i may be in the minority but i do think in small towns this type of behaviour with the woman by their husbands and their inlaws is more prevalent...not because of mentality of big cities can be any different but because of the common mentalities and ideals and beliefs they share in small towns...
in small towns many women are afraid or rather shy to express or protest about their toils their sufferings most of which due to the social stigma...or being made fun of or because their sufferings might increase....
its the same with big cities as well...but in cities there are self help groups...consultants ready to hear your voice....
and many more informative communities which help them and encourage them to come out of the shadow...and state their suffering their story.
i.e what small towns and villages lack ...and its not only because of choti soch but....overall literary status of town ...but because of normalization of these atrocities... many have accepted it as their fate and many find it difficult to voice their opinion...and some who wants they may be shut down by their husbands,fathers, or fellow towns people....
a formal system lacks in small towns and villages along with the education and knowledge that its not okay to be ..... those silent victims are reduced by a large margin...
i.e what is different from cities and small towns.
ps:
an example have you heard the term "water wives"....in maharashtra.....now this is in one of the small towns in maharashtra... can these type of practices still prevail if it was practiced in cities....i dont think so...
so when we say small towns...many factors comes into play not just that "small mentality " part...education, supporting communities, media all comes into play..