tell their
economic status.
13. Out of 149 respondents, 27 (18 percent) are unmarried. 45 percent are household, 44
percent student and 11 percent are jobholder (works in other home, like dish wash). Most
of respondent mother are housewife and father are labourer.
Out of 27 respondents, 10 are Illiterate, 9 were primary level student, 6 were secondary
level student and 2 were Intermediate level student. It shows that most of the respondent
is illiterate.
14. The survey revealed that out of 149 respondents, 31 percent claim that they have dispute
with their mother in law, 23 percent have dispute with sister in law, 13 percent with
brother & sisters, 12 percent with motherin law & father in law. Even 6 percent
respondent claim that sometime their neighbour dispute with them, & 4 percent has
dispute with step mother & brother in law, 2 percent has dispute with daughter in law,
son and with daughter.
The overall result shows that most of the respondent of the family dispute with their
mother in law & sister in law & with father in law too.
15. Most of the respondent faced verbal assault dispute with their families' members. The
reason of the dispute was Allocation of excessive workload & for property & for children
too. Degrading words and mental disturbance has been found to be used highly when
dispute occurs. While Physical violent behaviour 54 percent claim that beating has been
used more than other violence.
16. Most of the respondent (57 percent) claim that such type of dispute occurs weekly & 22
percent claimed that it will happen daily and monthly. Most of the respondent (86
percent) told they don't need treatment after violent behaviour & 14 percent need
treatment after such violence.79 percent respondent told that they have to suffer from
small injure but 21 percent claim they were admitted in hospital after such violent.
Due to fear of Family male partner, Shame & society 89 percent told that they have done
nothing against this violence only 10 percent respondent report to police. It shows that
Due to fear of family male partner, society & shame women were suffering from such
violent and if someone ready report to police they claimed that they didn't get support
from police and due to structure of our society and dependency of women to their male
partner were the main reason to tolerate such violence easily.
17. Most of the respondents (97 percent) claimed that their husband shows violent behaviour
against them and only 3 percent told us their husband behave with them properly. It
shows that most of the women suffering violence from their husband.
18. Most of the respondents (87 percent) claim that their husband show violent behavior
against them when they take alcohol. 4 percent told when their husband drink alcohol &
gambled, 3 percent claimed violent occurs when discuss will be happened between them.
2 percent claimed violent occurs when their husband get angry and gamble cards. Even 1
percent respondent claim their husband shows violent behaviour after listening sister's
view & after taking drugs. Likewise Polygamy and second marriage was also the cause of
violent.
It shows that most of the respondent suffers from violent behaviour when their take alcohol.
19. Out of 105 respondent (52 percent) claimed their husband show violent behaviour
weekly. Even 54 percent told they need treatment after violent behaviour & 89 percent
claim that they injured and take medicine at home after violent behaviour.
20. It shows that 80 percent respondent were beaten by their husband when they are pegnant.
98 percent told they do nothing after such violent occur due to fear of male member ,
shame & society. Even 6 percent respondent expected their husband will be changed.Out
of 108 respondent , 30 percent women demanded for house and employment facilities. 25
percent demanded for medical treatment, 18 percent for employment. It shows that due to
dependency to their husband and lack of employment & education women sufferer
violent from their husband.
21. In the violence problem, when someone goes to report police, then Police arrested the
person and put them in custody. Police put only for some days and after leaving that
person from the custody same thing happens again. Likewise Local NGOs and Leaders
suggest not repeating such behavior but it happens in the village.
22. In unmarried respondents, there was occurred physical violence of slapping with only one
respondent. Nobody was responded how often dispute take place.
23. One respondent needs treatment for the small injures and took medicine at home. In the
study of unmarried respondents, the survey showed that respondent hide her physical
violence problem due to the fear from the society and shame. On the other side, one
respondent became victims of Sexual harassment in the work place.
24. In widow women, out of 11 respondents, 10(91%) respondents were facing the Verbal
assault type of dispute/quarreling with their family.
