Violence against women in Stockholm County: does marital status matter?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate differences in victimization among single and married mothers using data (n=6,388 women) from the 2006 Stockholm County Public Health Survey (SCPHS), a cross‐sectional survey based on a self‐administered postal questionnaire.Design/methodology/approachResults showed higher odds of victimization among lone mothers compared to married ones. Additionally, the greatest odds of victimization were observed among those with low education, low income, and decreased social and practical support.FindingsIn Sweden, particularly in Stockholm, there is a need for future population‐based surveys regarding the prevalence of violence and to identify high risk groups. Furthermore, it is crucial that these surveys include items that will enable investigation of direct links between violence and health effects, and the utilization of health care for these women.Originality/valueThis paper is original and it addresses for the first time violence among single mothers within a social epidemiology perspective.