Intimate Partner Violence Research Articles

I had to tell to survive“- a cross-sectional study on exposure to intimate partner violence in pregnant women and the importance of screening

BackgroundThere is a lack of knowledge in Swedish healthcare regarding correlations of exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) from before to during pregnancy, and associated factors as well as pregnant women’s perceptions related to screening for IPV in healthcare settings. The frequency of women exposed to IPV during pregnancy is difficult to establish as it is reported at different rates across different studies, depending on the definitions and screening strategies used. Aims1. Describe prevalence of IPV experienced by pregnant women. 2. Investigate changes in IPV exposure before and during pregnancy. 3. Examine frequency of screening and women’s opportunities and willingness to talk about IPV exposure. Methods.A cross-sectional survey in Stockholm, Sweden. Findings6.2 % of women (n = 202) reported exposure to IPV before pregnancy and 2.1 % (n = 72) reported exposure during pregnancy, of these, sixteen women reported exposure only during pregnancy. There were significant associations between exposure to IPV and symptoms of depression, age, living situations and employment status. Sixty-four percent of the exposed women were asked about violence in healthcare settings. DiscussionAn important finding was that the frequency of IPV decreased from before to during pregnancy. The reasons for this are unknown but may be multi-factorial. ConclusionOur investigation provides crucial insights into IPV during pregnancy. Results highlight that relying solely on prevalence rates is inadequate to understand the complexity of IPV exposure related to pregnancy. Screening for IPV and understanding how women perceive and disclose their exposure is complex yet vital for midwives in antenatal care.

Women's attitudes towards intimate partner violence in Guyana: a population-based study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global health issue and a breach of human rights. However, the literature lacks understanding of how socioeconomic and geographic disparities influence women's attitudes toward IPV in Guyana over time. This study aimed to assess trends in women's attitudes about IPV in Guyana. Data from three nationally representative surveys from 2009, 2014 to 2019 were analysed. The prevalence of women's attitudes about IPV was assessed, specifically in response to going out without telling their partners, neglecting their children, arguing with their partner, refusing sex with their partner, or burning food prepared for family meals. A series of stratified subgroup analyses were also completed. We assessed trends in IPV using the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index of inequality (CIX). We used multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression to assess factors associated with women's attitudes justifying IPV. The prevalence of women's attitudes justifying IPV for any of the five reasons declined from 16.4% (95% CI: 15.1-17.8) in 2009 to 10.8% (95% CI: 9.7-12.0) in 2019. Marked geographic and socioeconomic inequalities were observed among subgroups. The SII for any of the five reasons decreased from-20.02 to-14.28, while the CIX remained constant over time. Key factors associated with women's attitudes about IPV were area of residence, sex of the household head, marital status, respondent's level of education, wealth index quintile, and the frequency of reading newspapers/magazines. From 2009 to 2019, Guyana was able to reduce women's attitudes justifying IPV against women by 34.1% and shortened subgroup inequalities. However, the prevalence remained high in 2019, with persisted inequalities among subgroups. Effective strategies, including the use of media to raise awareness, promotion of community-based approaches, and educational campaigns focusing on geographic and socioeconomic disparities, are essential for continuing to reduce the prevalence of IPV and associated inequalities. The study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, Fogarty International Center grant number D43TW012189.

Disability and intimate partner violence experience among women in rural Samoa: A cross-sectional analysis.

Women with disabilities experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). Evidence suggests this violence often manifests in more subtle and severe forms over longer periods of time. There is limited evidence on this association in the Pacific Islands region, despite facing one of the highest global prevalences of IPV. Examine the prevalence of disability and the association between disability and types of IPV experience among women in rural Samoa as part of the EVE Project. This study analysed cross-sectional data collected with nine communities in rural Samoa between December 2022 and February 2023. Enumerators collected data with 707 women on tablets using REDCap. IPV was measured using the standardised Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) domestic violence methodology. Disability was assessed using the Washington Group questions. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between disability and experiences of IPV (physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence) among women. Having a disability was significantly associated with increased IPV experience among women in this study. When controlling for age and education, women with severe disability were significantly more likely to experience sexual (OR 4.31; p=0.01) and emotional (OR 2.87; p=0.02) IPV, when compared to women with no disability. Our findings point towards a greater vulnerability of women with disabilities to IPV, and particularly sexual and emotional IPV, in rural Samoa. Qualitative research in partnership with women with disabilities is essential to inform the design of measurement tools and prevention programmes that are grounded in the context-specific experiences and needs of all women with disabilities.

