Intimate Partner Violence in Relation to Husband Characteristics and Women Empowerment: Evidence from Nepal

Domestic Violence Against Women in Nepal: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors

A systematic review was conducted to examine the factors that put women at risk of domestic violence in Nepal. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched supplemented by searching of the reference list manually. Of the 143 studies identified 24 were included in the final review. Search strategy was developed, and studies were included if they considered female participants (age 15-49 years) in heterosexual relationship, with exposure of different factors and whose outcomes were the magnitude of any form of violence (physical, sexual, and emotional/psychological). The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the studies included. The findings are categorized based on the four levels of the ecological framework. At the individual level, the alcohol consumption level of husband, education level of both women and men, women's age at the time of marriage and childhood exposure to violence were found to be highly prevalent risk factors. At the relationship level, most prevalent risk factors were controlling husband and decision-making capacity of women. At the community level, belonging to underprivileged community or low caste system and living in Terai region were the risk factors. At the societal level, patriarchal belief and norms supporting violence were the risk factors. The complex nature of violence against women in Nepal requires culturally sensitive interventions along with organized efforts from the local and intra government to improve the status of Nepalese women at all levels of the ecological framework.

Examining the perception, frequency, and intensity of domestic violence inflicted by Palestinian wives against their husbands

This study examines domestic violence perpetrated by wives against husbands in Palestine, utilizing structured interviews with 53 married participants. Findings reveal prevalent female-perpetrated domestic violence, often involving mutual conflict initiation. External stressors and power dynamics significantly influence behaviors, reflecting situational pressures and control issues. Verbal abuse and emotional manipulation are widespread, indicating covert and challenging violence dynamics. Responses to violence vary, suggesting barriers to accessing support systems. Effective conflict resolution is crucial to address ongoing relationship challenges. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, emphasizing the need to address underlying psychological factors and promote healthier relationship dynamics. Based on the study's findings, actionable recommendations include educational outreach, customized support services, legal advocacy initiatives, community engagement projects, professional development activities, and sustained research efforts to promote positive societal change.

Prognostic factors of first intimate partner violence among ever-married women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Gompertz gamma shared frailty modeling

BACKGROUND

Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence, is a significant Concern for public health as well as a violation of the human rights of women especially in low and middle-income countries. However, there was limited evidence how soon an ever-married women experience intimate partner violence in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the timing of first intimate partner violence (FIPV) among ever-married women in 30 SSA countries and to identify the risk factors of the timing.

METHODS

The present study has utilized 125,731 weighted samples, who participated in the domestic violence module of the survey from Demographic and Health Surveys of 30 SSA countries. The Gompertz gamma shared frailty model was fitted to determine the predictors. For model evaluation, the theta value, Akaike Information Criteria (AIC), Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC), and deviance were used. The Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported in the multivariable Gompertz gamma shared frailty model to highlight the strength and statistical significance of the associations.

RESULT

One-third (31.02%) of ever-married women had reported experiencing IPV. The overall incidence rate of FIPV was 57.68 persons per 1000 person-years (95% CI = 50.61-65.76). Age at marriage, age difference, educational status, employment, residence, women's decision-making autonomy, husband who drink alcohol and wealth status were significantly associated with the timing of FIPV.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that ever-married women are at high and increasing risk of violence. Thus, we recommend establishing effective health and legal response services for IPV, strengthening laws governing the sale and purchase of alcohol, empowering women, raising the educational attainment of women, and putting policies in place to combat the culture of societal tolerance for IPV all contribute to the empowerment of women.

Perceptions on violence against women and its impacts on mental health and response mechanisms among community-based stakeholders: a qualitative study from Nepal

BACKGROUND

Violence against women (VAW) is a significant public health problem. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency and severity of VAW has escalated globally. Approximately one in four women in Nepal have been exposed to either physical, psychological, and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, with husbands or male partners being the perpetrators in most cases. VAW prevention has been under-researched in low- and middle-income countries, including Nepal. This study aims to explore the perspectives of local stakeholders, including healthcare providers and survivors of violence in Madhesh Province. The overarching goal is to provide insights for designing prevention and support programs that are acceptable to communities and cater to the needs of survivors.

