Lifetime Prevalence Of Domestic Violence Research Articles

Association between women's experience of domestic violence and childhood vaccination in West Africa: Cross-sectional analysis of Demographic and Health Survey data.

In 2021, 25 million children worldwide did not receive full basic childhood vaccinations, the highest figure in over a decade. There are large variations between countries in vaccination coverage. Globally, the lifetime prevalence of domestic violence among ever-partnered women is 30%. Exposure to domestic violence affects both maternal and child health. However, there is limited contemporary evidence on whether children born to women who are exposed to domestic violence are any more or less likely to be vaccinated. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 7 West African countries (Benin, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between women's lifetime experience of any emotional, physical and/or sexual domestic violence and whether her most-recent born child aged 12-35 months old had received a full complement of basic childhood vaccinations (covering tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and measles). Data from 9,104 mother-child pairs was analysed (range 480 from Senegal to 3,230 from Nigeria). Overall, 47% of children were fully vaccinated (range 31% in Nigeria to 81% in The Gambia). 41% of women reported any experience of domestic violence (range 20% in Senegal to 54% in Sierra Leone). After adjustment for a range of child, maternal, household and partner-level variables, children born to women who reported experience of domestic violence were no more or less likely to be fully vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.17). There was some evidence that the association may vary by country; in Sierra Leone, children born to women who reported experience of domestic violence were significantly less likely to be fully vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio = 0.62, 95%CI 0.44-0.88). There was no significant association between a woman's exposure to domestic violence and whether her child was fully vaccinated. Further work is needed to understand the contextual factors which may explain potential variations between countries.

Domestic violence against women in Jordan: analysis of the demographic and health survey dataset 2017-2018.

This study analyzed the 2017-2018 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) database to determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women in Jordan and its associated sociodemographic factors. The findings revealed that among Jordanian women, the lifetime prevalence of DV by husbands was 25.9%, with emotional (20.6%), physical (17.5%), and sexual (5.1%) violence being prominently reported. DV against women was significantly associated with the age, region, and educational status of women, as well as the wealth index, but not their husbands. While the results suggest a potential reduction in DV estimates compared to the last decade, DV still represents a public health issue in Jordan. The study highlights the direct association of DV with socio-demographic characteristics and provides a gateway to identifying high-risk women and implementing appropriate interventions to reduce DV.

The characteristics of husbands and violence against women in Wuhan, China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence and correlation between husbands and lifetime domestic violence (DV) among women in Wuhan, China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a community health center in Wuhan from June 2015 to December 2015. A total of 1015 women who came to the center for gynecological examination were selected through a random sampling. They were assessed using the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument to evaluate the prevalence of DV. The chi-square test, the Wilcoxon rank test, and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the possible risk or protective factors for DV.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of DV was 29.36% (298/1015). The risk factors included heavy physical labor (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.63–7.77), long-term drinking (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.19–2.14), overweight or obesity (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01–1.88) and long-term smoking (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.04). Higher education was a protective factor (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.96).ConclusionWomen whose husbands had lower education, performed heavy physical labor, were long-term alcohol consumers, had overweight or obesity, and were long-term smokers were vulnerable to lifetime DV.

Survival analysis and prognostic factors of time to first domestic violence after marriage among Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique women

ObjectivesHow soon an ever-married woman falls a victim of domestic violence after marriage is not documented in Africa. This study sought to assess the timing of first domestic violence (FDV) against women after marriage and determined the factors associated with the timings in Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique. Study designThis is a cross-sectional study. MethodsData of 29,793 ever-married women of reproductive age consisting of 21,564, 4237 and 3992 from Demographic and Health Survey conducted in Nigeria (2013), Kenya (2014) and Mozambique (2011), respectively, were used. The timing of FDV was the time interval between marriage date and date of the FDV for those with reported violence but censored as the time interval between marriage date and the survey date for those without domestic violence. Survival analysis techniques were used to assess the timing and the factors influencing the timing at (P = 0.05). ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of domestic violence among the ever-married women in Nigeria, Kenya and Mozambique was 15.4%, 39.0% and 31.0%, respectively. The overall median time to FDV was 3 years. The risk of FDV was twice higher in Kenya (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.934; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.729–2.132) and 15% higher in Mozambique (aHR = 1.156; 95% CI: 1.156–1.223) than in Nigeria. The hazard of domestic violence was significantly higher among separated/divorced women across the three countries (aHR = 1.326; 95% CI: 1.237–1.801). Other factors associated with the timing of FDV against women were respondents' education, age at first marriage, region and location of residence, religion, ethnicity, employment status, wealth quintile, spouse consuming alcohol and husbands' educational attainment. ConclusionsDomestic violence against married women by their intimate partners is prevalent across Mozambique, Nigeria and Kenya, with earlier occurrences in Kenya and Mozambique. Age at first marriage, education factors, religion, ethnicity and region of residence in each country affected the timing of the first incidence of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence among Women in Jeddah

