Impact Of Intimate Partner Violence Research Articles

The impact of intimate partner violence on adverse birth outcomes in 20 sub-Saharan African countries: propensity score matching analysis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem, with serious consequences on women's physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, as well as birth outcomes. Women who encounter IPV are more likely to experience adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth. Although numerous studies are exploring the association between IPV and adverse birth outcomes, they merely used classical models and could not control for potential confounders. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there was a causation between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using a quasi-experimental statistical technique [i.e., propensity score matching (PSM) analysis]. This study used the most recent (2015-22) Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 20 SSA countries. A total weighted sample of 13,727 women was included in this study. IPV (i.e., sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV) was the exposure/treatment variable and adverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, and macrosomia) were the outcome variables of this study. PSM was employed to estimate the impact of IPV on adverse birth outcomes. The average treatment effects (ATE) of sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV were 0.031, 0.046, 0.084, and 0.025, respectively. Sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV increased adverse birth outcomes by 3.1%, 4.6%, 8.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Findings from the average treatment effect on treated (ATT) showed that women who experienced sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV had an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes by 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.3%, and 3.0%, respectively, among treated groups. This study demonstrates a causal relationship between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in SSA countries, indicating a need for programs and effective interventions to mitigate the impact of IPV during pregnancy to reduce related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we suggest further research that investigates the causal effect of IPV on adverse birth outcomes by incorporating additional proximal variables not observed in this study.

Reevaluating the impact of intimate partner violence on reproductive health with a critical examination of underlying factors in Northeast India.

Reevaluating the impact of intimate partner violence on reproductive health with a critical examination of underlying factors in Northeast India.

Intimate Partner Violence and Its Effects on Maternal and Child Health: A Longitudinal Study in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, Indonesia

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue with devastating consequences for maternal and child health. This study investigates the prevalence and impact of IPV on pregnant women and their children in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, Indonesia, a region with limited research on this topic. A longitudinal study was conducted with 250 pregnant women recruited from antenatal clinics in Bener Meriah Regency. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews at three time points: during pregnancy, six months postpartum, and one year postpartum. The questionnaires assessed IPV experiences, maternal mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), and child health outcomes (birth weight, growth, and development). The prevalence of IPV during pregnancy was 32%. Women who experienced IPV were significantly more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress during pregnancy and postpartum. IPV was also associated with lower birth weight and an increased risk of developmental delays in children. In conclusion, this study highlights the serious consequences of IPV for maternal and child health in Bener Meriah Regency. The findings underscore the urgent need for IPV screening and intervention programs in antenatal and postnatal care settings. Midwives play a critical role in identifying and supporting women experiencing IPV.

Echoes of a living body: A mind-body approach on how women victims of intimate partner violence experience their bodies

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a worldwide health problem. IPV impact on women’s embodiment remains embedded in their narratives. However, the subjective complexity of victims’ embodiment and its impact on healthcare still urges to be understood. We aimed to understand (i) how women victims of IPV experience their bodies and (ii) the impact of IPV in their embodiment. From a thematic analysis of six interviews with women victims, four themes arouse: Living body, Reaction to adversities, Impact of violence and Identity. Participants revealed a tendency to perceive negative bodily sensations, the body as restrictive of their ability to react to illnesses and other adversities, and impacts on health and decision-making processes. We encourage healthcare providers to be responsive to the feelings of physical and psychological exhaustion experienced by victims and highlight the potential of promoting positive bodily experiences in the support given to women.

Violence against women, innate preferences and financial inclusion

We examine the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the decision of low-income women to enter formal financial markets by opening a bank account. Additionally, we investigate potential behavioral explanations for the connection between IPV and account-opening decisions. In laboratory experiments conducted in rural Bangladesh, we find that victims of IPV tend to be more risk tolerant and impatient compared to others. When given the option to open a bank account without fees, women who experienced IPV in the past 12 months are less likely to do so than those who did not experience such violence. A path analysis reveals that differences in risk tolerance and impatience mediate the relationship between IPV exposure and financial exclusion. Essentially, our findings indicate that exposure to IPV increases risk tolerance and impatience in women, which in turn discourages them from opening a savings account.

