Abusive Relationships Research Articles

Self-esteem mediates child abuse predicting adulthood anxiety, depression, and substance use symptoms 18 years later

According to biopsychosocial models, experiencing parental child abuse increases susceptibility to adulthood psychopathology. However, there is a paucity of studies examining potential mechanisms of the parental child abuse and adulthood psychopathology relationship. The purpose of the current study was to determine if Time 2 (T2) trait self-esteem mediated levels of Time 1 (T1) retrospectively recalled parental child abuse predicting (T3) past-year major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms. The 18-year Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study included participants (N = 3294; T1 average age of 45.62 years) assessed at three different time points, each spaced about nine years apart. We performed structural equation mediation modeling analyses to determine how maternal and paternal child abuse at T1 would independently predict T3 MDD, GAD, PD, AUD, and SUD symptoms. We also examined whether T2 self-esteem mediated these relations while controlling for adulthood T1 psychopathology symptoms, demographics, socioeconomic status, somatic symptoms, and parental psychopathology. Consistent with our hypotheses, higher T1 maternal and paternal abuse predicted increased T3 GAD, PD, AUD, and SUD symptoms via diminished T2 self-esteem as the mediator (% proportion mediated = 33.0–100). However, childhood paternal, but not maternal, abuse predicted adulthood MDD symptoms via reduced self-esteem. Findings remained after adjusting for covariates. Our research highlights the importance of understanding retrospectively recalled parental child abuse–adulthood psychopathology relations, their potential mechanisms, and self-esteem as a malleable treatment target for adults with heightened child abuse.

The Role of Identity and Gender Beliefs in Self-Identification of Abuse for Male Victims of IPV.

Men experience numerous barriers in seeking help or resources after intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, with one barrier being a reluctance or lack of ability to identify that they have been victims of IPV. This study examines factors relating to male victims of IPV self-identification of abuse. Using a gender socialization approach, demographics and facets of masculine honor ideology were tested to see whether they were significantly related to self-identifying as experiencing abuse in their relationship. Using a sample of 289 men, the frequency of individuals who self-identified as someone who had been in an abusive relationship was compared to the number of individuals who indicated IPV victimization on the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), and percentages of correct identification were calculated. In addition, a binary logistic regression was run to examine factors that were related to someone identifying as a victim of IPV compared to those that were not. When directly asked if they had ever experienced abuse in a romantic relationship, a total of 41 (14.2%) men self-identified as having been a victim of IPV. However, when examining scores on the CTS2, 69 (23.9%) reported some sexual IPV, 201 (69.6%) indicated psychological abuse, and 59 (20.4%) indicated physical abuse. Subscales of the Masculine Honor Belief Scale were not found to have a significant relationship with self-identification, but differences were found among types of IPV and demographics. Specifically, men who identify as LGBTQ+ were significantly more likely to identify when they experienced IPV victimization. Barriers to male self-identification and treatment are discussed.

Safety Is Just the First Step: Implementing a Holistic, Survivor-Centered Program Model for Rural Partner Abuse Survivors

When domestic violence first became recognized as a social problem, services (e.g., hotlines, medical accompaniment, and emergency shelters) focused largely on meeting victims’ needs during crisis. Research documenting the process survivors go through to end abusive relationships and to establish a new, safe life shows that the challenges they face go well beyond the initial crisis. In contrast to standard practices, the Chesapeake Crisis to Self-Sufficiency Model (CCSSM) provides a continuum of holistic, survivor-centered services to support the transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. Staff interviews reveal that the CCSSM grew out of recognizing clients’ needs postcrisis. Establishing service continuums in critical areas such as housing, legal assistance, and economic empowerment creates customizable pathways for clients to follow. Administrative data for 464 survivors receiving services under the traditional model and 607 served under the CCSSM show that the CCSSM cohort worked with the agency for significantly more months and received a broader array of services. These data suggest that the comprehensive service model provides survivors with much needed services beyond the initial crisis and may ultimately increase their chances of leaving an abusive relationship. Future research should explore if the CCSSM leads to increased survivor safety and movement toward self-sufficiency and if the model decreases the odds that survivors will return to an abusive partner.

