Abstract
Women in South Africa experience high levels of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). There are numerous health consequences experienced by victims. However, children of IPV victims often experience negative emotional and developmental outcomes as well. In South Africa, infant and child health outcomes are not optimal and IPV is high, and thus there is a need to determine whether a relationship between them exists. This study used the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey. Mothers aged 15 to 49 and who were included in the Domestic Violence module formed the study population. Frequency tables and graphs were done, and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions were performed with each of the three reported child health outcomes (birth weight, duration of breastfeeding and diarrhoea incidence), IPV and other socio-demographic factors. Thirteen percent of women have experienced IPV. Five percent of their children were low birth weight, 10% had experienced diarrhoea; but 87% had been breastfed for 6+ months. Mothers in the rich wealth category were 37% more likely to have a child born at low birth weight but those aged 20 to 39 had around a 60% less likelihood of breastfeeding for 6+ months than 15 to 19-year olds. Women who had experienced IPV had around 77% higher odds of having a child experience diarrhoea in the last 2 weeks. Wealthier mothers often have unhealthier lifestyle practices and behaviours, due to more disposable income which could account for lower birth weight children. Mothers in tertiary education and starting their professional careers are normally around 20 to 39 years and should be provided supportive structures to be allowed to breastfeed their children. The long-term emotional and developmental consequences to children of IPV victims are known, but we now know that there are also very immediate consequences to the health of these children as well.
Highlights
Women are vulnerable to violence including assaults, sexual violence and homicide at random, within their communities, families and especially from their intimate partners
Research in other countries has found a relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and child health and well-being outcomes, but none of these were done in South Africa [10,11,12]
Except in the case of sexual IPV and birth weight, for all other child health outcomes–mothers who has experienced each type of IPV showed higher percentages of negative health outcomes of the child compared to those who had not experiences these types of IPV
Summary
Women are vulnerable to violence including assaults, sexual violence and homicide at random (by unknown perpetrators), within their communities, families and especially from their intimate partners. Death is not the only consequence of intimate partner violence (IPV), with research showing that victims are known to suffer from depression [2, 3], suicidal ideation [4], the development of chronic pain injuries [3], severe reproductive health outcomes [3], and are more susceptible to HIV infection [3, 5]. It is the direct victims, women, who suffer negatively. Research in other countries has found a relationship between IPV and child health and well-being outcomes, but none of these were done in South Africa [10,11,12]
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