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence and the common health problems reported by abused women. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 15, 2011 and May 30, 2012 on female residents of Jeddah who presented to King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz Oncology Medical Center, or King Fahd General Hospital. Results: A total of 203 women were recruited. The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 34.0%. Emotional abuse was the most common form of abuse (31.3%); physical and sexual abuses were reported in 21.6% and 4.8% of the participants, respectively. Only 1% of Saudi victims of domestic violence planned to seek help from social services. Conclusion: Although domestic violence is a common problem among women in Jeddah, only a negligible proportion of women plan to seek help. Policy makers should therefore improve social support services to encourage and cater for the needs of abused women.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Lifetime Prevalence of Domestic Violence against Women in Iran

Domestic violence against women is a major problem worldwide. This study aimed to provide a more accurate lifetime prevalence estimation of violence against women in Iran. The prevalence rate of different types of the violence until the end of 2013 were extracted from scientific databases and combined using Random model in stata 10. The best estimate of the general prevalence of violence against women in Iran was 48.87%. Place, time, and sample size were the main factors causing heterogeneity. Although the proposed statistics are not generalizable to the entire population of Iranian women, the prevention of this social disturbance in Iran is urgent.

Domestic violence against women and associated factors in Ethiopia; systematic review.

BackgroundViolence against women is now widely recognized as a serious human right abuse, and an important public health problem with substantial consequences physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Data on systematic review of domestic violence are needed to support policy and program recommendations. Therefore, the overall purpose of this systematic review was to assess magnitude of domestic violence against women and associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodsStudies systematically reviewed in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from 2000 to 2014. Systematic review was employed on published research works from databases such as Pubmed, popline, Hinari, and Google using key words. We also consulted public health experts. Community based studies with a study population (15–49 years) were included for review. Thirteen peer reviewed papers and two consecutive Ethiopian demographic and health surveys (2005 and 2011) were included to the systematic review. Twenty seven available in open access journals were retrieved and assessed based on the criteria’s such as community based study, cross sectional study design, clearly report prevalence and associated factors were included in the systematic review work. Finally, 15 papers were included in this review.ResultsLifetime prevalence of domestic violence against women by husband or intimate partner among 10 studies ranged from 20 to 78 %. The lifetime domestic physical violence by husband or intimate partner against women ranged from 31 to 76.5 %. The life time domestic sexual violence against women by husband or intimate partner ranged from 19.2 to 59 %. The mean life time prevalence of domestic emotional violence was 51.7 %. Significant number of women experienced violence during their pregnancy period. Domestic violence against women significantly associated with alcohol consumption, chat chewing, family history of violence, occupation, religion, educational status, residence and decision making power.ConclusionDomestic violence against women was relatively high in different parts of Ethiopia. Domestic violence has direct relationship with sociodemographic characteristics of the victim as well as perpetrator. Therefore, appropriate health promotion information activities needed to tackle associated factors of domestic violence against women or to prevent and control the problem to save women from being victim.

Factors associated with domestic violence: a cross-sectional survey among women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the factors associated with domestic violence (DV) among women in Jeddah.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingOutpatient departments of three tertiary hospitals in Jeddah.ParticipantsConvenience sample of women, aged 15–70 years,...