The Impact of Lifetime Intimate Partner Violence on Abortion Method Choice

Objective(s)To evaluate if the type of abortion patients prefer differs for those with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to those without a history of IPV. Study DesignWe compared choice of medication versus procedural abortion between those with a history of lifetime IPV and those without a history of IPV among patients seeking abortion at 11 weeks’ gestation or less. Secondarily, we compared preferred abortion characteristics and assessed reproductive autonomy. Individuals presenting for abortion care were recruited for an anonymous, cross-sectional survey study at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Boston Health Center from September 2021 to August 2022. We required 336 subjects to detect a 20% difference in abortion method between those with a lifetime history of IPV and those without, with 80% power. ResultsWe enrolled 342 participants and excluded 6 with missing data. A total of seventy-one individuals (21%) reported a lifetime history of IPV. A majority of individuals with a lifetime history of IPV chose procedural abortion, although their abortion method choice did not differ significantly from individuals with no history of IPV (56.3% versus 47.2%, p=.244). Individuals with a lifetime IPV history used abortion funds more frequently than those without a history of lifetime IPV (8.5% versus 1.5%, p=.047). There was no statistical difference between individuals with and without a lifetime history of IPV regarding what individuals considered important for the type of abortion they chose or reproductive autonomy. Conclusion(s)Access to procedural abortion services and abortion funds are important to meet the abortion needs of patients with a lifetime history of IPV.

Intimate Partner Violence and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in the Conflicted Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV), perpetrated by male partners, inflicts physical, sexual, or psychological harm on women. During pregnancy, it becomes a significant public health concern and human rights violation, especially in conflict-affected areas, affecting both mother and fetus negatively. Research in Ethiopia often overlooks nonusers of antenatal services, primarily conducted in health facilities. This study addresses this gap, aiming to provide valuable insights into community dynamics. Hence, this study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with IPV during pregnancy in the conflict-affected district of Northeast Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study surveyed 603 postpartum women in the Argoba district, Amhara region Northeast Ethiopia, from March 26 to April 25, 2023, utilizing a multistage sampling technique. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire, coded, and entered into Epi-data 4.6, then analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive and Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Adjusted odds ratios were computed at a 95% confidence interval [CI], with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Model fit and multicollinearity were assessed for validity. The study found an overall prevalence of 45.1% (95% CI: 41.1-49.1) for IPV during pregnancy, with psychological violence being the most prevalent (38.0%), followed by physical (24.7%) and sexual violence (18.6%). Factors significantly associated with IPV included unwanted pregnancy (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.10-3.47), women's acceptance of violence (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.64-3.48), having a partner who chews khat (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.31-3.03), and spouse's engagement in multiple sexual partners (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.03-2.58). The study's findings indicate a higher prevalence compared to others, with key factors including unwanted pregnancy, acceptance of violence, khat chewing, and multiple sexual partners. Recommendations include comprehensive sex education, awareness campaigns, relationship counseling, community engagement, improved healthcare access, stronger legal frameworks, and empowerment programs.

Views of nurses and midwives working in primary healthcare services on intimate partner violence against women.

Background Violence against women is a global public health problem. Primary healthcare services and health workers play an important role in managing this problem. The aim was to identify barriers and facilitators to the identification and management of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women presenting to primary healthcare services from the perspective of nurses/midwives, and to identify the challenges and needs to improve practices. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study, in which semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 nurses/midwives working in primary healthcare services. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach through an inductive process. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used to ensure comprehensive reporting of the protocol for this qualitative study. Results Four main themes were identified: (1) detection of intimate partner violence, (2) nurses'/midwives' current practices, (3) barriers to identification and management, and (4) needs. Conclusions Primary care nurses/midwives in this study perceived that they were not responsible for the detection and management of intimate partner violence, and a majority reported they did not want to take an active role. However, those who were willing to engage in the detection and management of IPV required sufficient time for patient consultations, a reduced workload and a separate room with suitable physical conditions. It is recommended that nurses/midwives be provided with training on IPV detection and management at specific intervals, and studies be conducted to evaluate the outcomes of such training, and initiate the professional decision-making process of nurses/midwives to effectively identify, respond to and support individuals affected by IPV.

Women's Informal Group Participation and Intimate Partner Violence in Mwanza, Tanzania: A Longitudinal Study

Women's Informal Group Participation and Intimate Partner Violence in Mwanza, Tanzania: A Longitudinal Study

Contextual Factors Influencing Firearm Deaths Occurring Among Children.