Abusive relationships and their repercussions from the perspective of undergraduate healthcare students

in several dimensions. Abusive relationships reflect patriarchal society, and perpetuate abuse of power and gender inequality. Existing literature focuses on marital relationships, pointing out a need for further investigation into violence in dating relationships and among young people. The goal was to analyze the perspective of health students on abusive relationships and their repercussions. This is a qualitative study, carried out in a private Higher Education Institution (IES), in 2023, with female students, over 18 years old. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and analyzed and interpreted through Minayo content analysis. The research was approved by the IES ethics committee. The interviewees highlighted violence and possessiveness in abusive relationships, highlighting impacts on victims' mental health and the importance of information and positive representation of women in the media for prevention. The study emphasizes the urgency of understanding abusive relationships and disseminating information to promote more equitable and safe relationships.

“She Punched, Punched, and Scratched Me While I Was Holding My Children After We Broke Up”: Men’s Experience of Postseparation Domestic Abuse

There is a paucity of literature relating to male victims of intimate partner violence and their experiences postseparation. This study explored men’s experiences of abuse after the end of a relationship using an anonymous online survey distributed via social media. The survey included questions of a demographic nature followed by a series of open-ended questions. A hundred and thirty men aged between 18 and 68 years participated. All participants were reporting on their experiences within opposite sex relationships. A thematic analysis identified four master themes (preseparation abuse, postseparation abuse, abuse impact, and help-seeking). The analysis revealed significant experiences of abuse occurring preseparation, followed by accounts of postseparation abuse and the challenges men faced in terms of help-seeking. The collection of preseparation data helped to situate the postseparation experiences in the wider context of an existing abusive relationship and illustrated the impact of this across a range of experiential domains. We conclude that men’s experiences of physical abuse as well as coercive and controlling behavior that exist preseparation often continue postseparation, albeit changing and escalating through different mechanisms. Suggestions for future research and recommendations for practice have been identified.

Changes in Spousal Intimacy in Women Suffering Trauma Symptoms from Domestic Abuse: A Culturally Embedded Intervention Study in Pakistan.

While emerging research is highlighting the significant effects of culture on marital and family relationships, studies investigating relationship intimacy and abuse in non-Western cultures are non-existent. This investigation assessed relationship intimacy in Pakistani women experiencing trauma symptoms (PTSD) from domestic abuse (DA) who received a culturally informed trauma intervention in a context that differs greatly in values and assumptions about marital relationships relative to Western traditions. Forty women meeting inclusion criteria were assessed on domestic violence type and characteristics (both victim and perpetrator characteristics), PTSD symptomology, and three aspects of relationship intimacy: engagement, communication, and shared friendships. PTSD symptomology and relationship intimacy were reassessed post-intervention. Results indicated significant changes in engagement and communication intimacy following the intervention, with engagement decreasing and communication increasing. The third aspect of intimacy, namely, shared friendships, showed no change. Engagement and overall intimacy showed significant negative correlations with physical abuse, though not with sexual or psychological/emotional abuse. These findings are interpreted within a cultural context where women have few options for leaving an abusive relationship. As such, the results highlight the importance of culture when studying facets of intimate relationships and the need to use culturally informed assessments to better understand the experience of intimacy within abusive relationships.

A national evaluation of Project Cautioning And Relationship Abuse ('CARA') awareness raising workshops for first time offenders of domestic violence and abuse: protocol for a concurrent mixed-methods evaluation design.

Interventions related to the perpetration of Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) have gained traction over the past several years, in response to dissatisfaction by victims, an inadequate response from the criminal justice system, increased demand on police time and a lack of rehabilitative responses to the perpetration of domestic abuse. The CARA model is a conditional diversionary caution, offered by police for first time offenders of 'standard' or 'medium risk' domestic abuse, that engages perpetrators in awareness raising workshops and signposts them onto further services. Although quasi-experimental studies have indicated that CARA showed promise at reducing reoffending, the CARA model has yet to be evaluated nationally and there is no qualitative evidence related to understanding or learning about the lived experience of perpetrators and victims as they engage with the intervention. Using a concurrent pragmatic mixed methods design model we will undertake a national evaluation of CARA by triangulating quantitative data from up to nine police forces, and routine data from service providers, with qualitative data from workshop participants, victims and professional stakeholders to: (1) understand the long-term impact of CARA implementation on DVA reoffending and engagement with services and (2) explore perceptions and experiences of both delivery and receipt of CARA. We will use qualitative methodologies that draw on interpretivist and phenomenological perspectives, as well as quantitative methodologies using interrupted time series models, Poisson regression models, Geo mapping and a cost benefits analysis. Where currently the CARA model is being introduced as a national option for standard risk first-time offending, we will engage with policymakers and academics nationally in the live debate on its effectiveness and suitability during its roll-out. Ethical approval was approved by the University of Southampton on the 1 st June 2022 (Ref: ERGO ID: 71818.A1).

