The recent national family health survey report has thrown light on the conditions of women in the country.

The report has revealed that Bihar has topped in spousal violence. The national average for violence against married women is 37 per cent. Almost 50 per cent of wives endure physical violence, 19 per cent sexual violence, two per cent emotional violence, a disturbing 59 per cent experience both physical and sexual violence in the country. Two such surveys were conducted earlier in 1992-93 and 1998-99.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh has jointly secured second place in terms of harassment cases against women. Both states recorded 46 percent violence cases against women. Manipur remained at third place with 44 per cent cases.

The tribal state of Jharkhand has recorded only 35 percent violence case which is even less that the national average.

The survey was conducted with the help of the Union Health and Family Affairs Ministry. The International Institute for Population Sciences served as nodal agency for the survey. Other national and international organisations including USAID, UNFPA, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, NACO etc had provided technical and financial assistance for the successful completion of the survey.