Abuse Of Women Research Articles

Unadorned: An Essay on a Conjugal Spectacle in Postcolonial Zanzibar

Abstract This essay explores the historical, political and cultural lessons of a Shia Khoja diasporic account about the Forced Marriage Act, also known as Ndoa za Karume (NZK), in 1964 post-revolutionary Zanzibar. It examines how the pogroms committed by the Afro-Shirazi government against Arab and Asian communities in this period shaped the narration and transmission of memories of social suffering. In particular, the essay analyzes a work by a Zanzibari Khoja exile in the United Kingdom highlighting the experience of young forced brides. It argues that NZK constituted literal, legal and social harms and thus provides insight into the abuse of women and girls as spoils of war. By engaging with this voice, we gain not only a deeper understanding of a specific historical moment but also a more nuanced understanding of the political context of gendered experience in an island adrift.

Prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence against pregnant women who attend antenatal care in Denmark and Spain: A digital screening approach.

Intimate partner violence against women is a global health issue. Exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy leads to health-related problems for both the mother and the newborn. However, current knowledge on its occurrence varies widely and assessing the problem using standardized tools in different contexts is needed. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of IPV in pregnant women in Denmark and Spain through digital screening tools. A cross-sectional design was used to systematically screen for intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending antenatal care by using standardized digital screening tools, Woman Abuse Screening Tool and Abuse Assessment Screen. A total of 17 220 pregnant women in Denmark and 2222 pregnant women in Spain were invited to participate. The response rate was high in both countries (77.3% and 92.5%, respectively). Overall, 6.9% (n = 913) and 13.7% (n = 282) screened positive in Denmark and Spain, respectively. Logistic regressions estimated crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals of the relationship between sociodemographic variables and intimate partner violence. In both countries, being unmarried and lacking social support were risk factors of intimate partner violence. Additionally, in Denmark, pregnant women older than 40 years, unemployed or foreign, were at higher risk, while having higher educational levels was a protective factor. In Spain, not having a partner at the time of questionnaire completion and having at least one child prior to the current pregnancy were risk factors of intimate partner violence. Prevalence results and found associated factors contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the occurrence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Denmark and Spain, while highlighting the feasibility of digital systematic screening in antenatal settings.

“You don’t have to say much; paint it then!”: A Thematic Analysis of Mural Arts in Iraq (Mosul and Erbil as a Case)

People find themselves in need of adding some inspiration indoors; interior designers likely let their customers immerse in the charm of some wall art decor with sweet family room wall quotes like “Love begins at home”. The art of filling walls exceeds the interior spaces for decoration, including outdoor spaces where different forms of artistic expression are used. This wall art matters among populations globally as it conveys different messages to the public and the decision-makers as well. The current article investigates Mural Arts (MAs) in Mosul and Erbil, Iraq. The researchers aim to (1) interpret the variety of themes that Mosuli Artists (MoAs) and Erbili Artists (ErAs) communicate via painting and (2) figure out the shared and distinctive theme in MoAs and ErAs’ artwork. This study employed a qualitative approach to grasp the themes of MAs in both Mosul and Erbil. The researchers gathered 60 Mixed Mural Arts MMA samples (verbal and visual); 38 in Mosul and 22 in Erbil in four months (from 8 August to 20 November 2023). They purposefully covered a broad range of sites including street walls, building facades, government institution walls, school walls, and bridge side walls in both cities. The researchers employed the Thematic Analysis Approach (TAA)by Braun and Clarke (2006) benefiting from NVivo 11(1999-2017) software to induce themes in Mosul and Erbil. This study revealed a total of 13 themes in both Mosul and Erbil in Mosul and 5 in Erbil. 2 themes, viz. ‘Environmental Sustainability’ and ‘Patriotism’ were shared. Other 6 themes viz, ‘The Transformative Power of Knowledge’, ‘The Horse as a Symbol of Nobility’, ‘Reviving the City of Mosul’, ‘Women Abuse’, ‘Unity for Iraq’, and ‘Martyrdom’ were said to be distinctive in Mosul whereas 3 other themes, viz. ‘The Role of Women in Society’, ‘Music Therapy’, and ‘Motivation in Learning’ were interpreted in Erbil.

