Domestic Violence among Narikuravar Women in Tamil Nadu: A Cross-Sectional Study

Angel Rani

Abstract: Background: Domestic violence remains a critical public health concern among marginalized tribal communities in India. The Narikuravar, a semi-nomadic tribal group in Tamil Nadu, faces compounded vulnerabilities due to historical marginalization, poverty, and illiteracy. Objective: To assess the prevalence, forms, and demographic correlates of domestic violence among Narikuravar women in selected districts of Tamil Nadu. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 97 married Narikuravar women aged 15-45 years from Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Thoothukudi districts using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence. Chi-square tests examined associations between demographic variables and violence forms. Results: Overall, 74.23% of respondents experienced at least one form of domestic violence. Economic violence was most prevalent (68.04%), followed by physical (50.52%), sexual (45.36%), and emotional violence (39.18%). Violence during pregnancy affected 6.19% of women. Significant associations were found between violence and age at marriage, type of marriage, duration of togetherness, husband's education, and monthly income (p<0.05). Conclusion: Domestic violence among Narikuravar women is alarmingly high, driven by patriarchal norms, economic deprivation, and illiteracy. Culturally sensitive interventions addressing education, economic empowerment, and legal awareness are urgently needed.

Keywords: Domestic violence, Narikuravar women, tribal communities, intimate partner violence, Tamil Nadu, marginalized populations

How to Cite?: Angel Rani, "Domestic Violence among Narikuravar Women in Tamil Nadu: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1764-1767, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR251126130250, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR251126130250