Impact of intimate partner violence on quality of life and disease activity in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Stress and trauma are psychosocial factors with an impact on the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The influence of violence on SLE has not been entirely explored, even though women (including patients with rheumatic diseases) are a vulnerable population to any form of violence. This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on health-related quality of life in women with SLE. An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted at a rheumatology clinic of a university hospital from September 2022 and September 2023. We evaluated the presence of IPV in 85 women with SLE with the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed at (HITS) questionnaire and the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), and quality of life with LupusQoL. The prevalence by HITS score of past-year IPV was 24.4% and of lifetime IPV was 36.5%. Past-year non-physical violence was present in 17.1% of patients by ISA, and 27.1% were victims in their lifetime. While in physical violence, 7.3% were victims in the previous year and 21.2% in their lifetime. The total quality of life and the emotional domain by LupusQoL were diminished in victims of past-year IPV, compared to those who weren't exposed (p = .018 and p = .036, respectively). Past-year HITS score correlated with the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) (rho = 0.301, p = .006), while lifetime HITS score correlated with PGA (rho = 0.329, p = .002) and SLEDAI-2K (rho = 0.277, p = .010). We found that one in four women suffered IPV in the previous year, and those who were exposed had diminished quality of life. Also, the severity of the abuse correlated with disease activity. Our findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care for patients with SLE.

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.

Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on mental health among married women in Sri Lanka: a study based on Women's Wellbeing Survey-2019.

Sri Lankan married women have been reported to experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, research on its impact on mental health and how socio-demographic factors contribute to this association is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of IPV on the mental health of married women in Sri Lanka. In this study, data from 1611 married women who participated in the 2019 Sri Lankan Women's Wellbeing Survey were analyzed. Two binary outcomes were considered: married women's mental health and their suicidal ideation. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association between mental health and suicidal thoughts in relation to IPV while controlling for socio-demographic factors. The results revealed that married women who experienced any form of violence by their spouse had a higher risk of having poor mental health conditions [AOR=2.88 (2.20, 3.78)] and suicidal thoughts [AOR=5.84 (4.10, 8.32)] compared to those who did not experience IPV. IPV is a substantial contributor to poor mental health and suicidal thoughts among Sri Lankan married women. There is an urgent need for policy interventions, such as community awareness programs, counseling services and enhanced legal protections for victims.

The impact of intimate partner violence on PrEP adherence among U.S. Cisgender women at risk for HIV

BackgroundCisgender women account for 1 in 5 new HIV infections in the United States, yet remain under-engaged in HIV prevention. Women experiencing violence face risk for HIV due to biological and behavioral mechanisms, and barriers to prevention, such as challenges to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention (PrEP) adherence. In this analysis, we aim to characterize intimate partner violence (IPV) among cisgender heterosexual women enrolled in a PrEP demonstration project and assess the associations with PrEP adherence.MethodsAdherence Enhancement Guided by Individualized Texting and Drug Levels (AEGiS) was a 48-week single-arm open-label study of PrEP adherence in HIV-negative cisgender women in Southern California (N = 130) offered daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). From 6/2016 to 10/2018, women completed a survey reporting HIV risk behavior and experiences of any IPV (past 90-days) and IPV sub-types (past-year, lifetime) and biological testing for HIV/STIs at baseline, and concentrations of tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48. Outcomes were TFV-DP concentrations consistent with ≥ 4 or ≥ 6 doses/week at one or multiple visits. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to examine associations.ResultsPast-90-day IPV was reported by 34.4% of participants, and past-year and lifetime subtypes reported by 11.5-41.5%, and 21.5-52.3%, respectively. Women who engaged in sex work and Black women were significantly more likely to report IPV than others. Lifetime physical IPV was negatively associated with adherence at ≥ 4 doses/week at ≥ 3 of 5 visits, while other relationships with any IPV and IPV sub-types were variable.ConclusionIPV is an indication for PrEP and important indicator of HIV risk; our findings suggest that physical IPV may also negatively impact long-term PrEP adherence.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT02584140 (ClinicalTrials.gov), registered 15/10/2015.