METHODS

An explorative qualitative study was conducted in Madhesh Province, southern Nepal. A total of 21 interviews, including 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with health care providers, three IDIs with women seeking general or maternal and child health services at health care centres, three key informant interviews with the local stakeholders working in the field of VAW, and one focus group discussion with violence survivors, were conducted in Nepali by trained field interviewers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

VAW, particularly physical violence, was a common experience in the study area. Sociocultural traditions such as dowry, child marriages and son preference were identifiable triggers for VAW, causing significant physical injuries and mental health problems, including suicide. Health care providers reported that violence survivors often hide their experiences of violence and do not seek any kind of help. Women feared that violence would increase in frequency and intensity if their perpetrators found out that they had disclosed their experiences of violence to health care providers. Local stakeholders emphasized the importance of engaging community leaders and garnering support from both women and men in interventions designed to reduce VAW and its impacts on mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants reported that verbal and physical violence is often perceived as a normal part of women's lives. Women should be made aware of available support services and empowered and supported to increase access and uptake of these services. Additionally, more individual-based counselling sessions that encourage women to escape violence and its mental health consequences while maintaining privacy and confidentiality are recommended.

Empowering hearts and shaping destinies: unveiling the profound influence of education on women's mate selection in Pakistan - a comprehensive mixed-methods study

This study investigates the impact of education on women's empowerment in the realm of mate selection within Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with educated women and distributed a Likert Scale questionnaire to 500 women. The qualitative findings reveals that education significantly influences women's perspectives, guiding their priorities, and instilling a desire for compatibility and shared values in their relationships. Educated women also display resilience, confidence, and a readiness to challenge prevailing societal norms and gender stereotypes when selecting a life partner. Quantitative analysis establishes a statistically significant positive correlation between education and women's empowerment in mate selection. These findings underscore the pivotal role of education in enhancing women's agency and autonomy in a critical aspect of their lives. The study's implications extend to policy recommendations advocating for increased access to quality education and the implementation of gender-sensitive curricula in Malakand Division and analogous regions. Recognizing education's potential to empower women in mate selection is vital for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

Domestic violence against women in Jordan: analysis of the demographic and health survey dataset 2017-2018

This study analyzed the 2017-2018 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) database to determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women in Jordan and its associated sociodemographic factors. The findings revealed that among Jordanian women, the lifetime prevalence of DV by husbands was 25.9%, with emotional (20.6%), physical (17.5%), and sexual (5.1%) violence being prominently reported. DV against women was significantly associated with the age, region, and educational status of women, as well as the wealth index, but not their husbands. While the results suggest a potential reduction in DV estimates compared to the last decade, DV still represents a public health issue in Jordan. The study highlights the direct association of DV with socio-demographic characteristics and provides a gateway to identifying high-risk women and implementing appropriate interventions to reduce DV.

Maternal mental health and economic autonomy in lowland rural Nepal: Do parents-in-law provide constraint or support?

Background and objectives

In patrilocal societies, married women typically co-reside with their parents-in-law, who may act in their son's reproductive interests. These relationships may shape maternal mental health and autonomy. Few studies have examined these dynamics from an evolutionary perspective. Theoretically, marital kin may increase their fitness by increasing maternal investment or by reducing paternity uncertainty. We explored how co-residence with parents-in-law and husband is associated with maternal outcomes to evaluate whether marital kin provide support or constraint.

Methodology

We analysed data from 444 households in rural lowland Nepal. Maternal mental health was assessed by General Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression models investigated whether, relative to mothers living with both husband and parents-in-law, those co-resident with other combinations of relatives had poorer mental health and lower household economic autonomy (decision-making, bargaining power), adjusting for socio-economic confounders.

Results

Co-residence with husband only, or neither husband nor parents-in-law, was associated with higher odds of mothers reporting feeling worthless and losing sleep but also earning income and making household expenditure decisions. Husband co-residence was associated with overall maternal distress but also with less unpaid care work and greater decision-making responsibility. There were no differences in maternal outcomes for mothers living with parents-in-law only, relative to those living with both husbands and parents-in-law.

