Prevalence and Patterns of Domestic Violence among Women at M Djamil Hospital in Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Gender-based violence is a major risk for women worldwide. Violence against women often occurs in domestic settings. All domestic violence victims have the right to protection, including access to health care. However, the number of women who seek assistance from health services is low. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and analyze patterns of domestic violence against women. This was a descriptive study using data from medical records of women victims of domestic violence from 2017–2022 in Dr. M. Djamil Hospital. The results of this study showed that a total of 28 cases of female victims of domestic violence were examined. The age range was 6–11 years (28.6%). Sexual violence was the most common (45.9%), followed by physical violence (32.4%), and psychological violence (21.6%). Lacerations (50%) were the most common type of injury, followed by abrasions (23.3%), and bruises (16.7%). The most common cases involved victims and perpetrators being biological siblings (21.9%). Physical violence was most common between siblings, while sexual violence was most common, with the perpetrators being biological fathers and uncles. The total number of cases reported to the police was 60.7%, while the remaining 39.3% had not yet been reported to the police. There were 57.1% of cases that were repeated incidents, and 42.9% of cases were first-time violence. Considering a relatively small number of persons seeking support from health services, it is critical to undertake domestic violence education so that people are better aware of and understand their rights as victims. Keywords: Domestic; Violence; Sexual; Women