Abstract
BackgroundOver the years, researchers have relied on data from women victims to understand the profile on male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV studies with male participants in the general population are still emerging in Africa. The contribution of mental ill health to IPV perpetration in the general population that has been documented elsewhere is emergent. Notwithstanding, research with male perpetrators is essential to informing effective prevention programmes and interventions. To contribute to the emerging literature on male perpetrators, we conducted a study to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with IPV perpetration by men in heterosexual relationships. We also modelled pathways to IPV perpetration using data from Zimbabwe.MethodsData were collected through a nationwide survey employing a random and multi-staged sampling method. We recruited and administered a structured questionnaire to 2838 men aged 18 years and above. IPV was measured using an adapted WHO Domestic Violence Questionnaire. Determinants of IPV measured included child abuse, alcohol abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, personal gender attitudes and risky sexual behaviours. Multivariate regression modelling was used to assess factors associated with IPV perpetration. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the underlying pathways to recent IPV perpetration.ResultsForty one percent of men had perpetrated IPV in their lifetime and 8.8% percent of men perpetrated IPV in the 12 months before the survey. Older, more educated men, men who binge drank, men who were abused as children or experienced other life traumatic experiences were more likely to perpetrate IPV in lifetime. Depressive symptoms and sexual relationship power (were also associated with lifetime IPV perpetration. IPV perpetration in the last 12 months was associated with binge drinking, PTSD and sexual relationship power. The pathways to IPV perpetration in the last 12 months from child abuse to recent IPV were mediated by comorbid PTSD symptoms, depression binge drinking and sexual relationship power.ConclusionsIPV perpetration was associated with child abuse history, mental ill health, sexual relationship power and personal gender attitudes. Interventions to reduce IPV need to engage men to address gender inequality, mental ill health and reduce alcohol consumption.
Highlights
Over the years, researchers have relied on data from women victims to understand the profile on male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV)
Child abuse had effects on gender attitudes and sexual relationship power. This is consistent with literature showing that men who were abused in childhood are more likely to have witnessed parental violence and have been socialized into gender inequitable norms leading to their use violence in their intimate relationships [40]. These findings show that child abuse is a key determinant of negative outcomes in adult life is a key area of action for preventing mental ill health, negative attitudes development and IPV perpetration
Lifetime perpetration of IPV was associated with child abuse, high gender equity attitudes, binge drinking, life traumatic events, depressive symptoms and sexual relationship power
Summary
Researchers have relied on data from women victims to understand the profile on male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). The contribution of mental ill health to IPV perpetration in the general population that has been documented elsewhere is emergent. To contribute to the emerging literature on male perpetrators, we conducted a study to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with IPV perpetration by men in heterosexual relationships. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with IPV in Sub-Saharan Africa are povertyrelated and include low education, low income and unemployment [1, 8]. These three factors are related in that higher education helps to enable access to resources including formal or high paying employment. This paper looks at IPV perpetration in an economy that has deprived men of their traditional breadwinning privileges and powers
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