Conclusions and implications

Co-residence of parents-in-law and husbands was associated with contrasting patterns of maternal mental health and economic autonomy. We suggest that different marital kin place different economic demands on mothers, while restricting their autonomy in different ways as forms of 'mate-guarding'.

Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Iranian Children's Growth and Development: A Descriptive-analytical Study

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different types of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by married Iranian women and their impact on the growth and development of their children.

Methods

For this descriptive-analytical study, we recruited the mothers of one-year-old children attending primary health centers in Gonbad-e-Kavoos city, Iran. The data was collected using a questionnaire comprising the World Health Organization Domestic Violence, Ages and Stages Questionnaire-12; and queries related to the participants' socio-economic, obstetrics, demographic, and anthropometric characteristics. The body mass index z (BMI z) scores of the children were divided into five categories based on the World Health Organization's classification: severely underweight (z < -3), underweight (-3 ≤ z < -2), normal (-2 ≤ z < 1), overweight (1 ≤ z ≤ 2), and obese (z > 2). The data were subjected to descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and regression.

Results

A total of 596 of mother-child dyads were included in this study. The prevalence of psychological, physical, and sexual IPV was 29.5%, 7.4%, and 2.4%, respectively. Most children (91.7%) had normal weight while the rest were overweight or obese. Developmental problems were reported in 1.7% of children. The education level of the father was significantly related to IPV (p =0.001) while the type of his occupation was related to delay in child growth (p =0.020). There was no significant difference between BMI z-score and developmental disabilities in the children of women exposed and not exposed to any type of IPV.

Conclusions

The prevalence of psychological IPV was high while those of physical and sexual IPV were low. The rates of poor child growth and development were also low. The father's educational and socio-economic status influenced IPV and the children's growth deficits.

Magnitude and associated factors of intimate partner violence among youth women in Ethiopia: multilevel analysis based on 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

BACKGROUND

The period of youth is important for the foundation of healthy and stable relationships, women's health and well-being. Youth women face a higher risk of experiencing violence than older women. Intimate partner violence (IPV) against youth women is a significant public health concern. Despite paramount negative health consequences of IPV for the survivor, as per our knowledge, research study on IPV and associated factors among youth women in Ethiopia is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of IPV among youth women in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The data was accessed from 2016 Ethiopia demographic and health survey (EDHS) which was a cross sectional population based household survey. It was also conducted using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling approach. The data were cleaned, weighted, and analyzed using STATA Version 14 software. The total weighted sample of 1077 youth women were used in this study. Multilevel logistic regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with IPV among youth women. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value < 0.05 were used to declare the significant variables.

RESULTS

Among the total participants, 30.27% (95% CI 27.59, 33.09) of youth women experienced IPV. Individual level variables such as: Being widowed/divorced/separated (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.33, 3.91), having a partner who drinks alcohol (AOR = 5.76; 95% CI 3.42, 9.69), witnessing inter-parental violence during childhood (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI 2.21, 5.37), being afraid of partners (AOR = 7.09; 95% CI 4.30, 11.68), and from community level variables, youth women residing in communities with a low proportion of educated youth women (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.13, 0.78) were significantly associated with having experience of IPV.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of intimate partner violence among youth women in Ethiopia was relatively high as compared to the global estimate of IPV. Individual and community level variables such as currently widowed/divorced/separated women, having a partner who drinks alcohol, witnessing inter-parental violence, being afraid of partner, and women from a low proportion of community level youth women's education were significantly associated with intimate partner violence. To decrease this public health problem, it is better to strengthen legislation on the purchase and sale of alcohol, provide legal protection for separated/divorced women, establish effective legal response services for IPV, promote gender equality, and provide psychological support for those who witnessed inter-parental violence during childhood to reduce IPV.