25. In the study of divorce respondents, all (3) respondents were facing the dispute with their
husband and family member. The major violence was of both verbal and physical type. It
is found that the respondents divorced from his husband due to the unbalance of age.
5.2 CONCLUSION
The study was conducted to identify domestic violence against Dalit women & girls of Mahottari
district.
Based on the study result, it is concluded that Domestic violence is a universal problem. It is
prevalent in all races, nationalities, races, social classes, castes, religious groups, sexes and ages.
Nepal is a male dominated society. Man is the head of the family and decision maker of the
house. This idea of male supremacy and dominance over female if often reflected by the customs
of societies and is considered domestic violence as private matter. Thus, domestic violence is a
continue of beliefs that grant men right to control women’s behavior, violence, among other
things, that results in injury of the victim and also has to bear the cost of seeking the medical
treatment.
Dalit women lies on the ground of caste based discrimination and untouchability. Dalit women
have been facing lot of violence from various area, they have to face violence in home, in public
places and even at work in different occasions. However, there is no any proper legal provision
as to protecting their basic human rights. Mainly in terai region Dalit women are being
victimized in the accusation of
Boxi (witchcraft), dowry system and beaten by their husband
when they use alcohol.
The result of the study shows that domestic violence occurs when their male partner use alcohol.
Verbal assault was commonly found; beating and marital rape was also found in some cases.
Even their family member like mother in law, father in law & sister in law show violent
behavior.
In unmarried respondents, there was occurred physical violence of slapping with only one
respondent. Nobody was responded how often dispute take place. In the study of unmarried
respondents, the survey showed that respondent hide her physical violence problem due to the
fear from the society and shame.
In widow women, respondents were facing the Verbal assault type of dispute/quarreling with
their family.
In the study of divorce respondents, all respondents were facing the dispute with their husband
and family member. The major violence was of both verbal and physical type. The issue of
violence between respondents and husband was due to the Dalit caste of respondents. In another
case, respondents divorced from his husband due to the unbalance of age.
Among Dalits, the low level of literacy rate and sharply declining educational attainment in
higher levels, especially for the females have serious constraints in overall Dalits-empowerment.
The reformations in traditional socio- cultural settings are sought more with education and
awareness. Moreover, the education among Dalits themselves and second, change in the intercommunity culture. For both conditions Dalits education plays vital roles, and thus policy
interventions are required to evaluate the educational status of Dalits in Nepal.
The other serious constraint for the Dalit empowerment is the prevailing caste-based
discrimination. Dalits are discriminated by the high caste and Indigenous Nationalities in many
areas of their social, economic and political life. They don't feel socially equal with these groups
of people. Up to today, they have no courage to protest such discriminatory behaviours and they
reluctantly accept these things are their fate.
The other serious problem among the terai Dalits is that many of them are debarred from the
Nepali citizenship even today because most of them are landless. Tae other complicated issue for
the terai Dalit is that there is little vital record (birth, death, marriage record as such) available
for them, making the issue more complicated while separating the Nepali Terai Dalit from the
recent migrants of India.
5.3 RECOMMENDATION
Based on findings of the study, the following recommendations can be suggested to prevent and
control the domestic violence.
Creating Awareness
Research indicates that lack of awareness is the main cause of domestic violence. If men and
women both are involved in awareness programme then violence should be controlled to some
extent. A national level awareness programmed using all modern and traditional channels of
communication (i.e. Television, radio, non formal education system, folk songs) should be
designed on the social non-acceptability of violence against women as well as to create
awareness among themselves. Especially, involvement of both men and women equally in such
creating awareness program has to be highly encouraged. Culturally and socially appropriate
message in local language on reproductive health, humanitarian law, domestic law, various legal
provisions regarded to supportive awareness program up to public level have to be broadcasted
for social support of survivors/victims. Not only national level mass media, but also local level
media such as local New paper, FM can be utilized for interview, interactive program, gossip
program in order to create public awareness in local level.
