Domestic Violence in Asia explores changing patterns of domestic violence in Asia. Based on extensive original research in the Maldives, it argues that forces such as globalisation, consumerism, Islamism, and democratisation are transforming the nature of domestic relations, with shifting ideas surrounding gender and Islam being particularly significant.

The book highlights that domestic violence has been relatively low in the Maldives compared to other Asian countries. This is attributed, the book argues, to a history of relatively equal gender relations, an ideology of masculinity associated with calmness and rationality, where violence is not considered an acceptable means of dealing with problems, and flexible marriage and divorce practices.

The book demonstrates how these factors are being undermined by new ideas which emphasise the need for wifely obedience, increasing gender inequality, and the right of husbands to be coercive.