Domestic Coercive Control and Common Mental Disorders Among Women in Informal Settlements in Mumbai, India: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Coercive control behaviors central to the abuse of power appear more frequent than other types of domestic violence, but little is known about its frequency, features, and consequences for women in India. We aimed to examine the prevalence of domestic coercive control and its association with physical, sexual, and emotional domestic violence in the preceding year and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking. In a cross-sectional survey, we interviewed 4,906 ever-married women aged 18-49 years living in urban informal settlements in Mumbai, India. We developed a 24-item scale of coercive control, assessed physical, sexual, and emotional violence using existing questions, and screened for symptoms of depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD7) questionnaire, and suicidal thinking with questions developed by the World Health Organization. Estimates involved univariable and multivariable logistic regression models and the prediction of marginal effects. The prevalence of domestic coercive control was 71%. In total, 23% of women reported domestic violence in the past 12 months (emotional 19%, physical 13%, sexual 4%). Adjusted models suggested that women exposed to controlling behavior had greater odds of surviving emotional (aOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.7, 2.7), physical (1.4; 1.0, 1.9), and sexual (1.8; 1.1, 3.0) domestic violence in the past 12 months; and higher odds of a positive screen for moderate or severe depression (1.7; 1.3, 2.2), anxiety (2.1; 1.3, 3.1), and suicidal thinking (1.7; 1.2, 2.3), and increased with each additional indicator of coercive control behavior. When women reported 24 indicators of coercive control, the adjusted predicted proportion with moderate or severe depressive symptoms was 60%, anxiety 42%, and suicidal thinking 17%. Inclusion of coercive control in programs to support domestic violence, would broaden our understanding of domestic abuse to resemble most victims experience and improve interventions.

Assessment of domestic violence and its associated factors among ever-married reproductive-age women in Cameroon: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence (DV) against women is a global issue that affects women in all countries and is a significant contributor to their poor health. Women who have experienced DV, in particular, suffer from the gynecological, nervous system, and stress-related issues. Despite such devastating implications, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of DV and its associated factors among married reproductive-age women in Cameroon.

METHOD

The data were analyzed by using STATA version 14 from a demographic and health survey conducted in Cameroon in 2018. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence range.

RESULT

A total of 4,903 ever-married women were included in the study. The mean age ± standard deviation, of the participants was 31.3 (± 8.4) years with an age range of 15-49 years. The prevalence of DV among ever-married Cameroonian women was 30.5% with 95%CI (29.3%, 31.8%). Women's educational attainment (higher educational level) (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI (0.37, 0.92), p value = 0.02), Husband's educational level (husbands who attended primary educational level (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.01, 1.68), p value = 0.04), a woman who had media exposure regarding DV ( AOR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.0, 0.99), p value = 0.04), a woman whose husband drinks alcohol (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI (2.56, 3.53), p value < 0.001), and the region where the women reside (center without Yaoundé (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI (1.75, 3.52), p value < 0.001), west (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.05, 2.11), p value = 0.02), South (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.31, 2.72), p-value = 0.001), and Yaoundé (AOR = 1.65. 95% CI (1.14, 2.39), p value = 0.009) were factors that were significantly associated to DV committed by a husband in the previous 12 months against ever-married women.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that the prevalence of DV among ever-married women in Cameroon is high. Women's educational level, husband's educational level, husband's alcohol drinking status, women's exposure to mass-media about DV, and the region where the woman resides in the country were factors significantly associated with DV.

'Endure and excuse': a mixed-methods study to understand disclosure of intimate partner violence among women living with HIV in Uganda

Intimate partner violence and HIV remain significant health challenges among women living with HIV. Intimate partner violence has been linked to negative health outcomes and poorer HIV care engagement. This study examined intimate partner violence among Ugandan women living with HIV, their experiences disclosing such violence and how culturally normative factors affected disclosure-related outcomes. In a mixed-methods study conducted in Uganda in 2018, 168 women participated in interviewer-administered surveys; a sub-set who reported experiencing intimate partner violence participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs). Intimate partner violence was prevalent among women in the sample (68.0%); almost half experienced emotional violence (45.2%), while a smaller proportion had experienced physical (32.1%) and/or sexual violence (19.6%). Most women living with HIV (61.8%) had disclosed their experience of intimate partner violence to someone. Women who experienced intimate partner violence had higher odds of disclosure if they feared their partner and perpetrated violence against their partner. Thematic analysis of IDIs revealed enduring violence and blaming alcohol for men's perpetration of violence. Traditional cultural and gender norms, especially concerning motherhood and partnership, influenced women's experiences of intimate partner violence and disclosure. Multi-sectoral responses to challenge and reform cultural norms that perpetuate violence are needed, including mobilising key stakeholders (e.g. family, community, policy-makers) to serve as catalysts for change and encourage resource- and safety-seeking for women living with HIV to escape violence.