Secondary and Tertiary Prevention for Adolescent Dating Violence: A Systematic Review.

Adolescent dating violence (ADV) is a pervasive public health issue associated with numerous social, psychological, and physical health consequences. Thus, programs are often implemented to prevent ADV and promote healthy relationships. Although there is a growing body of literature on primary ADV prevention strategies (i.e., prevention), little is known about secondary (e.g., early intervention) and tertiary (e.g., manage and reduce impact once occurring) ADV prevention approaches. This systematic review, guided by Cochrane Review methodology, summarizes available evidence on secondary and tertiary ADV preventive interventions. The search had no date restriction and was conducted in eight databases in November 2022. Studies published in English and/or Spanish were included if they described the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of a secondary and/or tertiary preventive intervention for ADV. After screening the titles and abstracts of 3,645 articles, 31 articles were included in this study, reporting on 14 secondary, 3 primary/secondary, 6 secondary/tertiary, and 1 tertiary ADV preventive intervention. The included studies highlighted that available secondary ADV prevention strategies are quite effective in preventing ADV victimization and perpetration, and that the effects may be strongest for teens with a higher risk of being involved in an abusive relationship. The only included study that reported on a tertiary intervention was a program development study. Based on the lack of tertiary prevention strategies available for ADV, clinical interventions focusing on treating and reducing negative consequences after ADV are needed.

The Relationship Between Religious Beliefs and Related Factors and Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis of Data From NIPHEAC, 2020.

This study aimed to explore the psychiatric symptoms and associated risk and protective factors among religious adolescents after 2-month home confinement against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in China. 11,603 Chinese adolescents in grades 7-9 were recruited in this survey. An online survey was designed to collect the data. Participants were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale. Religious adolescents showed significantly more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to non-religious. 249 (2.2%) reported COVID-19 exposure. Logistic regression analysis revealed that religiosity was a risk factor for the symptoms of depression (p=0.001) and anxiety (p<0.001). Moreover, among those adolescents with religious beliefs, psychological resilience was protective in preventing depressive and anxiety symptoms. At the same time, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and a poor parent-child relationship were risk factors. Our finding indicates that religious adolescents easily develop depressive and anxiety symptoms, compared to non-religious adolescents. Moreover, those with emotional abuse, emotional abuse, and poor parent-child relationships are more likely to suffer from mental distress and should pay more attention to cope with their mental health.

The Dynamics of Abusive Relationships

Abstract Domestic abuse encompasses a range of damaging behaviors beyond physical violence, including economic and emotional abuse. We analyze the impact of cohabiting with an abusive partner on victims’ economic outcomes. In so doing, we highlight the systematic role of economic suppression in such relationships. Using Finnish administrative data and a matched-control event-study design, along with a within-individual comparison of outcomes across relationships, we document three new facts. First, women who begin relationships with (eventually) physically abusive men suffer large and significant earnings and employment falls immediately upon cohabiting with the abusive partner. Second, the decline in economic outcomes is non-monotonic in women’s pre-cohabitation outside options. Third, men who are violent against women in any capacity impose economic costs on all their female partners, even those who do not report physical violence. To rationalize these findings, we develop a new dynamic model of abusive relationships where women do not perfectly observe their partner’s type, and abusive men have an incentive to use economic suppression to sabotage women’s outside options and their ability to later exit the relationship.