Contextual factors that contribute to firearm injuries among children aged 0 to 10 are not well understood. A retrospective review of the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System was conducted for firearm deaths of children aged 0 to 10 from 2004 to 2020. Descriptive analyses characterized child and parent demographics, incident details, firearm characteristics, and firearm use. Cluster analysis identified key clustering of contextual variables to inform prevention efforts. Within the study timeframe, 1167 child firearm deaths were reported (Mage = 4.9; 63.2% male; 39.4% urban). At the time of the incident, 52.4% of firearms were reported unlocked and 38.5% loaded. Firearm deaths occurred primarily at the child's home (69.0%) or a friend or relative's home (15.9%), with most involving a handgun (80.6%). Children were supervised in 74.6% of incidents, and 38.4% of child supervisors were impaired during the incident. Cluster analysis identified incident contextual factors clustering in distinct groups, including unsupervised firearm play, long gun discharge while cleaning, hunting, or target shooting, supervised discharge within the child's home, murder-suicide events, deaths occurring in the context of intimate partner violence, and community violence firearm deaths. Data highlight the importance of primary prevention through secure firearm storage to prevent child firearm deaths. Efforts focused on identifying and reducing intimate partner violence, addressing community violence (eg, community greening), and implementing policy that limit firearm access (eg, domestic violence restraining orders, background checks), may reduce child firearm deaths.

Revictimization of women victims of intimate partner violence in the French press: A social representations approach.

This study aims to analyze how the press portrays cases of revictimization experienced by women in France, through the lens of social representation theory. An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using a corpus of 157 online press articles. A total of 187,773 words and 5,240 segments were analyzed using Iramuteq version 7, employing top-down hierarchical classification and lexical similarity analysis. The analysis identified four classes: 1. Violent incidents (25.5%); 2. Political actions against violence (26%); 3. Institutional revictimization (26.6%) and 4. Violence and breaking the silence (21.9%). The findings illustrate how media portrayals contribute to the construction of social representations surrounding revictimization. Class 1 reveals a focus on extreme cases of violence, such as femicides, and highlights a potential gender bias in media reporting through the omission of terms like 'femicide'. Class 2 demonstrates the influence of ideological perspectives on the portrayal of political measures against violence, with conservative outlets framing such actions within traditional values, while progressive newspapers advocate for systemic reform. Class 3 shows a gap in the conceptualization of institutional revictimization in the French press compared to other countries, revealing how conservative portrayals can minimize systemic issues and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Class 4 shows the role of female journalists in addressing various forms of violence, despite the limited impact of the #MeToo movement in recent coverage. Collectively, these findings elucidate how media representations shape public attitudes and institutional responses to gender-based violence through the lens of social representations.

Perceptions of Screening Women for Intimate Partner Violence Among Health Care Providers in Thailand

Perceptions of Screening Women for Intimate Partner Violence Among Health Care Providers in Thailand

Initiation and continued use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among pregnant and postpartum women in South Africa (PrEP-PP): a demonstration cohort study

When used effectively, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP; tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine) prevents maternal HIV acquisition and reduces the risk of vertical transmission. Our study aimed to better understand PrEP initiation, continued use, and adherence in pregnant and postpartum women. The PrEP in Pregnancy and Postpartum (PrEP-PP) study is a demonstration cohort study that enrolled pregnant women aged 16 years and older without HIV attending their first antenatal care visit in Cape Town, South Africa, between Aug 29, 2019, and Oct 10, 2021. Eligible, consenting women were followed up quarterly up to 12 months postpartum with regular HIV testing and offer of PrEP with ongoing adherence counselling. The primary outcome was distribution of women across the PrEP cascade (ie, initiation and continuation up to 12 months postpartum) with crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). We also report on HIV incidence by pregnancy and postpartum status. Overall, 1195 pregnant women were recruited and followed up (median age 26 years, IQR 23-31; median gestational age 21 weeks, IQR 15-31); 1009 (84·4%) started PrEP at enrolment. Among women who initiated PrEP at enrolment, 668 (67·5%) of 990 continued PrEP at the 1-month follow-up, 485 (49·9%) of 972 continued at 3 months, 392 (39·4%) of 994 at 6 months, and 275 (27·4%) of 1005 at 12 months. Of 186 women who did not accept PrEP at enrolment, 70 (37·6%) of 186 subsequently initiated PrEP. Overall, 200 (18·6%) of 1076 women continued PrEP at 12 months postpartum. Of 186 women who did not initiate PrEP at baseline, 70 (37·6%) subsequently initiated PrEP during the study. Factors associated with PrEP discontinuation up to 12 months postpartum included being married or cohabiting (adjusted HR 1·32, 95% CI 1·16-1·50), condomless sex since last visit (1·43, 1·23-1·65), reporting intimate partner violence (2·03, 1·59-2·59), or depression in the past 12 months (1·53, 1·14-2·05). Overall, 16 women seroconverted over 1673·8 woman-years (HIV incidence rate 0·96 per 100 woman-years, 95% CI 0·49-1·42); 14 discontinued PrEP use and two never initiated PrEP. HIV incidence was 0·28 per 100 woman-years during pregnancy (95% CI 0·22-0·33), and the incidence rate ratio was 1·77 per 100 woman-years (0·53-5·90) 0-6 months postpartum and 2·19 per 100 woman-years (0·61-7·83) 6-12 months postpartum compared with pregnant women. There is an urgent need for the integration of PrEP into antenatal and postnatal care and interventions that address barriers to continued use, including targeted counselling during pregnancy and postpartum to reduce PrEP discontinuation. National Institute of Mental Health and Fogarty International, US National Institutes of Health. For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Childhood Firearm Deaths During Intimate Partner Violence Incidents: 2004-2020.