The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Women with Depression and Conversion Disorder: A Case-Control Study in an Indoor Psychiatric Facility

The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Women with Depression and Conversion Disorder: A Case-Control Study in an Indoor Psychiatric Facility

Intimate partner violence and children's health outcomes

A growing body of literature has established that childhood health is a crucial determinant of human capital formation. Shocks experienced in utero and during early life may have far-reaching consequences that extend well into adulthood. Nevertheless, there is relatively little evidence regarding the effects of parental behaviour on child health. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the child's health production function. Using data from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study and leveraging information on both child health and IPV, our analysis reveals that exposure to IPV is negatively associated to child's health. Children witnessing IPV in their household see their probability of being in excellent health reduced by 7 percentage points. Our results also suggest that children exposed to IPV are subject to increased morbidity, manifested in elevated risks of hearing and respiratory problems, as well as long-term health conditions and are less likely to get fully immunised.

The impact of intimate partner violence on depressive symptoms among college students: A moderated mediation model of the big five personality traits and perceived social support

BackgroundPrevious study has identified a connection between intimate partner violence (IPV) and depressive symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms of this connection have not yet been well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of big five personality traits and perceived social support on the association between IPV and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among college students in 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, and 4 municipalities in China from June to August 2022. Intimate Partner Violence Questionnaire was used to measure the frequency of exposure to IPV. The big five personality traits were measured by 10-item Big Five Inventory, Perceptive Social Support Scale-3 items was used to estimate the degree of perceived social support and the data on depressive symptoms were collected by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items. We used data from the “Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents in 2022”, which includes 6686 valid questionnaires of college students. The PROCESS macro developed by Hayes was utilized to perform moderated mediation analysis. ResultsAmong college students, IPV had a significant direct impact on depressive symptoms. Extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism mediated the association between IPV and depressive symptoms (β = −0.08, P < 0.001; β = −0.08, P < 0.001; β = −0.14, P < 0.001; β = 0.20, P < 0.001). Perceived social support significantly moderated the mediating role of the big five personality traits between IPV and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, perceived social support moderated the direct relationship between IPV and depressive symptoms (β = 0.34, P < 0.001), as well as the indirect path of extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism and the first half of the mediating role of conscientiousness. Moreover, perceived social support was one of the preventive factors that could effectively mitigate the harmful effects of IPV, neuroticism and depressive symptoms. LimitationsAs this was a cross-sectional study, we were unable to investigate causal relationships between variables. The prevalence of IPV and depressive symptoms were self-reported by the college students, and there may be reporting bias. Additionally, this study only explored the influence and mechanism from the integrated dimension of IPV and PSSS, due to spatial constraints. ConclusionsThe findings contribute to the existing understanding by clarifying the fundamental mechanisms linking IPV and depressive symptoms. These results may serve as a valuable reference for the Chinese government to improve mental health among college students.

Educational training programs on intimate partner violence in pregnancy for midwives/student midwives: A scoping review.

Educational strategies for preventive screening and effective interventions in midwives are needed to improve clinical practice and outcomes for abused women and their families. This scoping review aimed to describe available educational training programs on intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy for midwives/student midwives. A scoping review of the literature, which was published in English from January 2010 to March 2023, in PUBMED, EBSCO, and CINAHAL databases, was applied. The following keywords were used in the search: 'evaluation', 'educational training', 'course', 'midwives', 'student midwife', 'intimate partner violence', 'pregnancy', combined with AND and OR Boolean operators. The included studies focused on training programs/courses for midwives/student midwives regarding intimate partner violence. A total of 9 studies were eligible for inclusion, describing six programs for midwives and 3 for student midwives. Educational interventions varied in length (e.g. a few hours to weeks) and educational approaches such as multidisciplinary sessions, lectures, theory, role-playing, practice in screening, group activities, watching videos, and case reports discussion. The programs had similar content, including raising awareness of violence, defining it, discussing gender roles, the impact of IPV on women's health, referral agencies, and the laws regarding violence in each country. This scoping review highlighted a lack of educational programs on intimate partner violence during pregnancy, suggesting that new programs need to be developed based on contemporary clinical practices and recommendations for midwifery education.