Evidence of Internal Structure Validity, Measurement Invariance, Convergent Validity, Clinical Validity, and Reliability of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool in Peruvian Women.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common type of violence committed against women and results in serious personal, familial, social, and economic consequences; thus, there is a need to detect IPV early. One test for detecting IPV is the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). The objective of the study was to obtain evidence of the validity of the WAST in terms of its internal structure, measurement invariance, convergent validity, clinical validity, and reliability. A total of 670 women who have or have had a heterosexual relationship participated in the study. The first stage included 513 adult women who partook of health services (M age = 35.5 years, SD age = 10 years). The second stage included 160 women, 80 diagnosed with IPV (M age = 34.2 years, SD age = 11.8 years) and 80 who were not (M age = 31.8 years, SD age = 11.5 years). We used multivariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. We found evidence that the WAST demonstrates a one-dimensional structure; evidence of measurement invariance regarding cohabitation with the partner, length of the relationship, and age; evidence of convergent validity in terms of correlations with emotional dependence, self-compassion, expressive suppression, anxiety, and depression; and evidence of clinical validity in terms of the high probability of detecting positive cases of IPV. These properties support the use of the WAST for detecting possible cases of IPV, which will allow timely intervention. This instrument can also be used in larger studies on IPV in the Spanish-speaking population.

Subordination to Women, Anger, and Endorsement of Violence Against Women: A Test of General Strain Theory

Using Agnew’s (1992) general strain theory (GST), we assess the connection between men’s strained masculinity (stress at subordination to women scenarios), anger produced by strained masculinity, and endorsing friends’ harassment and abuse of women. In a convenience sample of 859 men aged 18 to 32, men who report greater strain and anger in response to hypothetical scenarios and men higher in trait anger are more likely to endorse friends’ violence against women. We contribute to GST by testing the effects of both state and trait anger as a link between strained masculinity and endorsement of violence and exploitation of women.

Navigating Online and in-Person Support: Views and Experiences From Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse.

Various types of in-person and online support are available to women intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) survivors. However, we know little about the interplay between them. We investigated the transitions and interactions between these types of help and how their use can be optimized, using a mixed-methods approach (survey N = 107; interviews N = 18). Significant but weak correlations were found for specific IPVA and support types. No significant correlations were found between online and in-person help types. Almost 60% of survey participants expressed interest in blended care. Integration and optimization of online and blended care options can increase outreach and provide an enhanced, tailored help-seeking and recovery journey.

Barriers Faced by Women and Girls with Disabilities in Disclosing Sexual Abuse in the Northwest Region of Cameroon: A Case Study

Women with disabilities are two to three times more likely to experience violence than women without a disability and are less likely to disclose incidents of sexual violence and domestic abuse. In a typically patriarchal society like Cameroon, being a woman or girl with a disability increases the likelihood of gender-based violence – a risk that has been further exacerbated by the ongoing socio-political crisis in the region. There is a misconception that women and girls with disabilities like their male counterparts are safe from sexual violence given the falsehood that it is an unusual and shameful occurrence to have sexual relations with a woman with a disability. These prevailing prejudices inspired this study to investigate the barriers that prevent women with disabilities from reporting sexual and domestic abuse. The case study design was used to conduct an in-depth content analysis of the situation of women with disability who had been abused. Nonprobability sampling resulted in a selection of 3 cases per disability type including vision, hearing, mobility, and psychosocial impairment types. Results show that there has been dead silence on abuse of women with disabilities due to social pressure, twists in the narrative to focus on blaming the victim, ignorance of what abuse is, and normalisation of abuse amongst other reasons. The study recommends the need to enhance attitudinal change through an integrated awareness strategy that includes both women and girls with disability and the perpetrators on the one hand, and society on the other with consistent capacity building for service providers on identification and pathways to managing women and girls who have been abused.

Child Maltreatment and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Evidence suggests that child maltreatment (CM) is associated with an elevated risk of adult diseases in later life. Emerging evidence shows that CM in childhood is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood. However, no study has systematically examined the evidence. Hence, this review aims to synthesise the evidence on the association between forms of CM and MetS in adulthood. Electronic databases of CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, SOCINDEX, and Scopus were systematically searched using predefined key terms to identify relevant published studies on the association between CM and MetS from the beginning of indexing to 1st January 2024. Studies were included if they met the selection criteria. The quality of studies was appraised using suitable criteria for cross-sectional and prospective studies. The search revealed a total of 2411 studies. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings revealed that there was an association between physical abuse and MetS in women across two studies and one study in men. In addition, one study reported an association between emotional abuse and the risk of MetS in men, while two studies revealed increased odds with CM. However, no significant associations were reported between MetS and childhood sexual abuse and neglect, respectively. These findings suggest that some forms of CM may increase a person's risk of having MetS. However, there is a need for methodological improvements due to heterogeneity in studies, mainly on the assessment and definition of CM. Further research is needed on forms of CM and MetS to understand the underlying mechanisms of the associations found and to identify targeted strategies to prevent the impact of CM on MetS and subsequent future health.