Childhood Firearm Deaths During Intimate Partner Violence Incidents: 2004-2020.

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AS PREDICTOR OF MENTAL WELL-BEING AMONG MARRIED INDIVIDUALS

Several studies have shown that Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has a negative influence on the mental well-being of married individuals in the contexts where they were conducted. However, the influence of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the mental well-being of married individuals in many developing countries, especially those in Africa, have been under-reported. The study reported here should thus add much value to the pool of literature aimed at exploring the predictive influence of IPV on mental well-being among married individuals in developing contexts. This cross-sectional survey adopted a purposive sampling technique to select 686 married individuals. The results showed that demographic variables (age, educational level, and marriage duration) and IPV dimensions (humiliation and afraid) jointly and independently predicted mental well-being with a variation of 11%. Regarding the contributions of each variable to mental well-being, age, educational level, marriage duration, humiliation, and afraid predicted mental well-being. Based on these findings it is recommended that more relevant training on attitudinal change programs and mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence among married individuals should be strengthened by relevant stakeholders.

Association Between Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Women’s Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018

Many women justify intimate partner violence (IPV), resulting in adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between household ownership of information and communication technologies (ICTs), along with the frequency of listening to the radio and watching television with women’s attitudes towards IPV in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional study analyzed a weighted sample of 20,032 women and used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association between predictor variables and outcome variables. The results showed that 19.47% of women justified wife beating for at least one reason. We found that household ownership of computers (AOR = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.57, 0.95]), women in households with three ICTs (AOR = 0.67 [95% CI = 0.47, 0.96]), and women who watched television at least once a week (AOR = 0.85 [95% CI = 0.74, 0.97]) were associated with decreased odds of justifying wife beating for at least one reason after adjustment for the frequency of reading newspaper or magazine, age, wealth, education, religion, and type of place of residence. The study suggests that not all ICTs affect women’s attitudes toward IPV equally. Computers and television were more influential than other ICTs. This finding suggests that awareness-building and educational programs targeted towards women via computer and television may deliver better outcomes about gender norms.

Effects of Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Programming on Social Support, Coparenting, and Parenting Among Teen Parents: A Pilot Study

Understanding mechanisms and secondary outcomes of intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention programs for teen parents can help to improve relationships. This study used data from a randomized pilot trial of the Safe Dates for Teen Mothers IPV prevention program compared to the original Safe Dates program with 32 teen mothers recruited from four community-based sites. We examined effect sizes of cross-sectional associations between IPV, social support, coparenting, and parenting, and of differences between the adapted program and the original on social support, coparenting, and parenting over 6 months. Effect sizes of associations were medium on average. Effect sizes on social support, coparenting, and parenting favored the adapted program over the original program and were medium to large. IPV prevention programs adapted for teen parents have the potential to support positive dynamics in their social relationships. These preliminary estimates can inform the design of larger research and intervention studies.

Emotional awareness, child maltreatment and child exposed to intimate partner violence: A systematic review of their relationship with symptoms and protective factors

AbstractThis systematic review studies the emotional awareness (EA) in children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and other child maltreatment (CM), and their relationship with externalizing and internalizing symptoms and protective factors. The search was performed using the PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases. The search was based on scientific studies using the follow terms: (“emotional awareness” OR “emotional intelligence”) AND (child OR adolescent OR children OR teenager) AND (abuse OR neglect OR maltreatment OR “presence of domestic violence” OR “domestic violence” OR “intimate partner violence”). Seventeen empirical studies were included, presenting a low risk of bias (82%). Four studies have explored the relationship between EA and exposition to IPV, four with sexual abuse, five with neglect, five with psychological abuse and three with physical abuse. A total of 13 articles have assessed the relationship between EA and externalizing and internalizing symptoms: three with suicidal ideation (SI), three with post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD), two focused on addictions, three on affective symptoms, one with total externalizing symptoms, one with borderline personality disorder (BDP), one with non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and one with disordered eating behaviours and attitudes (DEBA). Studies show that abused children have lower EA and that the lower EA, the greater the presence of symptoms. A total of 10 articles have assessed the relationship between EA and protective factors such as mental health in parents, six with coping skills, one with self‐stem and one with quality of life. The main results suggest that EA could be a mediator between children exposed to IPV and other CM and internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as protective factors.