Specified the role of other stakeholders
Identification and its specification of the role of other stakeholders are paramount mechanisms to
eradicate traditional mal-practices regarding child marriage. To implement existing law and
practices, the role of government mechanisms such as police administration and local level
administration, the role of social activists, developmental activists have to be identified and they
have to be given special authority so that they could proceed against traditional mal-practices of
early child marriage. In order to implement existing laws, act and provision regarding child
marriage, local administration and police administration can play vital role against child
marriage practices being taken as punishable matter. These local level mechanisms/institutions
have to be empowered with specialized roles, responsibilities and order by the central
mechanism of state to implement strictly existing laws and act against child marriage in one
hand. On the other hand social activist, development workers and, leader and front-liner of that
community can be involved to launch various programs/activities such as focus group
discussion, interaction, literacy classes, legal literacy class, Para-legal training, basic level child
and woman right class including male and female of that community leader.
Ban Alcoholism and Emphasis on Self Reliance Activities
Alcohol has been identified as a key component to cause domestic violence. Mostly domestic
violence occurs when their male partner use alcohol. Sale and product of alcohol should be
strictly prohibited and declared alcohol prohibited zone for those affected area. Their selfreliance activities have to be promoted so that they could survive and sustain their lives replacing
their domestic product of alcohol. Self-scheme programs such as poultry farming, fish farming,
animal husbandry etc have to be launched with being empowered with economic loan.
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Annex 1
Table 1: Distribution of sample respondents within caste and VDC.
Village Development Committee
SN
Caste
Jaleshwor
Bardibas
Ramnagar
Total
1
Chamar
0
0
12
12
2
Damai
0
14
5
19
3
Dom
5
0
0
5
4
Kami
14
13
8
35
5
Mestar
13
0
0
13
6
Musahar
0
13
9
22
7
Paswan
37
0
0
37
8
Sarki
0
6
0
6
9
Total
69
46
34
149
Table 2: Marital status of respondents
SN
Marital Status
No. Of respondents
Percent
1
Married
108
72.48
2
Unmarried
27
18.12
3
Widow
11
7.38
4
Divorced
3
2.01
5
Total
149
100
Table 3: Given birth of Child
SN
Given birth of Child
No. of respondents
Percent
1
No
20
16.39
2
Yes
102
83.61
3
Total
122
100
Table 4: Number of children births
No. Of son
No. Of
birth
respondents
Percent
1
34
41.46
2
30
36.59
3
14
17.07
4
2
2.44
5
2
2.44
No. Of
No. Of
daughter birth
respondents
Percent
1
46
57.5
2
20
25
3
10
12.5
4
4
5
Total
80
100
Total
82
100
Unmarried
Table 5: Occupation of Father & Mother
Occupation of
Father
Occupation of
No. Of
respondents
Percent
4
14
8
30
Agriculture
Laborer
(Driving)
mother
No. Of
respondents
Percent
Agriculture
2
7.4
Laborer
1
4.00
Occupation
4
14.6
Household
20
74
Total
27
100
Traditional
Private job
3
12
Occupation
5
18
Own business
6
22
Household
1
4
Total
27
100
Traditional
Note: here traditional occupation means tailoring, Mestar and Mistri work. And driving means
Rickshaw driving.
Table 6: Occupation of Brother
No. Of
Occupation of Brother
respondents
Percent
Jobholder in Police
2
8.70
Agriculture Laborer
1
4.35
Household
1
4.35
Jobholder in India
1
4.35
Rickshaw Puller
7
30.43
Student
10
43.48
Domestic helper
1
4.35
Total
23
100
Table 7: Occupation of Sister
Occupation of Sister
No. Of respondents
Percent
Household
21
72.41
Student
7
24.14
Domestic Helper
1
3.45
Total
29
100
Violence Related with family
Table 8: Dispute with family
Do you ever have dispute with any of the family members other
than your husband that creates relationship problems?