Predicting the Vulnerability of Women to Intimate Partner Violence in South Africa: Evidence from Tree-based Machine Learning Techniques

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social challenge with severe health and demographic consequences. Global statistics indicate that more than a third of women have experienced IPV at some point in their lives. In South Africa, IPV is considered a significant contributor to the country's broader problem with violence and a leading cause of femicide. Consequently, IPV has been the major focus of legislation and research across different disciplines. The present article aims to contribute to the growing scholarly literature by predicting factors that are associated with the risk of experiencing IPV. We used the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey dataset and restricted our analysis to 1,816 ever-married women who had complete information on the variables that were used to generate IPV. Prior research has mainly used regression analysis to identify correlates of IPV; however, while regression analysis can test a priori specified effects, it cannot capture unspecified inter-relationship across factors. To address this limitation, we opted for machine learning methods, which identify hidden and complex patterns and relationships in the data. Our results indicate that the fear of the husband is the most critical factor in determining the experience of IPV. In other words, the risk of IPV in South Africa is associated more with the husband or partner's characteristics than the woman's. The models developed in this study can be used to develop interventions by different stakeholders such as social workers, policymakers, and or other interested partners.

Women empowerment and sexually transmitted infections: Evidence from Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2014

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women have led to substantial public health and economic burdens in several low-middle-income countries. However, there is a paucity of scientific knowledge about the relationship between empowerment and symptoms of STIs among married Bangladeshi women. This article aimed to examine the association between women empowerment and symptoms of STIs among currently married Bangladeshi women of reproductive age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We extracted data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), conducted from June 28, 2014, to November 9, 2014. We utilised cross-tabulation, the conceptual framework and multivariable multilevel mixed-effect logistics regression to explore the association between women's empowerment indicators and women's self-reported symptoms of genital sore and abnormal genital discharge. All of the analysis was adjusted using cluster weight.

RESULTS

We found that among 16,858 currently married women, 5.59% and 10.84% experienced genital sores and abnormal genital discharge during the past 12 months, respectively. Women who depended on husbands to make decisions regarding their health care (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.67-0.84), significant household purchases (AOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.71-0.88), and visiting family or relatives (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.64-0.80) were less likely to report signs of abnormal genital discharge. Women who could make joint healthcare decisions with their husbands were also less likely to report genital sores (AOR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67-0.90).

CONCLUSION

Genital sores and abnormal genital discharge were prevalent across all parameters of women empowerment among currently married women in Bangladesh. Our estimates show that the husband plays a significant role in decision-making about sexual and reproductive health. Efforts need to be invested in establishing culturally relevant gender policies which facilitate the involvement of women in joint decision-making.

Determinants of husbands' violence against women in Jordan

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of abuse against women. It comes in the form of physical, sexual, emotional, and controlling behaviors abuse, and affects women's physical and psychological well-being. Perceived social support decreases IPV risk.

PURPOSE

This study explores the determinants of IPV in J society.

METHOD

One hundred and eighty-seven women exposed to IPV were recruited from J Women Unions to take part in this cross-sectional prospective quantitative design, administering the Arabic version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (AVMSPSS) to 187, who also answered the demographic characteristics data sheet.

RESULTS

Almost 83% of participants perceived that they received lower to moderate PSS. Based on multiple regression, determinants of IPV were PSS, followed by participant education, husband education, participant age, and financial income (p < .001). The number of children and parental level of education showed no statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the importance of social support systems among IPV women. Alongside socioeconomic development continuing to increase education among both men and women, there is a need to increase societal awareness and foster social support systems to prevent violence against women and offer resources to affected women, targeted at the most at-risk age groups.

Factors associated with women's approval on intimate partner violence in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional analysis of latest demographic and health survey 2017-18

Background

In Bangladesh, intimate partner violence (IPV) is high among women faced by their husband. Regrettably, IPV is often justified by the women themselves, resulting in poor social and health outcomes among them. In this paper, we explored the factors that influence the approval of IPV among the women by their husband in Bangladesh.

