Dowry, 'dowry autonomy' and domestic violence among young married women in India

Dowry, women’s autonomy to use dowry (‘dowry autonomy’), and their association with domestic violence were examined using data from a survey of young married women in the age group 15-24 years in India. About three-fourth of the women reported dowry at their marriage, and about 66% reported ability to exercise autonomy to use it – ‘dowry autonomy’. Dowry giving without ‘dowry autonomy’ had no protective value against physical domestic violence. While women’s participation in paid employment increased the odds of physical domestic violence, women’s education and marrying after 18 years of age reduced the likelihood of physical domestic violence.