Prevalence Of Gender-based Violence Research Articles

Assessment Of Gender-Based Violence In The City Of Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria

Introduction Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) describing it as any behavior within an intimate relationship that includes physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviors. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) describes GBV as any harmful act committed against a person’s will based on gender differences. GBV is recognized as a contemporary human rights concern affecting millions globally, with women and girls making up most victims. However, men and boys are also affected, though their victimization is less acknowledged, particularly due to societal perceptions of masculinity. The consequences of GBV, whether physical or psychological, are severe and can include exposure to HIV, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. WHO statistics indicate that 35% of women globally have experienced intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence, revealing the widespread nature of the issue. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and trends of gender-based violence in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Oyo State is the fifth most populous state in Nigeria, with a GBV prevalence rate of 7.6%. By 2021, 17.1% of women in Oyo State had experienced physical violence since the age of 15. The study also seeks to explore GBV among men, adolescents, and pregnant women, as well as the help-seeking behaviors of victims and the response of healthcare providers in Ibadan. Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, using semi-structured questionnaires hosted on Kobocollect. The research covered the 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ibadan. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 29, with inferential statistics used to test associations between categorical variables. Logistic regression was also employed to identify independent factors of GBV, with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The study included 13,841 participants, comprising 2,388 pregnant women, 2,027 non-pregnant women, 4,452 adolescents, 3,688 adult men, and 1,286 healthcare providers. Among adult women, younger age groups (20-29 years) were less likely to experience GBV compared to older women. Women who were employed or had higher educational attainment were less likely to be at risk. Pregnant women aged 30-39 had a higher likelihood of experiencing GBV, while women aged 50 and above had a lower risk. Among men, younger males were more likely to experience GBV threats, with 7.1% reporting physical violence from their partners. Adolescents, particularly those aged 10-14 years, were at a higher risk of GBV compared to older adolescents. Employment status was also a significant factor, with unemployed adolescents reporting higher rates of GBV. Additionally, 22% of health facilities reported GBV cases in the past six months, with primary health centers being the most common point of care. However, there were gaps in knowledge among healthcare workers, with most failing to identify the different forms of GBV. Conclusion: Age, employment status, education level, and partner’s behavior (such as alcohol consumption) were significant factors influencing GBV risks in Ibadan. The findings suggest gaps in the knowledge of healthcare providers and limited long-term support for survivors of GBV. While most facilities reported cases among women, there were fewer reports of GBV among men, highlighting the need for more attention to this issue

5 - Institutionalizing Gender-Based Violence Within African Democracies

Even though international legislation recognises the eradication of gender- based violence as a crucial target for the promotion of human rights and the achievement of the sustainable development of the world, violence against women has received little intellectual attention and scholarly intervention from academia. In the African region, where diverse sociocultural and institutional gender discriminative factors often mean unequal power relations between women and men, the prevalence of gender-based violence is particularly critical. This article examines the institutional implications of violence against women by comparing South Africa and Botswana, two countries that adopted democratic systems after gaining independence from the United Kingdom. It highlights the importance of the Constitutions of both countries and the representation of woman in politics. The divergence between the two states’ legal and political approaches to gender equality and human rights underscores the role of gender-specific institutions in the prevalence of violence against women. This article also uncovers the limitations of existing strategies and proposes a better understanding of inequality within gender relations and its reflection within the frame of institutions to find a way to resolve violence against women and achieve gender justice.