No. Of
respondents
Percent
Yes
132
88.59
No
17
11.41
Total
149
100
Table 9: Type of dispute
What type of dispute/ Quarreling you often have to
face?
No. Of
respondents
Percent
Beating
5
3.79
Physical attack
8
6.06
Verbal assault
111
84.09
5
3.79
Verbal assault & beating
Verbal assault & Physical attack
Total
3
2.27
132
100
Table 10: Type of Oral violent behaviour
Type of Oral violent behavior
No. of respondents
Percent
Degrading word
77
60.63
Degrading word &mental disturbance
50
39.37
Total
127
100
Table 11: Type of physical violent behaviour
Type of physical violent
behavior
No. Of respondents
Percent
Beating
10
47.62
Beating & slapping
1
4.76
Broken limb
1
4.76
Broken hand
1
4.76
Slapping
6
28.57
Slapping & broken limb
1
4.76
Small injure
1
4.76
Total
21
100
No. Of respondents
Percent
Table12: Dispute take place
How often such dispute/quarreling takes
place?
Daily
29
21.97
Weekly
75
56.82
Monthly
28
21.21
Total
132
100
Table 13: kind of treatment
If yes then, what kind of treatment
No. Of respondents
Percent
Admitted in hospital
4
21.05
Small injure
15
78.95
Total
19
100
Table 14: Done after violent.
What did you do after violent acts?
No. Of respondents
Percent
shame
1
5.26
Nothing
17
89.47
Report to police
2
10.53
Total
19
100
Fear of male member, society &
Violence Related to Husband
Table 15: Kind of violent beahviour?
No. Of
If yes then what kind of violent behavior?
respondents
Percent
Beating
20
Beating and marriage rape
12
19.05
11.43
Beating and verbal assault
19
Beating and slapping
15
Verbal assault
21
Beating, Slapping and marriage rape
16
Slapping
18.10
14.29
20.00
15.24
1.90
2
Total
100
105
Table 16: Kind of treatment needed
If yes then what kind of treatment
No. Of respondents
Percent
Admitted in hospital
3
5.26
Broken limbs and fractures
3
5.26
Small injure and take medicine at home
51
89.47
Total
57
100
Table 17: If nothing why
If nothing why?
No. Of respondents
Percent
By shame
5
8.77
Fear of male member and shame
9
15.79
society
40
70.18
Expectation of his behavior change
3
5.26
Total
57
100
Fear of male member, shame and
Table 18: kind of support
Kind of support
No. Of respondents
Percent
27
25
Facility for medical
treatment
Employment and
Education
23
21.30
Employment
20
18.52
Family mediation
3
2.78
House facility
2
1.85
32
29.63
1
0.93
108
100
House and employment
facility
Women rights and
employment
Total
Violence Related to Unmarried
Table 19: if yes, with whom
If yes, with whom?
No. Of respondents
Percent
Brothers
2
8.33
Brothers and Sisters
4
16.67
Sisters
6
25.00
Brother in law and sister in law
5
20.83
Father, Mothers and Sisters
6
25.00
Mother (Second mother)
1
4.17
Total
24
100.00
Table 20: Type of dispute
Type of dispute
No. Of respondents
Percent
Beating
4
16.67
Verbal assault
19
79.17
Verbal assault & beating
1
4.17
Total
24
100.00
Table 21: Reason of dispute
What is the reason of dispute/Quarreling you often
have to face?
No. Of
respondents
Percent
Allocation of Excessive workload
18
75
Discrimination in food allocation
1
4.17
For work and food allocation
3
12.50
For work and study
1
4.17
Happening of second marriage in home
1
4.17
Total
24
100
Violence Related to Widow
Table 22: If yes with whom
If yes with whom
No. Of respondents
Percent
Daughter
1
10
Brother in law
1
10
Father in law
1
10
Father, mother & brother
1
10
Son's of Brother in law and with neighbor
1
10
Daughter
1
10
Daughter & Son in law
1
10
Son
1
10
Mother & brother
1
10
Neighbor & house member
1
10
Total
10
100
Table 23: Reason of dispute.
