Determinants of intimate partner violence in Nepal

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is pervasive in developing countries and impedes women from achieving equality in income, opportunity, health, and social standing. Understanding the determinants of such violence at the country level will inform policymakers on how to combat the issue. This chapter explores the determinants of IPV in Nepal among women aged 15-49 years old using the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. Characteristics regarding women, husbands, and households, including wealth quintile, are considered. Results indicate that the primary, significant determinants of IPV are the husband’s education level, religion, ethnicity/caste, husband’s drinking status, household wealth, and whether the woman saw her father beat her mother as a child. Engaging a variety of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, law enforcement, community leaders, and institutions, is crucial to reducing IPV in Nepal, as is a focus on removing economic barriers for both men and women.