Wife Battering Trends In Pakistani Population

Abstract

Objective: To study the present trends about wife battering in Pakistani population.
Material and Methods:Two hundred cases of battered wife were selected from Emergency &
OPD of Islam Hospital Sialkot, OPD & Emergency of Fouji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi, PD &
Emergency Department of Railway Hospital Rawalpindi, OPD & Emergency Department of
Services Hospital, Lahore, and OPD & Emergency Department of Shahina Jamil Hospital
Abbottabad. The data was collected on proforma with relation to age, socio economic status,
literacy rate, occupation, addiction, joint family system & residential area with the permission of
authorities of the hospitals. The data was analyzed for results statistically.
Results: In this study the victims of battered wife were maximum at the age range 21 30 years
33 % (66 cases) as compared to age range 71 80 years 02 % (04 cases). The house wives were
the maximum victims of battered wife 25 % (50 cases) as compared to belonging to business
community wives 05 % (10 cases). In the lower class the victims of battered wife were 56 % (112
cases), in middle class 24 % (48 cases) and in high gentry 20 % (40 cases) victims of battered wife
were recorded. Among the addicted couples the battering of wife was higher 83 % (166 cases) as
compared to non addicted couples 17 % (34 cases). The battered wives were 73 % (146 cases) in
case of more than one wife as compared to single wife 27 % (54 cases). Where there was
sickness of the wife or husband the victims were 83 % (166 cases) as compared to healthy couple
which were 17 % (34 cases). In illiterate families the victims of battered wife were 63 % (126
cases) as compared to literate families 37 % (74 cases). In joint family system the victims of
battered wife were 67 % (134 cases) as compared to nuclear family system 33 % (66 cases) were
seen. The victims of battered wife were maximum from rural area 67 % (134 cases) as compared
to urban area 33 % (66 cases).
Conclusion: The tendency of battered wife is a global problem. It is increasing day by day in
developed / under developed countries and nations. This trend is even going to be increased in
Muslims countries where battering to the wife is prohibited (Haraam).