Method

The present used the data from the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18. The BDHS 2017–18 followed a two-stage stratified random sampling techniques and the present analysis was carried out among a weighted sample of 20,127 women. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the demographic and socio-economic factors associated with the approval of IPV among the women.

Results

Overall, one in five women (20.5%) approved at least one form of violence by their husband. In adjusted analysis, women who completed secondary education were 57% less likely [AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.34–0.54] to approve IPV compared to those who had no formal education. Similarly, women who belonged to Hinduism and other religious group were 42% less likely [AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.45–0.74] to approve IPV compared to those who practiced Islam. Moreover, women who were exposed to television, participated in the decision on household purchase and moving outside home had 14%, 19%, and 21% less chance for approving IPV by the husband for at least one reason (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study highlighted that many women in Bangladesh approve violence by their husband which could be a major obstacle to the reduction of violence from society. Behavior change intervention should be implemented, particularly targeting the less-educated Muslim women to increase the awareness on IPV in Bangladesh.

Women who experience child abuse are more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence in Peru

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between child abuse and intimate partner violence victimization among married or cohabiting Peruvian women aged 18 years old or older.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study analyzing secondary data from the National Survey on Social Relationships 2015. To find the association between child abuse and intimate partner violence victimization, a multinomial logistic regression adjusted for possible confounding variables was performed.

RESULTS

Data from 1,084 married and cohabiting women were included. The prevalence of child abuse was 49.6% (95%CI 45.8-53.3) and the prevalence of intimate partner violence victimization was 64.2% (95%CI 60.5-67.8). An association was found between child abuse and intimate partner violence victimization (relative risk ratios 5.72, 95%CI 3.71-8.83).

CONCLUSION

Married or cohabiting women in Peru who experienced childhood maltreatment are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in adulthood .

Spatial distribution and predictors of domestic violence against women: evidence from analysis of Ethiopian demographic health survey 2016

BACKGROUND

Violence against women particularly that is committed by an intimate partner is becoming a social and public health problem across the world. Studies show that the spatial variation in the distribution of domestic violence was commonly attributed to neighborhood-level predictors. Despite the prominent benefits of spatial techniques, research findings are limited. Therefore, the current study intends to determine the spatial distribution and predictors of domestic violence among women aged 15-49 in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Data from the Ethiopian demographic health survey 2016 were used to determine the spatial distribution of domestic violence in Ethiopia. Spatial auto-correlation statistics (both Global and Local Moran's I) were used to assess the spatial distribution of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia. Spatial locations of significant clusters were identified by using Kuldorff's Sat Scan version 9.4 software. Finally, binary logistic regression and a generalized linear mixed model were fitted to identify predictors of domestic violence.

RESULT

The study found that spatial clustering of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia with Moran's I value of 0.26, Z score of 8.26, and P value < 0.01. The Sat Scan analysis identifies the primary most likely cluster in Oromia, SNNP regions, and secondary cluster in the Amhara region. The output from regression analysis identifies low economic status, partner alcohol use, witnessing family violence, marital controlling behaviors, and community acceptance of wife-beating as significant predictors of domestic violence.

CONCLUSION

There is spatial clustering of IPV cases in Ethiopia. The output from regression analysis shows that individual, relationship, and community-level predictors were strongly associated with IPV. Based upon our findings, we give the following recommendation: The government should give prior concern for controlling factors such as high alcohol consumption, improper parenting, and community norm that encourage IPV that were responsible for IPV in the identified hot spot areas.

A qualitative study to investigate male victims' experiences of female-perpetrated domestic abuse in Jordan

