Alcohol in Tribal Culture and Domestic Violence: A Study from Gujarat

While alcohol consumption in tribal communities is integral to their cultural, religious and social life, it is also a source of financial stress and family disruption, often linked to domestic violence. Alcohol-induced intimate partner violence remains severe and often hidden, with many cases unreported due to the stigma, shame and fear experienced by women. Drawing on primary data collected from 150 tribal women, this article aims to understand their experience with domestic violence as a result of alcohol consumption within their families. Kernel density estimation (KDE) was used to analyse the age distribution of women experiencing domestic violence, and a χ 2 test was employed to investigate relationships between these factors. The findings highlight the critical need for targeted interventions to address the interconnected factors contributing to domestic violence. The study also emphasises the need to strengthen support systems, educational opportunities, awareness, legal counselling, skill development and income-generating activities to reduce domestic violence and improve the well-being of tribal women.