Empirical Review on Correlates of Domestic Violence among Couples

This position paper presents an empirical review of the correlates of domestic violence among couples, synthesizing multidisciplinary evidence within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). Domestic violence constitutes a pervasive psychosocial and public health challenge with profound implications for individual wellbeing, family stability, and societal development. Despite its global prevalence, it remains significantly underreported due to fear, stigma, economic dependence, and socio-cultural normalization of abuse. Empirical findings consistently identify a constellation of interrelated correlates, including psychological factors (stress, frustration, anger dysregulation, depression), relational dynamics (power imbalance, gender-role socialization), behavioural risks (substance abuse), socio-economic stressors (poverty, unemployment), and religio-cultural influences. These variables interact within ecological systems to increase vulnerability to intimate partner violence. The consequences are multidimensional, encompassing physical injury, chronic health complications, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), diminished occupational and educational functioning, and adverse developmental outcomes in children exposed to inter-parental violence. In extreme cases, domestic violence results in permanent disability or mortality.Anchored on SDG 5 targets aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, this review argues that addressing domestic violence requires integrated, evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. These include structured premarital and marital counselling programmes, community-based psychoeducation, gender-responsive policies, economic empowerment initiatives, and collaborative engagement between religious institutions, professional counsellors, and social service agencies. By situating domestic violence within the SDG accountability framework, this paper advances a development-oriented perspective that underscores prevention, equity, and systemic reform as essential pathways toward safer and more resilient families.