Battered husband syndrome has not been investigated in an Arab context, despite evidence of a significant increase in violence against men by women. This study investigated male victims' experiences of female-perpetrated domestic abuse in Jordan using a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 33 married men from Amman and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five themes were identified: 1. causes of domestic abuse against men; 2. types of domestic abuse against men; 3. effects of domestic abuse against men; 4. men's perception of reducing or stopping abuse by their wives; and 5. abusive wives' characteristics. Participants experienced psychological, emotional and verbal abuse, coercive control, emotional neglect, and physical violence with varying degrees of severity, which affected both them and their families. Abusive wives used numerous tactics, including sex, children, isolation, and money to enable abuse. Moreover, clan and traditional thinking, societal structures, and norms led participants to divorce, stay in an abusive relationship, or use violence against their wives. The leading causes of abuse against the husband were wives' neglecting the house, children, appearance, and personal hygiene; wasting money; wives' family interfering in the couple's private marital affairs; the wife's betrayal; and traditional thinking. New perspectives toward domestic abuse in Jordan need to be developed to help us better understand the nature of abuse against men, provide resources and support for them, reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse, and protect Jordanian families.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-01905-2.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Vietnam: role of husbands

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators are often husbands. Understanding factors pertaining to women's male partners is essential for programming interventions against IPV. The objective of the study was to describe husband-related social and behavioural risk factors and assess how they are associated with IPV during pregnancy. Cross-sectional data were collected among 1309 pregnant women with husbands in Dong Anh district, Vietnam. Information on sociodemographic characteristics of husbands, the husband's behaviour and the husband's involvement in pregnancy care was indirectly collected via women's report at first antenatal care visit. Data on exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy were collected when the women returned for antenatal care in 30-34 gestational weeks. Logistic regression analyses were used to measure the relationships between IPV during pregnancy and risk factors from the husband. Pregnant women who had husbands who were younger or blue-collar worker/farmer/unemployed had more likelihood to be exposed to IPV. Women with husbands who drank alcohol before sexual intercourse and gambled were more likely to be exposed to IPV repeated times. Those with husbands who had intentions of having a child had over three times increased OR to be exposed to IPV once (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-9.7). If the husband had a preference for sons, the woman had 1.5 times increased OR (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-1.9) to be exposed to IPV repeated times during pregnancy. This study highlights significant associations between IPV and maternal perceptions of husbands' behaviours and involvement in pregnancy. Findings may help to identify at-risk pregnant women to IPV and guide the development of targeted interventions to prevent IPV from husbands.

Factors associated with violence against women in a representative sample of the Lebanese population: results of a cross-sectional study

To evaluate the prevalence of violence against women (VAW) and assess factors associated with VAW among a representative sample of the Lebanese population. This cross-sectional study was carried out between September and December 2018. Participants from all Lebanese governorates were enrolled in this study using a proportionate random sample. The percentages of women who were exposed to physical and non-physical abuse were 37.1% and 49.4% respectively. Factors associated with physical abuse were being divorced, having a partner addicted to substances and alcohol, or with a history of threats, violence, assaults, and crimes, higher stressful life experiences, and abuse reported from childhood (physical, sexual, or psychological). Non-physical abuse was associated with abuse reported from childhood (physical, sexual, or psychological), higher stressful life experiences, and the fact that the partner is addicted to substances and alcohol, or has a history of threats. Our results suggest that being divorced, illiterate, and unemployed, having an addicted partner, and having experienced child abuse are all factors that are associated with more violence against women.

Associations between intimate partner violence and pregnancy complications: A cross-sectional study in India

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence rates of violence of the intimate partner affects the maternal health of the woman that sometimes ends in maternal mortality as well as the possibility of an adverse effect on the newborn. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of intimate physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) on mothers and examine the association between IPV and pregnancy complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data for the present study were retrieved from the National Family Health Survey-IV (2015-2016). In total, 79,729 women completed the domestic violence questions, but 24,882 were considered for this analysis. The study was restricted to currently married women aged 15-49 who had given birth to at least one child in the 5 years preceding the survey. The association between self-reporting pregnancy complications with the experience of IPV was examined using Chi-square test, followed by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study findings show that IPV, specifically physical and sexual violence, are associated with pregnancy complications. The results show that 31.6% of the women had experienced some form of IPV. The factors associated with IPV included husband's alcohol habit, women who had witnessed parental violence, and women whose husbands had shown high marital controlling behavior. The high level of pregnancy complications was reported by women who had experienced sexual violence, emotional violence, and women whose husbands display three or more specific behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Confidential screening for IPV and prompt referral to support services could be crucial in improving women's reproductive health.