What is the reason of dispute/ Quarreling you
often have to face?
No. Of
respondents
Percent
About property
1
10
Discrimination in food allocation
1
10
Allocation of excessive work load
2
20
Money and work
3
30
For work & children
1
10
Land & property distribution
1
10
Sexual harassment & teasing
1
10
Total
10
100
Table 24: If Oral then
No. Of
If Oral then
Use of degrading words
respondents
Percent
6
60
Use of degrading word & mental disturbance
4
40
Total
10
100
Annex 2
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SURVEY ON
DOMESTIC VIOLNECE AGAINST DALIT WOMEN IN MAHOTTARI DISTRICT
Section-1 (Personal Identification of the respondents)
1.Name of the respondent (to be kept confidential)
………………………………………………………
2.Current age in completed years………………………………………
3. Sex:
Male 
Female 
4. Caste/Ethnicity………………………………………
5. Religion……………………………….
6.Marital Status:
Married 
Unmarried 
Divorced 
Section-A (If Married then)
1.What age you gets married?………………………………
2. Status of marriage registration?.............................................
3. Land ownership?.....................................................................
Widow 
4. Do you have given birth to child?
Yes 
No 
5. How many children do you have?
Sons 
Daughters 
6. What type of Family are you living with?
Nuclear 
Joint 
Other specify………………………………….
7.What is your Occupation?
Husband
Own agriculture
Agriculture labourer
Services
Business
Non-agriculture labourer
Wife
Politics and social services
Other specify
8.Which grade (class) have you completed?
Husband
Wife
No class completed
One class completed
Two class
Three class
Test pass
SLC
10+2 or IA
BA or above
9. Economic Status (per month)
Sufficient 
Insufficient 
Economically self sufficient 
Section-B (If unmarried then)
Possible to save 
1.What type of Family are you living with?
Nuclear 
Joint 
Other specify…………………………………….
2. What is your Occupation?
Mother
Brothers
Father
Sisters
Own
agriculture
Agriculture
labourer
Services
Business
Non-agriculture
labourer
Politics
and
social services
Student
Other specify
3. Which grade( class) have you completed?
Mother
Father
Brothers
Sisters
No
class
completed
One
class
completed
Two class
Three class
Test pass
SLC
10+2 or IA
BA or above
4. Economic Status (per month) ?
Sufficient 
Insufficient 
Possible to save 
Economically self sufficient 
Section –2 (Violence Related Questions)
Section-A (Family)
1. Do you ever have dispute with any of the family members other than your
creates relationship problems?
Yes 
No 
husband that
2. If yes, with whom?
(a.) Father-in-law
(b.) Mother- in- law
(c.) Sister-in-law
(d.) Brother - in- law
(e.) Other specify……………………...
3. What type of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
(a.) Verbal assault, Use of degrading words 
(b.) Physical attack, beating and battering 
(c.) Sexual harassment and Teasing
4. What is the reason of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
(a.) Harassment due to dowry 
(i) Household work not done Properly ……………………………
(ii) Food not cook properly………………………………
(iii) Light not burn in time ………………………………
(b.) Allocation of excessive workload 
(c.) Discrimination in food allocation 
5. When does the person show violent behaviour?
Oral 
physical
others 
If Oral then,
Use of degrading words 
Mental disturbance 
Other (please specify) 
If physical then,
Beating 
Slapping 
Broken limbs and fractures
Other specify 
6. How often such dispute/ quarreling takes place?
(a.) Daily 
(b.) Weekly 
(d.) Other specify.
7. Did you ever need treatment after violent acts?
Yes 
No 
(c.) Monthly 
If yes then, what kind of treatment?
