The aim of this study is to explore the links between female autonomy in household decision-making and intimate partner violence in a highly relevant, yet under-studied context - Pakistan.

Using a nationally representative dataset, and employing matching and partial identification estimation approaches, we show that an increase in female autonomy in household decision-making is associated with a decrease in the probability of experiencing intimate partner violence.

Moreover, female autonomy is also associated with lower tolerance for intimate partner violence.

The results call for a greater focus on female autonomy in policy efforts concerned with reducing intimate partner violence.