Intimae Partner Violence: An Analysis of Socio-cultural Barriers to Women in Accessing Legal Help in District Khairpur Mirs

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a pervasive issue within the rural landscape of Pakistan, where entrenched socio-cultural norms continue to undermine women's pursuit of legal justice. This study explores the multifaceted barriers that inhibit women's access to legal assistance in District Khairpur Mirs, with a particular focus on the role of societal attitudes, economic dependency, fear of retaliation, and limited legal awareness. Despite the presence of statutory protections, the responsiveness of law enforcement agencies often reflects prevailing cultural biases, thereby discouraging survivors from seeking help. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 450 women through structured questionnaires and interviews. Statistical analyses, including cross-tabulations and Chi-square tests conducted via SPSS Version 25, were used to determine the association between socio-cultural variables and the nature of police responses. The findings reveal a statistically significant relationship between police engagement and cultural constraints, indicating that stigma, financial insecurity, and systemic silence significantly deter reporting. This study underscores the urgent need for culturally informed legal reforms and community-level sensitization to enhance access to justice for women facing IPV in rural Pakistan.