The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS 6) data indicates a decline in gender-based violence in India, from 29.2 per cent in 2021-22 to 22.3 per cent in 2023-24. However, experts caution that this reduction may be more apparent than real, citing potential underreporting and changes in survey methodology.
Underreporting Concerns
According to activists and researchers, the drop in reported cases could stem from women being less willing to disclose violence due to stigma, fear of reprisal, or lack of trust in survey confidentiality. Additionally, the survey's timing and sample composition may have influenced results.
Methodological Shifts
The NFHS 6 employed a different approach compared to previous rounds, including shorter questionnaires and altered phrasing of sensitive questions. These changes might have led to fewer women acknowledging experiences of violence.
- Shorter interviews: Reduced time for rapport-building may discourage disclosure.
- Question wording: Variations in how domestic violence is defined could affect responses.
- Sample representation: Urban and educated women were overrepresented, who typically report lower violence rates.
Legal and Policy Gaps
Despite the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), implementation remains weak. Many cases go unreported due to inadequate support systems, police insensitivity, and societal pressure. The NFHS data may not capture the true scale of the problem.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Anjali Bhardwaj, a public health researcher, stated: "The decline is statistically significant but must be interpreted cautiously. We need qualitative studies to understand if real progress is being made or if we are simply seeing a data artifact."
Women's rights groups have called for more robust data collection methods and greater investment in survivor services. They emphasize that the NFHS alone cannot provide a complete picture of gender-based violence in India.
The NFHS 6 findings serve as a reminder that while numbers may improve on paper, the lived experiences of many women remain unchanged. Comprehensive policy action and community engagement are essential to address the root causes of violence.