Sexual harassment, abuse and intimate relationships between coaches and athletes: a systematic review

ABSTRACT While sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) can be perpetrated by various individuals in sport, coaches have been studied as one of the most frequent perpetrators due to their physical and emotional proximity to athletes. This systematic review attempted to evaluate the past 20 years of research (2003–2023) examining SHA and inappropriate intimate relationships between coaches and athletes. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline, 20 studies that met the eligibility criteria were identified using four databases (PubMed, PsycNET, ScienceDirect and SportDiscus). Findings reveal common thematic measures among the studies reviewed, including characteristics of SHA (n = 9), coach-athlete sexual relationships (CASR; n = 7) and grooming (n = 4). Based on the narrative synthesis of each thematic measure, SHA in sport is experienced and/or perceived as various forms of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment (e.g. sexual jokes, unwanted comments, fondling) to abusive behaviors (e.g. kissing, showing coach's private body parts, sexual intercourse). Although some studies show the acceptance of CASR especially when athletes are above the age of legal consent, the strong majority of studies suggest that CASR in general is harmful and unacceptable given the unequal power dynamics between the two parties. Additionally, grooming was often involved as a conscious strategy to cross athletes’ personal boundaries for eventual sexual misconduct through building trust and manifesting seemingly innocuous behaviors. Overall, these findings shed light on the current state of research on SHA occurring between coaches and athletes and have implications for sport governing bodies and organizations to be better aware of the issue, which in turn can result in creating a safer environment for youth athletes.

The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Homelessness and Returns to Housing: A Qualitative Analysis From the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness.

Homelessness is a public health concern in California and throughout the United States. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a risk factor for experiencing homelessness. Few studies have examined the interplay between IPV, homelessness, and housing. Qualitative methods can provide a greater understanding of the lived experience of IPV and homelessness to identify potential solutions. We purposefully sampled 104 adults who reported experiencing IPV in the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH), a representative, mixed-methods study. We administered semi-structured interviews focusing on IPV and six other topic areas pertaining to homelessness from October 2021 to May 2022. We created and applied a codebook with a multidisciplinary team using a hybrid of deductive and inductive logic. Our analysis included all participants who discussed IPV and homelessness across the seven studies. We conducted a thematic analysis using an interpretivist approach and informed by grounded theory. We found that violence within a partnership was multidimensional (physical, sexual, emotional, and financial) and bidirectional. We identified six themes: (1) IPV precipitated and prolonged homelessness; (2) Need for housing, financial stability, and material resources influenced staying in abusive relationships; (3) Alcohol and illicit substance use exacerbated violence between partners; (4) Participants struggled to find resources in domestic violence (DV) shelters; (5) The healthcare system did not provide substantial support; and (6) discrimination and stigma influenced equitable access to housing and DV resources. Experiencing IPV contributed to homelessness and impeded returns to housing. Limitations in current IPV resources impede care. We propose equitable expansion of survivor-centered services that improve access to long-term subsidized housing, prevent IPV and homelessness with flexible funding options, and facilitate rapid exits from homelessness through trauma-informed, non-congregate shelter that transitions to permanent housing.

Assessing risk for severe domestic violence and related homicides perpetrated by partners and in-laws: adapted danger assessments for women in abusive relationships in India

Despite domestic violence and related homicides perpetrated by partners and/or in-laws being a significant public health problem in India, there are no reliable and valid instruments to identify and intervene with women in domestic violence relationships. Continued domestic violence can escalate to severe, near-lethal, or lethal violence or homicide. The Danger Assessment (DA) is a risk assessment instrument designed to assess the likelihood of severe, near-lethal, or lethal violence in abusive relationships. However, the DA is not designed to determine the risk of future severe, near-lethal, or lethal violence by in-laws. In-law abuse plays a significant role in domestic violence-related homicides in India and other countries with similar cultural norms. This study addressed this gap by developing the Danger Assessment for in-laws (DA-L) to assess risk from in-laws, alongside the Danger Assessment for Women in India (DA-WI) to assess risk from partners. The study also examined the psychometric properties of the DA-L and DA-WI. Longitudinal data from 150 women in India were used to measure the reliability and validity of the two versions of the DA. The original DA items and additional risk items were examined using relative risk ratios for their relationship with severe violence at three-month follow-ups. Predictive validity was tested with the receiver operating characteristic curve. The study resulted in reliable and valid measures (11 items DA-L and 26-items DA-WI) of risk. The versions of the DA can be useful for practitioners in India and those working with Indian women in the US and other countries. The DAs can be used for identifying women in domestic violence relationships who are at risk for future severe domestic violence and guide the provision of tailored safety plans.

