Physical and Emotional Domestic Violence Knowledge among Jazan University Female Students

Abstract

Domestic violence against females is one of the most important social problems negatively affecting health psychologically and physically. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of violence against female students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, and identify their knowledge and response towards emotional and physical domestic violence. Method of study: It is a descriptive cross-sectional, observational type of epidemiologic study conducted on 450 female students at 3 Faculties, female sections, Jazan University, for eight weeks. The data was collected using an Arabic questionnaire containing 35 questions and analyzed by SPSS Program. Results: 25.6% of the female students in the studied sample were exposed to domestic violence at some point. The emotional type is the most prevalent (18.3%), followed by the physical type (16.9%). Arts faculties showed the highest rate of domestic violence (11.3%), followed by health faculties (9.3%), and the science faculties exhibited the lowest rates (4.9%). Most participants (15.78%) believed that male power in Jazan society allows them to emotionally abuse women, while 15.33% thought that physical violence against womenis mainly caused by men’s abuse of drugs and alcohol. 94.5% of the participants believed that violence against women has a negative impact on children and teenagers, and 86.5% supposed that the most significant psychological effects of violence against women are loss of self-confidence, frustration, and depression. Conclusion: Domestic violence against females is prevalent in the Jazan community, with various socio-demographic and economic determinants influencing its occurrence. The most prevalent type is emotional domestic violence. Arts faculties showed the highest rating of domestic violence, then health faculties, and the least, science faculties. Recommendations: Increase community awareness about domestic violence. Religious leaders sustain the greatest responsibility to increase awareness according to the rules of the Islamic religion. Key words: Knowledge, physical and emotional domestic violence, Jazan University female students