The Intricacies and Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: Forms, Causes and Mitigation Measures

Gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent in South Africa, primarily attributed to historical systems of social inequality, patriarchy and racism that dominated during the apartheid regimes, with lasting impacts persisting today. Thus, this study explored the intricate dynamics and prevalence of GBV in the context of South Africa. To realize this objective, the study employed a qualitative research methodology. To collect data, the study employed a secondary data technique such as a literature review of existing sources. Different datasets were used such as Google Scholar, National Institutes of Health, Google, and Scopus. The criterion employed to source information was the use of keywords which are shedding light on the social, cultural, and economic factors contributing to GBV. The study explored the root causes and manifestations of violence against women and girls. It is found that South Africa is grappling with high rates of GBV due to poverty, unemployment, cultural beliefs, and legal factors. To mitigate the prevalence and causes of GBV, efforts to combat GBV should encompass legal reforms and protection, prevention education, awareness, and NGO programmes that address the profoundness and complexity of violence against women and girls. The study has a vast potential to contribute to the production of new knowledge on forms, causes and mitigation measures for GBV. It will also contribute by addressing gaps or limitations in the existing literature on the phenomenon being studied. Keywords: Grievous Bodily Harm; Gender-Based Violence; Poverty and Unemployment, Patriarchal Systems, Legal Factors, Women, Men.

The magnitude of gender-based violence, health consequences, and associated factors among women living in post-war woredas of North Shewa zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global public health concern and a violation of human rights, particularly pronounced in conflict settings where it is often used as a tool of warfare to instill fear and control populations. Assessment of Magnitude, Associated Factors, and Health Consequences of GBV among women living in war-affected woredas of North Shewa zone, Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 845 randomly selected women living in conflict zones. Data on GBV experiences over the previous 3 months were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires developed from literature review. The collected data underwent validation, entry into EPI data, and analysis using SPSS. Findings are summarized using descriptive statistics, AOR and 95% confidence interval. The magnitude of GBV in this study was (490, 58.0%) where, (466, 55.0%) psychological violence, (254, 30.1%) physical violence, and (135, 16.0%) reported sexual violence. A majority of the physical violence, (161, 63.4%), occurred during conflict period, with (143, 56.3%) of these cases involving armed forces, and (161, 63.4%) women experiencing physical violence in their homes. Urban Residence AOR = 2.65, CI, (1.82-3.89), Educational status of Secondary education AOR = 0.33, CI, (0.19-0.57, and ≥College AOR = 0.17, CI, (0.09-0.35), Occupation of Housewife AOR = 1.88, CI, (1.20-2.94), Private employee AOR = 6.95, CI, (3.70-13.04), Gov't employee AOR = 5.80, CI, (2.92-11.50), and others (Students) AOR = 3.46, CI, (1.98-6.01), Ever had sexual intercourse AOR = 0.46, CI, (0.25-0.83), Have heard about SRH AOR = 0.59, CI, (0.40-0.89), Have had previous GBV exposure AOR = 0.24, CI, (0.15-0.38), having a previous history of sexual violence AOR = 0.30, CI, (0.16-0.57), and Number of sexual partner AOR = 1.84, CI, (1.13-2.99) were identified to be associated factors of GBV in our study area. The most commonly reported consequences of GBV were Anxiety, depression, physical injuries, self-blame, women had school dropout, and abortion. The study reveals a higher prevalence of GBV, resulting in profound physical, social, mental, and reproductive health challenges for survivors. To address this, multi-sectoral cooperation is advised to enhance women's empowerment, access to information, and psycho-social support in affected areas. Furthermore, national policymakers are urged to implement preventive measures during conflict and establish legal mechanisms to ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Methodological insights into multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy: An empirical examination of the effects of strata configurations on between-stratum variance and of fixed effects across hierarchical levels.

This study aims to advance the Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) approach by addressing two key questions. First, it investigates the impact of using increasingly complex combinations of variables to create intersectional strata on between-stratum variance, measured by the variance partitioning coefficients (VPCs). Second, it examines the stability of coefficients for fixed effects across models with an increasing number of hierarchical levels. The analysis is performed using data from a survey of over 42,000 respondents on the prevalence of gender-based violence in European research organisations conducted in 2022. Results indicate that the number of intersectional strata is not significantly related to the proportion of the total variance attributable to the variance between intersectional strata in the MAIHDA approach. Moreover, the coefficients remain relatively stable and consistent across models with increasing complexity, where levels about organisations and countries are added. The analysis concludes that the MAIHDA approach can be flexibly applied for different research purposes, either to better account for structures of power and inequality; or to provide intersectionality-sensitive estimates. The findings underscore the need for researchers to clarify the specific aims of using MAIHDA, whether descriptive or inferential, and highlight the approach's versatility in addressing intersectionality within quantitative research. The study contributes to the literature by offering empirical evidence on the methodological considerations in applying the MAIHDA approach, thereby aiding in its more effective use for intersectional research.