Cultural Scaffolding and Dark Triad: A Feminist Poststructuralist Perspective on Male Perpetrators of Domestic Violence and Abuse

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is under-reported, under-prosecuted and under-convicted. The apparent ineffectiveness of policy approaches in reducing the incidence of DVA, or mitigating its social and economic costs, forms the backcloth of my enquiry.I explore the processes by which heterosexual women enter, endure, and leave abusive relationships. Using narrative-style interviews, I worked with 14 women with a wide range of characteristics in terms of age, ethnicity, physicality, and socio-economic status.I examine the space between normalised heterosexual relationships and abuse. I shine a spotlight on the full range of perpetrators’ behaviours that entrap and oppress their female partners, and identify four key domains in which the coercive tactics of the abuser work to: Ensnare his victim; dismantle her previous identities; prevent her from leaving the relationship; and punish her for leaving.From a feminist poststructuralist perspective, participants’ experiences of entering, enduring and exiting abusive relationships can be read as part of the wider cultural scaffolding (Gavey, 2019) of heteropatriarchy, which left them exposed to ensnarement and exploitation. Using dark triad (Paulhus, 2014) as a model for conceptualising perpetrators’ manipulation of their ex-partners, their children, and professionals, I offer an alternative to traditional psychology’s way of understanding men’s abuse of their female partners.

"I suffered in silence and certainly all women are like that" - Silenced: reproduction of, and breaking with, violence against women living in rural areas.

By way of life stories drawn from 20 interviews of women in two municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, this qualitative study examined how violence against women living in rural areas is silenced and the challenges involved in breaking that silence. Narrative Analysis arrived at two categories: "I suffered in silence and certainly all women are like that" (Violence silenced) and "We take care of her" (Breaking the silence). The first relates to the oppression of imposed silence and how women were affected by violence and isolation. The second shows the challenges facing women who break the silence and leave abusive relationships and how, through their narratives, to access the stories of other women who suffer violence. The narratives stress that the imposition of silence, which arose from gender roles and constraints on freedom, contributed to their continuing in the abusive relationship. The violence was sustained by the rural setting, where women were even more isolated, alone and unsupported, which heightened their fears, guilt, shame and financial dependence. An inter-sector approach, with more information and care for rural women, is fundamental to addressing this problem.

Shackled by Her Condition: A Comparison of American and Canadian Spousal Sponsorships and Conditional Permanent Residency

This paper analyzes the similarities and differences between Canadian conditional permanent resident status, which was recently repealed in 2017, and the current American approach to conditional lawful permanent residency. The paper engages in an analysis of how Canadian and American “permanent residency” status has often been shockingly temporary. The author argues that conditional permanent residency shackles immigrant women into abusive relationships while failing to adequately dissuade marriages of convenience or “sham” marriages.

The Effect of Emotional Abuse on Periodontal Status and Salivary Resisti

Background: Emotional abuse is a widespread form of child abuse. It is suggested that the adverse outcomes from all forms of abuse mostly result from the emotional impacts. Resistin, a polypeptide high in cysteine, can serve as a valuable biochemical indicator of periodontal tissue damage when detected in the saliva. Objective: To assess the relationship of emotional abuse with periodontal status and salivary resistin levels. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 522 intermediate school students aged 13-15 years in Kirkuk/Iraq. Information on emotional abuse was obtained using Glaser criteria which is a self-administered, structured, questionnaire form. The levels of emotional abuse were categorized into mild (score between 24-26), moderate (score between 27-42), and severe (score between 43-72). Periodontal health was assessed by using the community periodontal index (CPI). Non-stimulated saliva was collected and salivary resistin levels were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The most common level of abuse was moderate. The largest percentages of participants with dental calculus were observed in moderate (48.2%) and severe (57.5%) abuse groups and the highest mean number of sextants with gingival bleeding was observed in participants who experienced a moderate level of abuse (0.34). While the level of resistin was higher in the mild abuse group (237.06), all of its relationships with the periodontal condition were non-significant. Conclusion: Emotional abuse affects salivary resistin levels but has no obvious effect on periodontal status. Non-significant correlations were observed between salivary resistin levels and the levels of abuse with periodontal conditions.

