Beyond bruises: how domestic abuse shapes generations

Hamza Malik

Article Type

Article

Description

A primary research study by IBA Karachi’s Centre for Business and Economic Research (CBER) highlights how domestic violence, alongside cousin marriages, significantly contributes to cognitive disabilities in children. Conducted across six rehabilitation institutions in Karachi, the study revealed that abuse during prenatal and postnatal stages—ranging from marital rape to coercion and emotional neglect—deeply impacts mothers and their children’s mental health. Findings show that women aged 25–29, particularly in low-income areas, face higher risks, with many reporting cognitively impaired firstborns. Social stigma further isolates families, with disabled children often hidden or segregated. Despite efforts by institutions like Scinosa, which uses music therapy and vocational training, systemic government intervention remains lacking. The study calls for inclusive education, subsidized care, disability rights enforcement, and accountability measures like mandatory medical screenings before marriage to break cycles of violence and marginalization.

Publication Source

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

Publication Date

8-24-2025

Pages

15

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