Violence is a fundamental part of many women’s lives. In India, violence against women takes many forms and occurs throughout the life span and can be viewed as a manifestation of gender inequalities and a mechanism through which gender inequalities are produced and perpetuated. In this study, ethnographic research was conducted in rural communities in Karnataka State, South India and explored the contexts in which marital violence occurred, as well as the relationships between structural inequalities (gender, caste, and class inequalities) and marital violence. Research was conducted between July 1997 and July 1999 with the primary method of research participant observation. The study indicates that women across caste and class groups reported having experienced marital violence. However, the findings suggest that, in addition to gender-based inequalities, violence prevention efforts need to consider how other forms of structural inequalities contribute to marital violence. Study implications are presented and discussed. References