Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Bhutan: Understanding Women’s Responses to IPV Using the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is highly prevalent in Asian region. It is largely committed by male against their female intimate partner. This is often associated with the region’s unique social and cultural norms which subordinate women throughout their lives. IPV is an ongoing concern in Bhutan. The country’s age-old traditions and customs are closely related to culture of silence among women experiencing IPV. This study examined women’s responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Bhutan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore sensitising concepts such as how and when women recognised IPV and how they responded to it. Fifteen women who had sought supportive services at the institution `RENEW’ (Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women) as a result of IPV participated in the interview. The Trans-theoretical model of behaviour change (TTM) was used as a theoretical framework to understand women’s cognitive, affective and behavioural change processes. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify the patterns of women’s responses. From the analysis, women’s experiences of IPV and their responses were located within the four stages of change, including contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. Women used nine traditional processes of change among which consciousness raising and helping relationships were critical and appeared across all four stages of change. This study provides important insights of Bhutanese women’s cognitive and behavioural responses to IPV. The appearance of consciousness raising and helping relationships across all the stages of change represents a potential opportunity for intervention to initiate and promote changes in women’s response to IPV in the early stages.

Dynamics of Rural Crime in South Asia: A Criminological Overview

“…These crimes and violence against women are also termed as gender-based crimes or violence against women, because they originate from and reflect the patriarchal norms and gender inequalities prevalent in these societies (Sharma, 2005;Koenig et al, 2006;Schuler, 2008;Khatun, 2012;Choden et al, 2022). Other contributing factors toward gender-based violence at the micro and macro levels include the acceptability of violence amongst both men and women, lack of formal education and economic disempowerment of women, joint family systems, and lack of awareness of legal and other support systems (Koenig et al, 2006;Schuler, 2008).…”