Spousal violence against women and its association with sociodemographic factors and husbands' controlling behaviour: the findings of Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015-2016)

Background: Spousal violence is the most common domestic violence against women and a growing public health problem globally. As a behaviour, marital control is commonly accepted as a precursor to spousal violence. Objective: This study examines the prevalence of different types of spousal violence among women in Myanmar and their association with sociodemographic factors and husbands' controlling behaviour. Methods: This study used data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) 2015-2016. Based on the responses of 3,425 ever-married women, cross-tabulations (Chi-squared test) and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to examine the association between controlling behaviour by husbands and lifetime physical, sexual and emotional spousal violence against Myanmar women. Synergy factor and population attributable fraction were estimated to recommend preventive strategies. Results: The prevalence of lifetime physical violence was 16.8%, of sexual violence 3.8%, of emotional violence 15.9%, and of husband's controlling behaviour 30.2%. Women who were exposed to controlling behaviour by their husbands reported higher likelihoods of lifetime physical spousal violence (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 3.0-4.7), lifetime sexual spousal violence (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 3.3-8.6), and lifetime emotional spousal violence (OR = 5.6; 95% CI: 4.4-7.2). Controlling behaviour by husbands was attributed to 22.0% of lifetime physical spousal violence; and to 24.5% of lifetime sexual spousal violence and to 24.8% of lifetime emotional spousal violence in this sample of Myanmar women. Additional associated factors of spousal violence were poor wealth status, women's wife-beating justification, exposure to parental violence, and alcohol abuse among husbands. Conclusion: Controlling behaviour by husbands was significantly associated with higher likelihoods of lifetime spousal violence among ever-married Myanmar women in this study. These findings reflect an obvious need for policy development and preventive strategies against marital controlling behaviour in Myanmar.

A qualitative examination of alcohol use and IPV among Nepali couples in a violence prevention intervention

Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts the physical and mental health of one in three women globally, with equally high rates in rural Nepal. The risk of physical violence, stalking, harassment, and homicide between intimate partners increases when alcohol is used by the perpetrator. This study evaluates the impact of Change Starts at Home, a nine-month intervention to prevent IPV in which 360 married couples in the Terai region of Nepal listened to a serial radio drama and engaged in Listening Group Discussions. A sub-sample of 18 couples were selected for individual in-depth interviews that were taken at the end of the intervention and 16 months later. Participants strongly and consistently associated alcohol use with IPV against women in their own and others' relationships. Husbands and wives agreed that men sustained reductions in alcohol use, conflict, and perpetration of IPV, attributed to improvements in communication, conflict resolution, and a reduction in alcohol expenditure following the intervention. The results of this study suggest that integrating programming on alcohol reduction within IPV prevention interventions in the Terai region of Nepal has benefits on couple functioning, alcohol consumption, and IPV perpetration.

High rate of partner violence during pregnancy in eastern Ethiopia: Findings from a facility-based study

INTRODUCTION

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy can contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity by limiting women's ability to receive maternal health services including antenatal care and skilled delivery care. In Ethiopia, evidence regarding intimate partner violence during pregnancy is limited, and no previous studies have been conducted in the Harari region. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy among women who had given birth in public hospitals in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 among women who had given birth in public hospitals in Harari regional state, East Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select 648 participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized questionnaire based on the World Health Organization Multi-Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against Women survey. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with respective confidence intervals were computed. Variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 were considered to have a significant association with intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of intimate partner violence during the most recent pregnancy was found to be 39.81%. Furthermore, the prevalence of physical, emotional and sexual violence were found to be 25.93%, 25.62% and 3.7%, respectively. Longer duration of marriage (adjusted odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-2.79), most recent pregnancy being unplanned (adjusted odds ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-2.34), experiencing controlling behaviour by a partner, (adjusted odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.46-3.40) and having an attitude that justifies intimate partner violence (adjusted odds ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.09-2.36) were associated with experiencing intimate partner violence.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was found to be high. Pregnancy monitoring programs, which can detect and intervene with regard to partner's controlling behaviors and women's perception regarding justification of intimate partner violence, especially in those women with an unplanned pregnancy, could help to reduce intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Further, changing social norms that condone violence through advocacy and awareness creation might help in preventing partner violence.