Understanding the Experiences of Women Affected by Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study at Saidu Teaching Hospital

Abstract

This study explores the personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and psychological impacts of domestic violence on women in Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Despite increasing attention to gender-based violence in South Asia, little is known about how women in conservative and rural regions like Swat navigate abuse and access support. The study aims to understand the emotional, psychological, and social consequences of domestic violence on women, focusing on how victims endure and respond to abuse within a patriarchal cultural framework. Using a narrative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 doctors and nurses at Saidu Teaching Hospital, selected via snowball sampling. These healthcare professionals provided firsthand insights into the behaviors, emotions, and health outcomes of women survivors. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, with the aid of NVivo software to code and organize emerging patterns. The findings revealed that fear of disclosure, social stigma, and cultural silence prevent women from reporting abuse or seeking help. Many women rely on spiritual and emotional coping mechanisms such as prayer, household work, and self-isolation. Others endure abuse for the sake of their children, fearing social rejection if they leave. The study also found that women often suffer from chronic depression, emotional disconnection from children, and loss of self-confidence, with minimal access to female-focused mental health services. The absence of legal trust and support systems further traps victims in cycles of abuse. The study concludes that domestic violence in Swat is not just a physical issue but a deep emotional and social crisis. It recommends trauma-informed, gender-sensitive interventions, improved legal awareness, and community-based education to support recovery. Empowering women through counselling, safe spaces, and access to justice is essential for breaking the silence and fostering resilience.