Violence against women: diverse facets

Gender-based violence, a crucial element of sexual and reproductive health and rights, deserves intensified efforts for its control. Elimination of violence against women is an important aspect of social development, whether for policy formulation by governments, support by professional bodies or delivery of care at the grassroots level. Instead of being merely a platform on 25 November for oft-heard rhetorics, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women provides a unique opportunity for promoting the implementation of effective interventions for service reform addressing intimate-partner violence and sexual violence.

The Scenario of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) &amp; Increased Women’s Empowerment in Bangladesh

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a significant issue in Bangladesh, despite the recent strides in women’s empowerment. This study investigates whether the empowerment of women plays a role in reducing IPV, while also examining the influence of a patriarchal social structure on this dynamic. Utilizing qualitative research methods, this analysis draws primarily on secondary data sources, including journal articles, prior studies, news reports, and editorials. Process tracing, a storytelling-based analytical tool, is employed to explore the patterns and relationships involved. The findings suggest that while women's empowerment serves as a mitigating factor in reducing IPV, the entrenched patriarchal nature of male dominance initially triggers resistance to both empowerment and IPV reduction efforts. Nonetheless, the study argues that this resistance can be overcome through concerted efforts, involving government and NGO initiatives that focus on effective law enforcement, supportive policies, and the creation of a safe and respectful environment for women. These collaborative approaches offer promising pathways for addressing IPV in Bangladesh.

The Implementation of the Advocacy Intervention for Midlife and Older Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Midlife and older women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) often have less access to supports and services than younger women. There is far less focus on research and supports for midlife and older women compared to younger women experiencing IPV, and often, neither elder abuse nor IPV services meet their needs. Few interventions are available to meet the needs of midlife and older women. The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test the effectiveness of an advocacy intervention for midlife and older women who experience IPV and to learn from the experiences of those who implement and participate in the program. This trial is a 2-arm, unblinded, parallel, pragmatic randomized controlled trial with a qualitative component. Eligible participants will be women who live in the Maritime provinces of Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), who are in midlife and older (aged approximately ≥50 years), and who are currently in a relationship with an abusive partner or have recently left an abusive partner. Facilitators will be trained to deliver the intervention. The intervention will be entirely virtual and will consist of 2 components: (1) an empowerment component, which will involve sharing resources and information with the women; and (2) a social support component, which will include providing support and encouragement to women for 12 weeks. Quantitative effectiveness data will be collected from all trial participants at baseline, 3 months after the intervention, and 9 months after the intervention about the incidence and severity of IPV, physical and mental health, and safety behaviors and strategies. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with the facilitators and intervention group participants. Control group participants will receive a static, nontailored version of the advocacy intervention for midlife and older women (AIM) intervention materials after baseline data collection. A total of 12 facilitators have been trained to deliver the AIM intervention to trial participants. Participant recruitment and data collection will be completed in January 2025. Data analysis will continue throughout the data collection period, and the results will be disseminated by December 2025. This research will result in the adaptation and testing of a program to support and empower midlife and older women in the Maritime provinces of Canada who experience IPV. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Registry ISRCTN30646991; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN30646991. DERR1-10.2196/57886.

Lifetime Adversity and Risky Substance Use among Transgender Emerging Adults: Selected Interventions and Clinical Social Work Practice

AbstractThis study investigated multivariate relations between indicators of lifetime adversity and past year risky substance use reported by an Internet-recruited sample of transgender emerging adults from the United States (N = 248, age M = 22.61 years). Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) documented the canonical correlation between canonical variates in this sample (.362), as well as the amount of shared variance (13.1%) between set of variables representing lifetime adversity and past year risky substance use. Examination of the standardized canonical coefficients and structure coefficients highlighted the important contributions of (a) past year drug use and negative consequences of substance use to the synthetic criterion variable and (b) lifetime intimate partner violence to the synthetic predictor variable. Information generated in this study about how specific observed variables contributed to canonical variates may be used to tailor trauma-informed selected interventions in clinical socialwork practice with transgender emerging adults who report substance use problems.