Abstract
Intimate Partners’ Violence (IPV) is a public health problem with long-lasting mental and physical health consequences for victims and their families. As evidence has been increasing that COVID-19 lockdown measures may exacerbate IPV, our study sought to describe the magnitude of IPV in women and identify associated determinants. An online survey was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 24 August to 8 September 2020. Of the 4160 respondents, 2002 eligible women were included in the data analysis. Their mean age was 36.3 (SD: 8.2). Most women (65.8%) were younger than 40 years old. Prevalence of any form of IPV was 11.7%. Being in the 30–39 and >50 years’ age groups (OR = 0.66, CI: 0.46–0.95; p = 0.026 and OR = 0.23, CI: 0.11–048; p < 0.001, respectively), living in urban setting (OR = 0.63, CI: 0.41–0.99; p = 0.047), and belonging to the middle socioeconomic class (OR = 0.48, CI: 0.29–0.79; p = 0.003) significantly decreased the odds for experiencing IPV. Lower socioeconomic status (OR = 1.84, CI: 1.04–3.24; p = 0.035) and being pregnant (OR = 1.63, CI: 1.16–2.29; p = 0.005) or uncertain of pregnancy status (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.17–3.44; p = 0.011) significantly increased the odds for reporting IPV. Additional qualitative research is needed to identify the underlying reasons and mechanisms of IPV in order to develop and implement prevention interventions.
Highlights
Since the SARS CoV-2 outbreak in December 2019, countries around the world have put in place outbreak-control measures [1]
We hypothesized that younger women, with lower income and a low level of education would be more at risk of Intimate Partners’ Violence (IPV) experience during the COVID-19 lockdown period
The global pandemic of IPV existed before COVID-19, but several countries have reported an increase in cases of IPV, including serious cases that resulted in deaths [15]
Summary
Since the SARS CoV-2 outbreak in December 2019, countries around the world have put in place outbreak-control measures [1]. Congo (DRC) implemented lockdown measures on 18 March 2020 [2]. These measures were associated with significantly increased stress due to confinement in homes, loss of income, and discontinuation of services potentially leading to increased Intimate Partners’ Violence (IPV) [3]. IPV is defined as any act of violence perpetrated or suffered in the context of an intimate relationship. It refers to physical and sexual violence, including rape, emotional abuse, and other types, such as controlling behaviors by an intimate partner [4,5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
