ROLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AS A MAJOR CAUSE IN SHAPING WOMEN’S CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR IN FAISALABAD, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study explores the socioeconomic and behavioral causes underlying women’s involvement in criminal activities, with a focus on incarcerated women in District Jail Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Existing literature suggests that many women engage in criminal acts either in self-defense or as a result of impulsive reactions to prolonged domestic abuse and social injustice. To investigate these factors, an in-depth qualitative study was conducted using a structured interview schedule. A purposive sample of 10 female inmates was selected for the research. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and root causes. The findings reveal that cumulative social, psychological, and economic pressures significantly influence women's pathways to criminality. This study highlights the urgent need for policy interventions addressing gender-based violence and systemic inequalities that contribute to female criminal behavior.

Keywords:  Domestic violence, Poverty, Illiteracy, Case studies, Interview guide, Thematic Analysis.