Small injure 
Broken limbs and fractures
Admitted in hospital 
(a.) What did you do after violent acts?
(i) Report to police 
(ii) Local NGO 
(iii) Local Leader 
(iv) Others (Please specify)………………………………
(b.) If nothing, why?
Fear of family male member 
Fear of society 
By shame 
Others reasons...................................
(c.) Report to police 
(i)
Why you report to police....................................................................
(ii)
What they have done...............................................................................
(d.) Local NGO 
(i)
Why you visit there.........................................
(ii)
What they have done.........................................
(e.) Village Local Leader 
(i)
Why you visit there.........................................
(ii)
What they have done.........................................
Section- B (Husband)
1. Does your husband ever show violent behaviour against you?
Yes 
No 
If yes, then what kind of violent behaviour?
Slapping 
Beating 
Verbal 
Marriage Rape 
Other (specify) .....................................................
2. When does he get violent against you?
(a.)
After taking alcohol 
(b.)
After taking drugs 
(c.)
After gambling 
(d.)
Others (please specify)…………………………
3. How often does he show violent behaviour?
(a.) Daily 
(b.) Weekly 
(c.) Monthly 
(d.) Others (please specify)……………………….
4. Did you ever need medical treatment after violent incident?
Yes 
No
If yes then, what kind of treatment?
Small injure 
Broken limbs and fractures
Admitted in hospital 
(a.) What did you do after violent acts?
(i) Report to police 
(ii) Local NGO 
(iii) Local Leader 
(iv) Others (Please sepcify)………………………………
(b.) If nothing, why?
Fear of family male member 
Fear of society 
By shame 
Others reasons...................................
(c.) Report to police 
(iii)
Why you report to police....................................................................
(iv)
What they have done...............................................................................
(d.) Local NGO 
(iii)
Why you visit there.........................................
(iv)
What they have done.........................................
(e.) Village Local Leader 
(i)
Why you visit there.........................................
(ii)
What they have done.........................................
5. Did you ever beat you while you were pregnant?
Yes 
No 
(a.) What did you do after violent acts?
(i) Report to police 
(ii) Local NGO 
(iii) Local Leader 
(iv) Others (Please specify)………………………………
6. In your opinion, what kind of support is needed for the victims of violence?
(a.) Family mediation 
(b.) Layer 
(c.) Facility for medical treatment 
(d.) Others (please specify)………………………………………..
Section-C (If unmarried then)
1.Do you ever have dispute with any of the family members that create relationship problems?
Yes
2. If yes, with whom?
(a.) Father 
(b.) Mother 
No
(c.) Sisters 
(d.) Brothers 
(e.) Brother-in law 
(f.) Other specify……………….
3. What type of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
Verbal assault, Use of degrading words 
Physical attack, beating and battering 
Sexual harassment and Teasing 
4. What is the reason of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
(a.) Allocation of excessive workload 
(i) Household work not done Properly ……………………………
(ii) Food not cook properly………………………………
(iii) Light not burn in time ………………………………
(b.) Discrimination in food allocation 
5. When does the person show violent behaviour?
Oral 
physical 
If Oral then,
Use of degrading words 
others 
Mental disturbance 
Other (please specify) 
If physical then,
Beating 
Slapping 
Rape

Other specify…………………………………………
6. How often such dispute/ quarreling takes place?
(a.) Daily 
(b.) Weekly 
7. Did you ever need treatment after violent acts?
Yes 
No 
If yes then, what kind of treatment?
Small injure 
Broken limbs and fractures
Admitted in hospital 
(b.) If nothing, why?
(c.) Monthly  (d.) Other specifies.
Fear of family male member 
Fear of society 
By shame 
Others reasons...................................
(c.) Report to police 
(v)
Why you report to police....................................................................
(vi)
What they have done...............................................................................
(d.) Local NGO 
(v)
Why you visit there.........................................
(vi)
What they have done.........................................