Intimate Partner Violence and Antenatal Depression Among Underserved Pregnant Women.

Introduction: Few studies have examined the associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure during pregnancy and types of IPV with antenatal depression among underserved pregnant women. Methods: Data came from participants from a Healthy Start program in South Carolina between 2015 and 2019 (n = 1,629). The first two questions in the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) were used to measure IPV exposure, that is, having a problematic relationship with their partner. Those who had IPV exposure were assessed with six additional questions of the WAST. Principal component analysis was conducted on the 8-item WAST data to identify underlying types of IPV exposure. Antenatal depression was defined as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scores ≥16. Results: Participants were racially diverse (71% black, 21% white) with 85% Medicaid recipients. Nearly 12% of participants reported IPV exposure and 30% reported antenatal depression. The odds of having IPV exposure were higher among unmarried women, those with less than a high school education, and those who lacked family support. The odds of having antenatal depression were 2.5 times higher (95% CI: 1.9-3.5) among women with IPV exposure. After controlling for covariates, a one-point increase in the scores for psychological IPV (Factor 1) or a problematic relationship (Factor 3) was associated with increased odds of antenatal depression. Conclusion: This is one of the first studies to estimate the prevalence of IPV exposure using a proxy measure (a problematic relationship) among underserved U.S. pregnant women. Its positive association with antenatal depression suggests the utility of screening for a problematic relationship using a two-item WAST and providing assistance to those with IPV exposure.

Dalit Feminism: Historical Context And Impact

Dalit feminism aims to dismantle the prevailing narratives that uphold their oppression by empowering Dalit women to express their agency and reclaim their stories. Notwithstanding casteist violence and persecution, Dalit women have always been important voices for their rights and dignity. Prominent individuals such as Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Ramabai Ambedkar have played a pivotal role in the anticaste and anti-untouchability campaigns in India, championing the cause of women's empowerment and education rights. Organizations like the Dalit Mahila Samiti and the All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM) sought to address problems including domestic abuse, healthcare access, and sexual exploitation of Dalit women in the 20th century. Dalit feminism also criticizes mainstream feminism for failing to represent the experiences of women from lower castes and for being dominated by upper-class viewpoints. It aims to elevate Dalit women in the feminist conversation and promotes unity with other oppressed groups, such as LGBTQIA+ people and males of lower castes.

“A Kiss Delivered as a Punch”: Coercively Controlling Tactics in Australian Women’s Same-Gender Intimate Relationships

In 2007, Evan Stark consolidated decades of feminist scholarship and advocacy on intimate partner violence (IPV) into a framework he coined “coercive control” (Stark 2007). Stark’s model was initially heteronormative. He later contended that heteropatriarchy may condition abuse in women’s intimate relationships with other women, but more research was needed to clearly understand how coercive control manifests beyond heterosexuality (Stark and Hester 2019). In this paper, we utilise the voices of 18 Australian same-gender attracted women who experienced IPV in intimate relationships with other women. The participants’ narratives, revealed through this qualitative method, provide insights into perpetrator tactics of coercive control in these relationships. Situating these stratagems within Stark’s framework, we gain a deeper understanding of this, often invisible, manifestation of coercive control. This study is essential and timely because, since Stark (2007) published his book, several countries have criminalised coercive control and some states in Australia have recently followed suit.

Addressing obstetric violence: a scoping review of interventions in healthcare and their impact on maternal care quality.

