DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND FINANCIAL DEPENDABILITY OF WOMEN IN PAKISTAN: AN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Drawing upon the data collected from in-depth interviews, this study works on presenting the various aspects of domestic violence against women prevalent in the society. The study highlights prime reasons that restrict women in abusive marriages, while also focusing on financial violence as one of the major forms of domestic violence and creates a link between financial dependency and increased vulnerability of women towards violence with the assistance of plethora of literature. The conceptual structure of this study is to bring into light the reasons for women to stay put in abusive relationships; it will also highlight the importance of financial literacy for women. Considering the strengthening of women’s standing within society upon achieving quality education coupled with financial independence, they shall be able to resist any sort of violence directed towards them. The study is based on empirical evidence collected from previously victimized women, recruited using multistage sampling technique including purposive and snowball sampling. The required data was gathered through 19 in-depth interviews taken over telephonic or video calls, in times of COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this exploratory study is to outline the importance of education, financial literacy and self-efficacy; and present findings carefully deduced through thematic analysis to establish a relationship between domestic violence and women economic empowerment. The results revealed a positive association among the key variables i.e. financial literacy, education and domestic violence. The findings stipulate education and financial literacy as a determinant of economic empowerment as well as link it to diminishing cases of domestic violence. It is concluded that economic independence coupled with skills development and knowledge to utilize those skills would leave women less vulnerable towards domestic violence. By focusing this research specifically on women who have experienced domestic violence, the study intends to generate awareness regarding the importance of education, financial literacy and consequently women economic empowerment. This study is a conscious effort to enlighten the policy makers and researchers, so more emphasis can be given to economically empowering domestic violence survivors. Furthermore, the study suggests introduction of marital counseling, financial literacy, quality education and women empowerment as a way forward to achieving the desired goals.