Obstetric Outcome of Pregnancies Complicated by Domestic Violence

Background: Domestic violence is a pattern of assault and behavior perpetrated by one partner against the other. Historically most of those oppressed by domestic violence have been women. The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence against women is 10% - 69%. Though this violence might have started or escalated during pregnancy, pregnancy specific prevalence is between 1% - 20%. The objective was to determine the prevalence and obstetric complications. Domestic violence is against pregnant women in tertiary clinic of a developing nation. Methodology: It was a hospital based cross-sectional case control study conducted within the period of one year. Close ended questionnaires were administered. Result: Two hundred and seventy patients were recruited. The lifetime prevalence of physical violence against women was 28.5%. 12.5% (5/40) of victims smoke cigarettes; the prevalence of alcohol intake by the victims was 45%. 72.5% of partners of victims smoke as compared to 25.5% of partners of non victims. Unemployed women were victims of domestic violence far more than the employed women. Pregnant women who are victims of physical violence are more likely to suffer adverse pregnancy outcome. Violence in pregnancy is quite commoner than most of the conditions routinely screened for during antenatal care. The association of such violence with significant maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality emphasizes the fact that domestic violence is not just a social problem but a feto-maternal health hazard that requires the input of every stakeholder to address.

Domestic Violence Screening of Obstetric Triage Patients in a Military Population

The objective was to estimate the self-reported prevalence of domestic violence in a pregnant military population presenting for emergency care, and to determine the acceptability of domestic violence screening. A prospective observational survey of patients presenting for obstetric emergency care. Women were anonymously screened for domestic violence using the Abuse Assessment Screen. A total of 499 surveys were distributed, with 26 duplicate surveys. After excluding the 12 blank surveys, a total of 461 surveys were included in the final analysis. The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence (including physical, emotional and sexual abuse) was 22.6% (95% CI=19.0 to 26.4) with 4.1% (95% CI=2.3–6.0) of women reporting physical abuse in the past year and 2.8% (95% CI=1.3–4.3) reporting abuse since becoming pregnant. The majority of women 91.8% (95% CI=88.7–94.2) were not offended by domestic violence screening and 88.8% (95% CI=82.0–88.9) felt that patients should be routinely screened. The self-reported prevalence of domestic violence in a pregnant military population presenting for emergency care was 22.6%. Most women are not offended by domestic violence screening and support routine screening.

Domestic violence screening of obstetric triage patients in a military population

The objective was to estimate the self-reported prevalence of domestic violence in a pregnant military population presenting for emergency care, and to determine the acceptability of domestic violence screening. A prospective observational survey of patients presenting for obstetric emergency care. Women were anonymously screened for domestic violence using the Abuse Assessment Screen. A total of 499 surveys were distributed, with 26 duplicate surveys. After excluding the 12 blank surveys, a total of 461 surveys were included in the final analysis. The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence (including physical, emotional and sexual abuse) was 22.6% (95% CI=19.0 to 26.4) with 4.1% (95% CI=2.3-6.0) of women reporting physical abuse in the past year and 2.8% (95% CI=1.3-4.3) reporting abuse since becoming pregnant. The majority of women 91.8% (95% CI=88.7-94.2) were not offended by domestic violence screening and 88.8% (95% CI=82.0-88.9) felt that patients should be routinely screened. The self-reported prevalence of domestic violence in a pregnant military population presenting for emergency care was 22.6%. Most women are not offended by domestic violence screening and support routine screening.

Violência conjugal física contra a mulher na vida: prevalência e impacto imediato na saúde, trabalho e família

To estimate the lifetime prevalence of domestic violence against women (DVAW) in a low-income urban community and evaluate the immediate impact of DVAW on health, work, and family life. The present cross-sectional study was carried out in the city of Embu (state of São Paulo, Brazil) as part of an international multicenter project (World Studies of Abuse in the Family Environment, WorldSAFE). A probabilistic sample of census sector-based clusters including all eligible households identified was used. A total of 784 women (age 16-49 years) with at least one child younger than 18 years and a lifetime resident husband/partner were included. We evaluated the occurrence of any kind of DVAW (slapping, kicking, hitting, beating, threatening to use or using a weapon, other aggressions mentioned spontaneously), of severe DVAW (same items, except slapping and other aggressions informed spontaneously), and of immediate impacts on the health, work, and family of the victims. The prevalence of DVAW was 26.0% for any kind of violence and 18.5% for severe DVAW. Among the victims of any kind of DVAW, 38.7% judged that they needed medical care, 4.4% were hospitalized, 18.1% were incapacitated for work (paid work or household chores), 51.5% left their partner due to the aggression and 66.7% had children who witnessed the violence. For severe violence, these rates were 51.0, 5.5, 23.4, 59.3 and 75.9%, respectively. Shame and fear of retaliation obstructed access to medical care. The frequency of DVAW is high in the studied community and produces immediate impacts on the victim's health, work, and family life. These impacts decrease the victim's ability to look for help and hinder the breaking of the cycle of violence.