Online Human-Centered Design Methods are Acceptable, Appropriate, and Feasible for Generating Adolescent Relationship Abuse Intervention Ideas With Sexual and Gender Diverse Youth

PurposeSexual and gender diverse youth (SGDY) are at greater risk for adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) than cisgender heterosexual youth, but there are not enough evidence-based interventions for reducing ARA among SGDY. We piloted online human-centered design (HCD) methodology to engage SGDY in generating ARA intervention ideas. This study evaluated the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the online methods and identified SGDY-derived intervention ideas for reducing ARA. MethodsFrom August 2020 through March 2021, we conducted a longitudinal online HCD study with 46 SGDY (aged 14–18 years) recruited via social media from across the United States. SGDY completed HCD activities using MURAL (collaborative digital whiteboard) in four group-based sessions (1.5 hours each) and a follow-up survey with validated measures of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility (a priori success benchmarks: means > 3.75 on each five-point scale). ResultsSGDY in the sample were 41% racial/ethnic minorities. SGDY rated the online HCD methods as highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible (means ≥ 4.29). SGDY co-created a breadth of ARA intervention concepts across all social-ecological levels, including commonplace ideas (e.g., curriculum for schools) and novel ideas, such as social media–based interventions to foster healthy relationships, incentivization interventions for performing social justice work, and school plays with SGDY storylines. DiscussionOnline HCD methods are acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for designing ARA intervention ideas. The intervention ideas generated in this study can help catalyze ARA intervention research for SGDY. Our method can be transported to other populations and health topics to help advance adolescent health and equity.

A Brief Online Motivational Tool to Promote Early Help-Seeking in Men Using Abuse and Violence in Relationships: A Feasibility Trial.

Men's use of domestic violence is a major public health issue globally. However, the potential for technology to address this issue has been limited within research and practice. This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online healthy relationship tool (BETTER MAN) for men who have used domestic violence to encourage help-seeking. A pre- and postsurvey with a 3-month follow-up was used. One hundred and forty men enrolled, with retention rates of 79% (111) immediately after BETTER MAN and 62% (86) at 3 months. Participants were diverse men (mean age of 32 years, 33% born outside Australia, 19% in same-sex relationships, and 2% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander). The majority (70%, 58) of men reported behaviors classified as moderate risk (e.g., checked partner's phone, picked on partner, and controlled money) and 24% (20) as high-risk behaviors (e.g., scared partner, physical force, and unwanted sexual activities). Post BETTER MAN, there was a significant increase in mean intention to contact counseling service (baseline 5.8, immediately 6.7, and 3-month follow-up 7.2) and mean confidence in the ability to seek help (baseline 3.7, immediately 5.1, and 3-month follow-up 7.2). Men's readiness to make changes in behavior median score significantly moved from baseline (5.9-I am not ready to take action), immediately (6.7-I am ready to make some changes), and 3-month follow-up (7.2-I have begun to change my behavior). At 3-month follow-up, 55% (47/86) of men reported accessing counseling services compared with 34% (46/140) of men at baseline. Findings suggest that it is feasible that BETTER MAN might work to engage men to seek help and is acceptable to men using domestic violence. However, a large-scale randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the effectiveness of BETTER MAN on help-seeking behaviors for men's use of domestic violence.

Gender Relation, Patriarchal Control, and Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study in Mauritius

Domestic violence has become a significant issue affecting women. Women’s oppression has increased through living in a modern society. Mauritius is an example where domestic violence has been critically expanded, resulting in manslaughter. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the link between gender relations, patriarchal control, and domestic violence. The focal point is to understand women’s position in a patriarchal society like Mauritius, whether patriarchy is a dominant factor, and how gender relations play their role in contributing to domestic abuse. Furthermore, identifying the aspect of staying in an abusive relationship is an important aspect of determining the control of men over women and how they cope in this type of relationship. A qualitative approach has been used to identify these factors by using a sample of thirteen victims who were subjected to different forms of patriarchal control by their spouses and partners. Results show that domestic violence keeps increasing as a significant societal problem. There is a strong correlation between patriarchal control and domestic violence in Mauritius.