Domestic Violence in India: 2025 Projections and State Statistics

Domestic violence continues to be a tragic problem in India, with projections for 2025 presenting a grim outlook.

According to recent data forecasts, approximately 255,320 instances of domestic abuse, primarily involving cruelty from husbands or relatives and incidents related to dowry, are anticipated throughout India’s states and Union Territories.

These figures are derived from trends observed in National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports and surveys such as the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), highlighting the profound impact this issue has on the lives of women nationwide.

State wise Domestic Violence Case in India

Rank	State/Union Territory	Estimated Cases
1	Uttar Pradesh	45000
2	Bihar	30000
3	Maharashtra	25000
4	Karnataka	20000
5	Rajasthan	20000
6	Madhya Pradesh	18000
7	West Bengal	15000
8	Andhra Pradesh	15000
9	Assam	12000
10	Gujarat	12000
11	Tamil Nadu	12000
12	Delhi	10000
13	Odisha	10000
14	Telangana	10000
15	Haryana	9000
16	Jharkhand	9000
17	Punjab	8000
18	Chhattisgarh	8000
19	Kerala	6000
20	Uttarakhand	3000
21	Jammu and Kashmir	2000
22	Himachal Pradesh	1500
23	Tripura	1000
24	Manipur	500
25	Goa	400
26	Meghalaya	400
27	Chandigarh	300
28	Puducherry	300
29	Nagaland	300
30	Mizoram	200
31	Arunachal Pradesh	100
32	Sikkim	100
33	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	100
34	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	50
35	Ladakh	50
36	Lakshadweep	20

The Overview

Uttar Pradesh leads the statistics with an estimated 45,000 cases, followed by Bihar with 30,000 and Maharashtra with 25,000.

These states, characterized by their large populations and deeply ingrained social norms, carry the most significant burden.

Karnataka and Rajasthan, each reporting approximately 20,000 cases, also emerge as notable, indicating elevated rates of reported abuse.

Conversely, smaller areas such as Lakshadweep (20 cases), Ladakh (50 cases), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (50 cases) show considerably fewer incidents, likely attributable to their smaller populations and limited reporting mechanisms.

What is particularly noteworthy is the disparity in the figures. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are not only high due to their size but also because of entrenched cultural practices, such as dowry demands, that perpetuate abuse.

In contrast, regions like Kerala (6,000 cases) and Goa (400 cases), which boast higher literacy rates and better gender equality indicators, still encounter significant challenges, illustrating that no area is exempt from these issues.

Key Observations

One notable aspect is the vast scale of issues in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

These figures are not merely statistics—they represent the narratives of women enduring cruelty within their households, frequently silenced by fear or societal stigma.

The NFHS-5 revealed that 59% of women in Bihar and 47.3% in Karnataka have encountered domestic violence, yet a staggering 86% of victims across the nation do not seek assistance.

This suggests that the actual figures are likely much higher than those reported.

Smaller Union Territories like Lakshadweep and Ladakh may exhibit low case numbers, but this does not imply that abuse is absent.

Limited access to law enforcement or support services can result in cases remaining unnoticed. This serves as a reminder that low statistics do not necessarily indicate less suffering—merely less visibility.

Another significant observation is the ongoing prevalence of abuse across various regions. Haryana (9,000 cases) and Rajasthan (20,000 cases) illustrate how dowry-related violence continues to be a persistent issue in northern states.

In contrast, southern states such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (15,000 cases) are not far behind, indicating the widespread nature of the problem, irrespective of economic or educational advancements.

Why This Matters

These statistics are not just numbers—they represent a call to action. Domestic violence reflects deeper societal issues such as gender inequality, economic dependency, and cultural norms that condone violence.

Although awareness is increasing, the reality that most victims remain silent indicates that we have a considerable journey ahead.

States with high incidence rates require more robust support systems—shelters, helplines, and legal assistance—while smaller regions necessitate improved reporting mechanisms.

As I examined this data, it became clear how each case signifies an individual’s suffering, often concealed behind closed doors.

This issue transcends mere policies or statistics; it is about fostering a society where women can feel secure in their own homes.

The projections for 2025 serve as a stark reminder that the need for change is urgent.

Source

• Prevalence and Predictors of Domestic Violence in India
• Domestic violence during COVID‐19 pandemic