Spousal Violence Real Experiences of Victimized Women Attending Family Court: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Spousal violence is an international problem of prevalent magnitudes. It incorporates physical or psychological harm between husbands and wives. The health significances of spousal violence can be severe, leading to physical, emotional or mental health consequences. Aim: the aim of the present study was to explore spousal violence real experiences among victimized women attending Family Court. Design: a descriptive exploratory qualitative research design was used. Setting: the study was conducted at Samanood family court (Gharbia governorate, Egypt). Sampling: a purposive sample of 12 divorced women who were willing to participate in interactive interviews, they were 12 divorced woman. Tools: in-depth interviews were used to collect data where a topic guide included open ended questions about spousal violence was used. Results: After thematic analysis, six main themes illustrating the cycle of violence were emerged: violence predictors; as relationship strain & maltreatment. Violence types; commonly reported verbal & physical. Causes; customs & traditions played a major role. Reaction to violence; women reaction was mainly seeking help from family member. Health consequences; were mostly psychological. And finally, with the escalation of danger women became more hopeless, until the occurrence of crucial event which gave them the power to take the decision of escaping violence. Conclusion: Women described the begging of relationship as ordinary or very good (pre-contemplation), then the appearance of predictors & occurrence of partner violence (contemplation), after that the women reaction (preparation), and finally with the negative health consequences and escalation of danger women decided to escape violence (action and maintenance). Recommendation: Prevent cycle of violence from ever starting by preparing young couples for healthy marital relationships, and raising public awareness /families about consequences of spousal violence on future community.