Domestic violence and severe psychiatric disorders: prevalence and interventions

The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence in women is 20-25%. There is increasing recognition of the increased vulnerability of psychiatric populations to domestic violence. We therefore aimed to review studies on the prevalence of, and the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions in, psychiatric patients experiencing domestic violence. Literature search using Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE applying the following inclusion criteria: English-language papers, data provided on the prevalence of or interventions for domestic violence, adults in contact with mental health services. Reported lifetime prevalence of severe domestic violence among psychiatric in-patients ranged from 30% to 60%. Lower rates are reported for men when prevalence is reported by gender. No controlled studies were identified. Low rates of detection of domestic violence occur in routine clinical practice and there is some evidence that, when routine enquiry is introduced into services, detection rates improve, but identification of domestic violence is rarely used in treatment planning. There is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of routine enquiry in terms of morbidity and mortality, and there have been no studies investigating specific domestic violence interventions for psychiatric patients. There is a high prevalence of domestic violence in psychiatric populations but the extent of the increased risk in psychiatric patients compared with other populations is not clear because of the limitations of the methodology used in the studies identified. There is also very limited evidence on how to address domestic violence with respect to the identification and provision of evidence-based interventions in mental health services.

Detection of Domestic Violence by a Domestic Violence Advocate in the ED

Background: The current domestic violence (DV) literature has evaluated the incidence and prevalence of DV via written surveys and verbal questioning performed by a variety of health care professionals. Objectives: We sought to examine the prevalence of DV as obtained by a full-time, trained DV advocacy coordinator using direct patient interviewing in our emergency department (ED), and to compare our results with the published literature. Methods: The DV advocacy coordinator randomly selected and interviewed female patients presenting to the ED with various complaints during daytime hours. Participation was voluntary, and patients were excluded if they were too ill or injured to answer questions. We performed a retrospective review of data obtained through our DV advocacy coordinator's screening interviews of female patients presenting to the ED over a period of 1 year. Acute incidence and lifetime prevalence of DV was determined and compared to results reported in the literature. Results: The domestic violence advocacy coordinator screened a total of 1550 patients over the study period. Domestic violence incidence and lifetime prevalence as detected by the coordinator was determined to be 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–6.0%) and 27.5% (95% CI 25.3–29.8%), respectively. Conclusions: Although the lifetime DV prevalence of 27.5% uncovered by our trained DV advocacy coordinator is similar to other reports, the acute incidence of 4.8% is higher than most other reported results using personal interviews. The use of a trained DV coordinator may improve detection rates of domestic violence in the ED.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence When Midwives Routinely Enquire in Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy when midwives are trained to enquire about it routinely. DESIGN: A cross sectional study during a period after midwives had been trained to routinely enquire about it and a retrospective case note survey at an earlier period. SETTING: The maternity services of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Hospital Trust in South London. SAMPLE: Women aged 16 and over booking for maternity care between 14th September 1998 and 21st January 1999. METHODS: Midwives were required to routinely enquire about domestic violence at booking, 34 weeks of gestation and postpartum (within 10 days) using a series of structured questions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The lifetime and annual rates of domestic violence. The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy. RESULTS: The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy was 1.8% at booking, 5.8% at 34 weeks of gestation and 5.0% at 10 days postpartum. Eight hundred and ninety-two women were asked about domestic violence on at least one occasion, of whom 22 (2.5%) reported domestic violence in pregnancy. Two hundred and sixty-five maternity notes were reviewed for the retrospective case note survey and one (0.37%) case of domestic violence in pregnancy was identified. Routine questioning increased the rate of detection of domestic violence by 2.1% (95% CI = 0.1-3.4%; P= 0.03). The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 13%, and 6.4% in the previous 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Routine enquiry for domestic violence can increase the rate of detection in maternity settings, thereby providing an opportunity for women to access help early.