The mistreatment and abuse of women during childbirth have been recognized as a major global health challenge, impeding facility-based delivery and contributing to the high maternal mortalities globally. The World Health Organization has specifically called for interventions to deal with obstetric violence. This scoping review consolidates the existing literature on interventions aimed at reducing obstetric violence and synthesizes existing knowledge on their impact in promoting respectful maternity care. Thirteen electronic databases were searched for relevant articles from January 2001 to March 2023. A total of 863 records were identified, and 72 full-text articles were retrieved for further screening. The review includes 16 studies, particularly from low- and middle-income countries, with interventions implemented at medical facilities and involving both women and healthcare providers. Eight of the studies were quantitative, three were qualitative and five used a mixed-methods approach. The results reveal a promising trend in reducing obstetric violence through various interventions. Ten different types of interventions were identified, highlighting strategies to improve the quality of maternity care and enhance patient-centered care. Improved patient-provider communication skills, increased privacy measures, and reduced abuse and mistreatment emerged as common themes. Enhanced communication skills, including open discussions and the right to be informed, were crucial in reducing obstetric violence. Privacy measures, such as separate rooms, curtains, and birth companions effectively decreased incidents of non-confidential care. General abuse and mistreatment, including physical abuse and neglect, were also reduced, leading to improved perceptions of respectful care during childbirth. Overall, the interventions had a favorable impact on obstetric violence reduction and women's childbirth experiences. However, despite promising results, obstetric violence remains prevalent worldwide, necessitating more efforts to implement effective interventions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scoping review on obstetric violence interventions, providing a comprehensive overview of the state of the art. We suggest that further research is needed to explore new interventions, particularly gender-sensitive interventions, to contribute to a growing body of knowledge on the prevention of obstetric violence.

The Interaction between Education and Sex with Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Two Brazilian Cities.

This cross-sectional study, carried out between October and December 2020 in two Brazilian cities, aimed to evaluate the joint association of education and sex with habitual and episodic excessive alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Habitual alcohol consumption was defined as drinking any quantity of alcohol at least once per week. Excessive episodic alcohol consumption was defined as the consumption of five or more drinks by men or four or more drinks by women at least once in the last 30 days. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze associations of education and sex with alcohol consumption. Education was not associated with habitual alcohol consumption and excessive episodic alcohol consumption. However, when evaluating the joint effect between education and sex, it can be seen that men with low education were more likely to habitually consume (OR: 5.85; CI95:2.74-14.84) and abuse alcohol (OR: 4.45; IC95:1.54-12.82) and women with high education were more likely to have habitual (OR: 2.16; IC95:1.18-3.95) and abusive alcohol consumption (OR: 2.00; IC95:1.16-3.43). These findings highlight the modifying effect of sex on the relationship between education and alcohol consumption, such that education influenced alcohol consumption differently between sexes during the pandemic.

Intersecting Realities: Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Substance Abuse in Women – A Holistic Treatment Approach

The intersection of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and substance abuse in women presents a clinical tableau rich with complexity and challenges. This review explores the intricate relationship between BDD—a disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived physical flaws—and substance abuse, where women may turn to drugs or alcohol as a maladaptive coping mechanism to alleviate the distress associated with BDD. A literature-focused methodology was employed in the study. In this context, databases such as PubMed, DergiPark, WoS, and ScienceDirect were utilized to explore the relevant literature. The analysis delves into the unique manifestation of BDD in women, influenced by societal, cultural, and psychological factors that often impose stringent beauty standards and exacerbate body image concerns. Patterns of substance abuse among women are discussed, highlighting the rapid progression from usage to dependency, known as telescoping, and the impact of societal stigma that compounds the struggles of women with addiction. Risk factors for both conditions are examined, with a focus on shared contributors such as trauma, mental health comorbidities, and societal pressures. Current treatment approaches are reviewed, advocating for an integrated model that combines psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and holistic or alternative interventions. The review emphasizes the importance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for BDD and Medication-Assisted Treatment for substance abuse, as well as the inclusion of mindfulness, meditation, and gender- The conclusion reinforces the imperative of a cohesive treatment strategy, underscoring the need for gender-specific, trauma-informed care that understands and addresses the complex interplay between BDD and substance abuse in women. This comprehensive approach promises more effective support and a hopeful pathway to recovery for women entangled in the web of these co-occurring disorders.