(e.) Village Local Leader 
(i)
Why you visit there.........................................
(ii)
What they have done.........................................
Section-D (If Divorced then)
1.Do you ever have dispute with any of the family members and others that creates relationship
problems?
Yes
No
2. If yes, with whom?
(a.) Father 
(b.) Mother 
(c.) Sisters 
(d.) Brothers 
(e.) Neighbour. 
(f.) Other specify……………….
3. What type of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
(a.) Verbal assault, Use of degrading words 
(b.) Physical attack, beating and battering 
(c.) Sexual harassment and Teasing 
4. What is the reason of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
(a.) Harassment due to dowry 
(b.) Allocation of excessive workload 
(i) Household work not done Properly ……………………………
(ii) Food not cook properly………………………………
(iii) Light not burn in time ………………………………
(c.) Discrimination in food allocation 
4. When does the person show violent behaviour?
Oral 
others 
physical
If Oral then,
Use of degrading words 
Mental disturbance 
Other (please specify) 
If physical then,
Beating 
Slapping 
Broken limbs and fractures
Sexual harassment 
Others (specify)
5. How often such dispute/ quarreling takes place?
(a.) Daily 
(b.) Weekly 
(d.) Other specify.
6. Did you ever need treatment after violent acts?
Yes 
No 
(c.) Monthly 
If yes then, what kind of treatment?
Small injure 
Broken limbs and fractures
Admitted in hospital 
(a.) What did you do after violent acts?
(i) Report to police 
(ii) Local NGO 
(iii) Local Leader 
(iv) Others (Please specify)………………………………
(b.) If nothing , why?
Fear of family male member 
Fear of society 
By shame 
Others reasons...................................
(c.) Report to police 
(vii)
Why you report to police....................................................................
(viii) What they have done...............................................................................
(d.) Local NGO 
(vii)
Why you visit there.........................................
(viii) What they have done.......................................
(e.) Village Local Leader 
(i)
Why you visit there.........................................
(ii)
What they have done.......................................
Section-E (If widow then)
1.Do you ever have dispute with any of the family members that create relationship problems?
Yes
No
2. If yes, with whom?
Father-in-law
Mother- in- law
Sister-in-law
Brother - in- law 
Neighbour. 
Children 
Others specify……………….
3. What type of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
Verbal assault, Use of degrading words 
Physical attack, beating and battering 
Sexual harassment and Teasing 
4. What is the reason of dispute/Quarreling you often have to face?
(a.) Allocation of excessive workload 
(i) Household work not done Properly ……………………………
(ii) food not cook properly………………………………
(iii) Light not burn in time ………………………………
(b.) Discrimination in food allocation 
5. When does the person show violent behaviour?
Oral 
physical
If Oral then,
Use of degrading words 
Mental disturbance 
Other (please specify) 
If physical then,
Beating 
others 
Slapping 
Broken limbs and fractures
Allocation of excessive workload 
Discrimination in food allocation 
Sexual harassment and teasing 
Other specify…………………………………………
6. How often such dispute/ quarreling takes place?
(a.) Daily 
(b.) Weekly 
(c.) Monthly 
(d.) Other specify.
7. Did you ever need treatment after violent acts?
Yes 
No 
If yes then, what kind of treatment?
Small injure 
Broken limbs and fractures
Admitted in hospital 
(a.) What did you do after violent acts?
(i) Report to police 
(ii) Local NGO 
(iii) Local Leader 
(iv) Others (Please specify)………………………………
(b.) If nothing, why?
Fear of family male member 
Fear of society 
By shame 
Others reasons...................................
(c.) Report to police 
(ix)
Why you report to police....................................................................
(x)
What they have done...............................................................................
(d.) Local NGO 
(ix)
Why you visit there.........................................
(x)
What they have done.........................................
(e.) Village Local Leader 
(i)
Why you visit there.........................................
(ii)
What they have done.......................................
Annex-3
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Photo of Bardibas Dalit Women