Prevalence of domestic violence when midwives routinely enquire in pregnancy.

To assess the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy when midwives are trained to enquire about it routinely. A cross sectional study during a period after midwives had been trained to routinely enquire about it and a retrospective case note survey at an earlier period. The maternity services of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Hospital Trust in South London. Women aged 16 and over booking for maternity care between 14th September 1998 and 21st January 1999. Midwives were required to routinely enquire about domestic violence at booking, 34 weeks of gestation and postpartum (within 10 days) using a series of structured questions. The lifetime and annual rates of domestic violence. The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy. The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy was 1.8% at booking, 5.8% at 34 weeks of gestation and 5.0% at 10 days postpartum. Eight hundred and ninety-two women were asked about domestic violence on at least one occasion, of whom 22 (2.5%) reported domestic violence in pregnancy. Two hundred and sixty-five maternity notes were reviewed for the retrospective case note survey and one (0.37%) case of domestic violence in pregnancy was identified. Routine questioning increased the rate of detection of domestic violence by 2.1% (95% CI = 0.1-3.4%; P= 0.03). The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 13%, and 6.4% in the previous 12 months. Routine enquiry for domestic violence can increase the rate of detection in maternity settings, thereby providing an opportunity for women to access help early.

Incidence and prevalence of domestic violence in a UK emergency department

Background: American and Australian studies indicate that domestic violence is common among patients attending for emergency care. It is not clear whether this applies to patients attending emergency departments in...

Domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse in HIV-infected women and women at risk for HIV.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and effect of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse in women with HIV or at risk for HIV infection. Participants with HIV or at risk for HIV infection enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Childhood sexual abuse; all physical, sexual, and coercive violence by a partner; HIV serostatus; demographic data; and substance use and sexual habits were assessed. The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 66% and 67%, respectively, in 1288 women with HIV and 357 uninfected women. One quarter of the women reported recent abuse, and 31% of the HIV-seropositive women and 27% of the HIV-seronegative women reported childhood sexual abuse. Childhood sexual abuse was strongly associated with a lifetime history of domestic violence and high-risk behaviors, including using drugs, having more than 10 male sexual partners and having male partners at risk for HIV infection, and exchanging sex for drugs, money, or shelter. Our data support the hypothesis of a continuum of risk, with early childhood abuse leading to later domestic violence, which may increase the risk of behaviors leading to HIV infection.

INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE AMONG WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH DEPRESSION

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem for women, and depression is the most prevalent negative mental health consequence of domestic violence. This study investigates the extent to which domestic violence is part of the history of women diagnosed with depression. Eighty two women with a diagnosis of depression were surveyed. A 61.0% lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was found. Lifetime prevalence for forced sex was 29.3%. Demographics of abused and nonabused women were not significantly different. Abused women were found to be less healthy. Prevalence of headaches, chronic pain, rape or marital rape, and sleep problems or nightmares were significantly higher. Severity of abuse was significantly correlated (p <. 01) to severity of depression. Implications for mental practice and training of peer support group leaders with depression are described, as well as for future research.

Domestic Violence Against Women

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —Dr Abbott and colleagues¹report that while the lifetime prevalence of domestic violence among women visiting an emergency department is quite high, 54%, the incidence of acute domestic violence, 11.7%, is significantly lower than was found in previous studies. However, the authors' methods of eliciting information on domestic violence may have led to an underestimate of both values. The authors excluded women younger than 18 years; yet rape victimization is highest in 16- through 19-year-olds.²Pregnant patients also were excluded; yet the rate of physical abuse, 37% across class, race, and educational lines, is higher during pregnancy.²Marital rape and acquaintance rape also were not included in the definition of acute domestic violence. These acts include sex resulting in whole or part from coercion, verbal or physical threats, undesired noncompliance with contraception, or force, and also include both physically nonviolent and physically violent sex.