Cultural dynamics of gender-based violence and pastoral care in South Africa

Gender-based violence is a prevalent issue that impacts most South Africans. The spread of sexual violence has created and atmosphere of intense fear in most homes. African cultural norms have helped to facilitate the continuation of discrimination against women. In African cultures, cases of abuse are often marginalised and considered an irrelevant reason for seeking a divorce. This has resulted in some women being forced to endure years of domestic abuse in their marriages, and they have even passed on this resilient mentality to more recent generations of married women. It is crucial to realise that the Recognition of Common Legislation Marriages Act, which is a part of South African legislation, acknowledges customs like polygamy and lobola. Lobola and polygamous marriages, among other practices, have been linked to major increases in the maltreatment of women, according to certain African researchers. In this particular study, the researcher aims to examine the impact of culturally induced gender-based violence (GBV) on pastoral care practices in South Africa, specifically focusing on the experiences and needs of South African women within abusive marriages. It is important to recognise that GBV is rooted in patriarchy, which promotes a culture of male power over women. In this research, qualitative methods will be employed to investigate how this unhealthy power dynamic encourages men to behave violently towards women.Contribution: This study delves into the intricate relationship between culturally induced GBV and pastoral care in South Africa. Focused on the surge in violence, it employs qualitative methods to explore women’s experiences, revealing the connection between violence and entrenched patriarchal structures. The research seeks to inform and enhance pastoral practices in addressing GBV.

The Prevalence of Domestic Verbal Abuse in Pregnant Women in a Semi-urban Area.

Introduction Domestic violence (DV) in the form of verbal abuse is very common amongwomen, especially pregnant women, posing as a serious public health issue that could lead to complications in pregnancy and threaten maternal and fetal outcomes. Studies have determined that domestic verbal abuse (DVA) in pregnancy was more common in women less than 25 years of ageas well as in those with low education levels. This study determined the overall prevalence of verbal abuse in pregnant women, in a semi-urban population and is unique in thatthe verbal abuse in pregnant women with a previous girl child was also determined. This study helps healthcare providers identify the potential causes of DVA in pregnancy and provide timely interventions in the form of counseling for pregnant women and families. Objective This observational study was carried out to assess the prevalence of DVA among pregnant women, to determine the trimester of occurrence of DVA among pregnant women, and to explore the associations of DVA with age, employment status, parity gestational age, and birth weight. Materials and methods This was a six-month hospital-based observational study conducted at Dr D. Y. Patil Medical College's in-patient department (IPD) of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Pimpri, Pune. Consent was obtained from 200 pregnant women who received admission for delivery and provided a validated modified copy of a DV assessment screening questionnaire. A statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 10. A Chi-square test was employed wherever required, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results The study included 200 pregnant women, who were admitted to the hospitalfor delivery. The prevalence of DV in the form of verbal abusewas noted to be 74 out of 200 (37%). The working status of the woman showed an influence on DVA. There was also a significant increase in verbal abuse (68%) among the age group between 18 and 23 years. The previous delivery of a female child also had a significant impact on DVA, which turned out to be more prevalent, particularly if two female children were born previously (80%). The study also noted higher rates of preterm deliveries in pregnant women with DVA being 57%. Conclusion The study demonstrates that women, even in modern times, experience DVA during pregnancy, especially among the younger age group. It has also been found that it is more common among women who are financially dependent due to maternal unemployment. As a result, there is a need to routinely screen pregnant women for DVA to avoid potentially detrimental pregnancy outcomes and to prevent ongoing abuse.

The Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence, Depression, Alcohol Abuse in Black and Hispanic Women.

The relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV), depression, and risky alcohol use is complex and multi-dimensional. Depression has been documented as a common consequence of experiencing IPV, where depressed individuals might turn to substances like alcohol as a coping mechanism. Thus, assessing the indirect effect of depression in the relationship between IPV and alcohol abuse in African American and Hispanic women is warranted. Cross-sectional data was collected from 152 African American and Hispanic women living in Miami, Florida. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Hayes' direct and indirect mediation analyses were conducted. A total of 77% reported IPV. The mean age was 42.84 (SD = 10.69). About 57% of participants identified as African American, and 62% identified as Hispanic/Latino. On average, participant depression scores (8.6, SD = 5.7) showed mild-to-moderate severity, and the average alcohol abuse score was 15.5 (±8.9), suggesting risky alcohol use. IPV was directly associated with alcohol abuse (β = .50, 95% CI [.18, .82]; [R2 = .059, F(1, 150) = 9.37, p < .001), and with depression (β = .48, 95% CI [.27, .69]; [R2 = .119, F(1, 150) = 20.43, p < .001). Depression modified the effect of IPV on alcohol abuse by about 19% (β = .56, 95% CI [.33, .80]; [R2 = .185, F(2, 149) = 16.87, p < .0026). Results of this study suggest that depression is an important component to be considered when addressing alcohol abuse among women with experiences of IPV. This study highlights the importance of assessing women who report IPV for depressive symptoms when treating alcohol use disorders.