Mitigating the impact of intimate partner violence in pregnancy and early childhood: A dyadic approach to psychotherapy

AbstractIntimate partner violence (IPV) is often considered an adult problem despite profound consequences for the children who are exposed toviolent relational patterns. About a third of children and adolescents report past exposure to parental IPV, and a majority were first exposed as infants. Exposure to IPV during pregnancy through the first 5 years of a child's life has consequences ranging from adverse birth outcomes to diagnosable emotional problems and lasting physiological dysregulation. This article reviews risks and consequences of IPV in pregnancy and early childhood and discusses a relational psychotherapeutic treatment approach (Child–Parent Psychotherapy) applied to both developmental stages to mitigate the adverse consequences of family violence on parents and their children. Research evidence for the effectiveness of Child–Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) among IPV‐exposed families is reviewed as are specific treatment components which seek to restore relational safety following familial violence. Additionally, clinical considerations unique to families with histories of or ongoing exposure to IPV are discussed. Finally, recommendations are presented to improve the integration between medical and early childhood behavioral health systems for families at highest risk for chronic IPV.

Risk Factors Related to Intimate Partner Violence in Same- and Different-Sex Couples

Despite its high prevalence in same-sex couples, the study of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been mostly focused on different-sex couples. When lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) samples are considered, similarities between same- and different-sex couples arise, as well as some specificities regarding same-sex couples. Although several studies report a higher IPV prevalence among LGB couples in comparison to heterosexual couples, less research focuses on the differences among the violent dynamics and the influence of risk factors, and most do not consider a Spanish sample. After being recruited on social networks and Spanish lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) associations, a sample of 605 Spanish people participated in this study (71.7% female and 35.7% engaged in a same-sex relationship) through an online survey that included self-reported measures on IPV experiences and behavioral risk factors (witnessing interparental violence; risky sexual behaviors; tobacco, alcohol, and drug consumption). Results suggest a similar IPV prevalence between same- and different-sex couples. Moreover, different IPV types presented comparable prevalence among individuals engaged in gay and lesbian couples. Multinomial logistic regressions showed IPV and partner’s sex have a significant effect on an individual adopting risky sexual behaviors and consuming alcohol, with those behaviors having a higher prevalence in individuals engaged in same-sex couples. These results differed by sex, as the impact of IPV and partner’s sex on adopting risky sexual behaviors and consuming alcohol only existed among female participants. Our findings accentuate the need to consider the different pressures and IPV experiences among same- and different-sex couples while creating interventions.

The impact of intimate partner violence on adverse birth outcomes in public health facilities. A prospective cohort study

BackgroundDuring pregnancy, intimate partner violence (IPV) is a health problem associated with severe adverse birth outcomes. The Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey showed that more than one-third of married women faced IPV. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of IPV during pregnancy on adverse birth outcomes. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted from September 1st, 2021 to April 30th, 2022. Using a systematic random sampling technique, participants were enrolled from 20 to 24 weeks of gestation at antenatal visits at the selected public health institutions. The validated and modified standards of the World Health Organization Domestic Violence Questionnaire were used to screen for IPV. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in this study. The relative risk was also calculated to predict the occurrence of adverse birth outcomes. ResultsOverall, 701 pregnant women were followed from 20 to 24 weeks of gestation until delivery in a 1:2 ratio (244 exposed to 457 non-exposed). Preterm birth increased by 1.02 times (RR=1.02, 95 CI; 0.979–1.047), low birth weight with RR= 2.023, 95% CI; 1.201–3.407 and stillbirth (RR= 1.124, 95%CI; 0.43–3.055). Among the exposed groups, 167(23.8%), 83 (11.8%), and 51 (7.3%) had emotional, physical, and sexual violence, respectively. The odds of developing adverse birth outcomes from IPV exposure were [AOR=1.63,95% CI: [1.23, 3.75], emotional violence [AOR= 1.70:95% CI: [1.24, 4.24], and physical violence [AOR= 3.99:95% CI: [1.51, 10.52] times higher than those of their counterparts. No significant association was observed between sexual violence and adverse birth outcomes. Being unsupported by the husband and having previous adverse birth outcomes increased IPV by nearly four-fold [AOR=3.80:95% CI; 1.19, 12.09] and [AOR= 3.70:95% CI:1.49, 9.17], respectively. The odds of mothers with a 2nd visit MUAC measurement of < 23 cm were [AOR=2.81:95% CI; 1.20, 6.61]. ConclusionThe incidence of adverse birth outcomes was significantly higher in the physically IPV-exposed group than in the non-exposed group. Therefore, pregnant women should be screened for IPV during their antenatal period. Thus, IPV-exposed pregnant women should be counseled and closely followed up.

