Domestic violence against women in south asia and south-east asia: a comparative scoping review of prevalence, forms, and mental health outcomes

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA), including intimate partner violence (IPV), is a major public health concern with profound consequences for women’s mental health. Evidence from South Asia (SA) and Southeast Asia (SEA) remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map the prevalence and forms of DVA experienced by women in these regions and synthesize evidence on associated mental health outcomes. This review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Six electronic databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched for English-language studies published from 2015 onward. Search terms included domestic violence, intimate partner violence, women, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and mental health outcomes. Of 545 records identified, 270 remained after duplicate removal. Following title, abstract, and full-text screening, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eligible studies included women aged ≥ 18 years from SA or SEA who had experienced any form of DVA and reported mental health outcomes. Studies unrelated to women, DVA, mental health outcomes, or conducted during emergencies or pandemics were excluded. Domestic violence was highly prevalent across both regions, with lifetime prevalence generally ranging from 33%–51% in SA and 16%–63% in SEA. Women experienced multiple forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, economic abuse, neglect, and controlling behaviours, with psychological and emotional violence being the most frequently reported. Patriarchal gender norms, economic dependence, and unequal power relations consistently increased women's vulnerability, particularly among pregnant women, migrants, ethnic minorities, and rural women. Depression was the most common mental health consequence, followed by anxiety, psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Women also reported social isolation, guilt, emotional dysregulation, reduced quality of life, and increased risks of psychiatric disorders. DVA is strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes among women in SA and SEA, highlighting the need for integrated, culturally sensitive interventions. Routine screening for violence and mental health problems, strengthened support services, trauma-informed care, and further research on effective prevention and intervention strategies in primary care and community settings are essential to improve women's health and well-being.