Respectful maternity care during childbirth: Experiences and observation among mothers in a tertiary-care institute in Manipur.

Respectful maternity care (RMC) refers to the humane and dignified treatment of a childbearing woman throughout her pregnancy, childbirth and immediate postpartum period. Disrespect and abuse of women during labour, childbirth and immediate postpartum period in health facilities is one of the reasons which deter them from further utilizing maternal healthcare services. The present study was thus undertaken to determine to what extent RMC practices are being followed in a health facility in Manipur. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 to August 2022 in a Health facility among women coming for institutional delivery along with direct observations of the labour room. The study tool comprises a semistructured questionnaire related to respectful maternity care which was adapted from the Person-Centered Maternity Care Scale, a validated instrument. The direct observation method was carried out using a checklist adapted from a standardized tool developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Descriptive statistics were generated and approval of the study was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 336 (99.1%) women reported at least one form of disrespect or abuse during childbirth. Maximum abuse (91.4%) was reported in the facility and environment domain. Direct observation done on 22 deliveries in the labour room found that 72.7% of the women experienced at least one form of disrespect and abuse. Two (9.1%) women were observed to face physical force or abusive behaviour. Almost all the women reported at least one form of disrespect or abuse during childbirth. There is a need to improve the health facilities and women need to be treated with dignity and respect as it is being violated according to the findings in many studies as with ours.

Explorations of attitudes towards accessibility and accessing domestic violence and abuse (DVA) perpetrator support programmes by victim-survivors and perpetrators across five European countries

This paper reports on findings from international empirical research that explored victim-survivors and perpetrators’ attitudes towards perpetrator support programmes. Ninety-three questionnaires with female victim-survivors of domestic partner violence and abuse, and 18 interviews with male perpetrators were conducted in five European countries. Results showed that of the 93 victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse, half stated they would have stayed in their relationship with perpetrators if the abuse had stopped, and a similar number reported that they believed their relationships would have been different had there been help for the perpetrator. Analysis of perpetrator interviews showed that they faced barriers to obtaining support, such as being labelled a ‘perpetrator’ which, had they been addressed, may have enhanced their engagement with services. Whilst acknowledging the need for safeguarding and justice, this paper demonstrates the importance of reflecting both victim-survivor and perpetrator needs in order for perpetrators to fully engage with support services. Moreover, it highlighted the need to address the underlying societal issues related to hegemonic masculinity, which can lead to the abuse of women being normalised and the vulnerability of men being stigmatised, through education for young people around healthy relationships.

Domestic Violence During Pregnancy and Risk of Obstetrical Complications

Context: Intimate partner violence is a phenomenon that affects a significant number of women and has an important impact on society. This conjugal violence against women can have important consequences on their health as well as on the health of the unborn child during pregnancy. Objectives and Methods: In order to assess the risk of obstetrical complications in women who are victims of domestic violence, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component to determine the association between domestic violence and obstetrical complications on the one hand, and to determine the factors associated with domestic violence on the other. The descriptive part consisted of determining the prevalence of domestic violence and neonatal complications, and describing the different types of violence. A questionnaire was self-administered to pregnant women who came for prenatal consultations at the Dschang District Hospital. Results: Amongst 320 women approached, 300 agreed to participate in the study. The overall prevalence of spousal violence was 37.33%, and the prevalence of spousal violence during pregnancy was 13.33%; the prevalence of neonatal complications was 20.7%, premature deliveries accounted for 7.7%, miscarriages 7%, stillbirths 6.7%, while the prevalence of low birth weight babies was 1.7%. Domestic violence was significantly associated with neonatal complications (OR=4.1 p value=0.000). Regarding the types of violence, verbal and psychological violence had a frequency of (108)36%, physical violence which represented (40) 13.3%, control and financial violence represented (23) 7.7% and (30) 10% respectively; sexual violence was the least represented with (20) 6.7%. Regarding the factors associated with domestic violence, the 25-34 age group of the woman (p value 0.02, OR: 4.2), consumption of alcohol by the partner (p value 0.02, OR: 4.14) and the history of violence before pregnancy (p value 0.001, OR: 92.91) were significantly associated with domestic violence. Conclusion: Early identification of abuse in pregnant women and taking steps to prevent it may reduce the occurrence of these adverse outcomes.