Published Paper Details:

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and an important public health concern that greatly affects the women's health outcomes and human security, especially in the tribal areas of India. This secondary data study looks into the intricate consequences of GBV on the health and security of women in the Mayurbhanj District of Odisha, a largely tribal region with considerable health disparities. This study synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, health implications, and structural factors of GBV among women in Mayurbhanj, using nationally representative data sets, official health surveys, and qualitative evidence from the district. Results indicate that around 30-45% of ever-married women in Odisha experience intimate partner violence, with possibly higher rates in tribal-dominated regions such as Mayurbhanj. GBV transforms into physical injuries, chronic pain, reproductive health problems, and negative reproductive health outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and delivery-related issues. Mental health sequelae include depression (prevalence odds ratio: 2.04-3.14), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR: 2.15-2.66), and suicidal ideation (OR: 2.17-5.52). The intersectionality of tribal status, poverty, lack of access to health care, and patriarchal gender norms further worsens vulnerability. This health burden is sustained by structural constraints like low institutional capacity, inadequate screening systems, and insufficient psychosocial support services. The study uses the Human Security Framework, intersectionality theory, and the Social Determinants of Health model to assess pathways via which GBV undermines women's autonomy, health agency, and community security. The findings emphasize the urgent need to implement gender-transformative interventions that include health systems strengthening, community mobilization, and rights-based methods in accordance with India's Sustainable Development Goal 5 objectives.