Social Participation After Intimate Partner Violence: Investigating the Impact on Women's Citizenship.

This large mixed methods study adopted a citizenship lens to examine the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on women's social participation. The study found that social participation in all categories contracted dramatically during IPV and, in most cases, never regained pre-violence levels. The study also found that following initial social withdrawal, many women went on to reengage in new ways, including through political activism on gendered violence, revealing how failures on the part of the state and community to adequately respond to IPV can lead to new forms of participatory citizenship.

The Empirical Relationship between Procedural Justice, Police Legitimacy, and Intimate Partner Violence Experiences among a Sample of Previously Adjudicated Youth

The impact of intimate partner violence on procedural justice has not received much attention in extant literature. As such, the current study uses data from the Pathways to Desistance Study to examine how elements of intimate partner violence affect trust in police and perceptions of legitimacy toward the criminal justice system. Results indicated several important findings regarding the effects of intimate partner violence on procedural justice. Limitations, future research, and policy recommendations are discussed.

Coping Strategies as a Moderator for the Association between Intimate Partner Violence and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among Transgender Women.

Evidence suggests that intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with negative mental health outcomes. There is currently limited research on the impact of IPV on the outcomes of mental health for transgender women. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between intimate partner violence, coping skills, depression, and anxiety in a sample of transgender women. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted examining the relationship of IPV and depression and anxiety symptoms, where coping skills moderate this relationship. The results suggest that those with experiences of IPV are more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety. For individuals with no experiences of IPV and low depression, high levels of emotional processing coping and acceptance coping buffered this relationship. For individuals with more experiences of IPV and more depressive symptoms, coping skills did not show to buffer this relationship. These same coping skills did not show evidence for buffering anxiety symptoms for transgender women with low or high levels of IPV. The results, implications, and limitations of this study and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Cross-sector collaboration in Project Catalyst: Creating state partnerships to address the health impact of intimate partner violence

Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking are major public health problems with myriad health and social consequences. This paper describes a federal initiative in the United States to formalize cross-sector collaborations at the state-level and encourage practice and policy changes intended to promote prevention and improve health and safety outcomes for Intimate Partner Violence/Human Trafficking (IPV/HT) survivors.Project Catalyst Phases I and II (2017–2019) engaged six state leadership teams, consisting of leaders from each state’s Primary Care Association, Department of Health, and Domestic Violence Coalition. Leadership teams received training and funding to disseminate information on trauma-informed practices to health centers and integrate IPV/HT considerations into state-level initiatives. At the beginning and end of Project Catalyst, participants completed surveys assessing the status of their collaboration and project goals (e.g., number of state initiatives involving IPV/HT, number of people trained).All domains of collaboration increased from baseline to project end. Largest improvements were seen in ‘Communication’ and ‘Process & Structure,’ both of which increased by more than 20% over the course of the project. ‘Purpose’ and ‘Membership Characteristics’ increased by 10% and 13%, respectively. Total collaboration scores increased 17% overall. Each state made substantial efforts to integrate and improve responses to IPV/HT in community health centers and domestic violence programs, and integrated IPV/HT response into state-level initiatives.Project Catalyst was successful in facilitating formalized collaborations within state leadership teams, contributing to practice and policy changes intended to improve health and safety for IPV/HT survivors.