Patna : A new survey commissioned by the National Commission for Women has revealed that over a third of marriages in Bihar experience significant strain within the first decade, with many ultimately ending in divorce.
The survey, conducted over 60 days from December 2024 to January 2025, found that 36.65% of couples surveyed experienced notable marital discord between five and ten years of marriage. The research, which included 576,654 couples from across the state, highlights a concerning trend of early marital instability.
Among the respondents, 250,000 women had filed complaints against their husbands at Sakhi One Stop Centres, which provide support for women facing violence or abuse. The study examined couples married between five and 35 years, with the most pronounced relationship breakdowns occurring in the five-to-ten-year range.
Researchers divided the couples into three groups: those married for five to ten years, ten to 20 years, and 20 to 35 years. The early years of marriage were found to be the most vulnerable to breakdowns, often triggered by relatively minor issues that escalate over time.
The primary causes of conflict included mutual blame, unmet expectations, disputes over household chores and childcare, lack of communication, and suspicion. Many women sought assistance through women’s helplines or police stations before eventually turning to family courts for resolution.
“Couples in the early stages of marriage often experience ego clashes and have higher expectations of one another,” the report stated. “They tend to share more with extended family members than with their partners, which creates additional tension.”
In contrast, couples married for ten to 20 years were found to be more mature in handling their relationships. These couples began accepting their mistakes, communicating more about their children’s futures, and fostering a deeper emotional connection. Among couples married for 20 to 35 years, the report found stronger mutual respect, open communication, and emotional intimacy.
The study also found little difference between highly educated and less educated couples in terms of relationship dynamics, indicating that education alone does not prevent marital strain.
Counsellors, who are often the first point of contact, try to mediate between couples before matters escalate to court. However, when reconciliation attempts fail, divorce often follows.