Colonial necropolitics in responding to gender‐based violence amidst cascading disasters in Puerto Rico

AbstractThis article analyzes how the practice of cascading disaster responses and the relative erasure of increasing cases of gender‐based violence (GBV), including feminicidio, or feminicide, by the government in Puerto Rico evidence the structural and regularly reproduced vulnerability of marginalized populations. Drawn from fieldwork in southwestern Puerto Rico between 2019 and 2020, this essay juxtaposes the lived experience of frontline GBV service providers with the relative absence of GBV from the public record until 2022. For activists and scholars, the prevalence of GBV and its relative exclusion from state discourse and records is rooted in ideological, cultural, and operational concerns: operationally, GBV is too often excluded from planned disaster response. Culturally, state‐supplied statistics on GBV minimized and otherwise naturalized GBV into a cultural norm or reality‐to‐be‐expected. Ideologically, the exclusion of GBV is also tied to the colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. We argue that GBV and its relative exclusion from the public record sustains high levels of violence that have already fueled notable public protest and the constrained working conditions of GBV frontline service providers. The article's focus on frontline worker experiences highlights their important role at the forefront of decision‐making on how to mitigate GBV during and in the wake of cascading disasters.

Dislodging the hegemony of the white epistemological frame

In South African public discourse, the concept of gender appears to be cognate with the category of woman. Given the presence of masculinity studies in South Africa, the normative view of gender does include both men and women, but in the South African public discourse, gender is still largely cognate with woman. Accordingly, I am interested in this conceptual disconnect between gender and men, specifically within the Black community. Although this disconnect is attributed to the distribution of opportunities and the prevalence of gender-based violence, both said to largely disadvantage women, I contend that this disconnect is possible because of liberalism’s concealment of anti-Black racism, producing epistemic blindness. In other words, the juridical incorporation of Black people into liberalism not only masked the reality of their ontological domination, it imposed a narrow epistemic trajectory over the concept of ‘gender’. As such, while anti-Black racism is considered non-hegemonic, the gender struggle assumed the fundamental contradiction of the liberal democratic order. However, the gendering of Black people in the 1994 dispensation has a differential impact between Black men and Black women, enabling the latter to capitalise on the concealment of anti-Black racism while the former are crippled by the colonial legacy of Blackness.

Gender-Based Violence Through the Victim’s Lens

One in three women worldwide experience gender-based violence (GBV), predominantly by someone familiar (WHO). This study explores how Nepali victims understand personal incidents of GBV and its impacts, addressing gaps in victim-centered perspectives. Despite extensive literature on GBV, victims’ narratives are rarely spotlighted; “justice” is often academically-defined. Using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with 37 women, we examined research questions on victims’ perceptions of GBV events and effects afterwards. Thematic analysis revealed high GBV prevalence, especially for girls, yet chronically underreported due to factors like shame, stigma, mental health tolls, doubts over evidentiary support, masculinity constructs, and judicial distrust. Child abuse by acquaintances was salient, reflecting trust exploitation. Ultimately findings expose alarming yet overlooked violence against Nepali women and girls amidst normalization and victim-blaming attitudes. Centering survivors’ voices spotlights vital individual and systemic transformations required to address this epidemic. Insights provide a victim-based understanding of GBV to inform rights-centric responses.

Gender-based violence and associated factors among female sex workers in Ethiopia. Evidence from The National Bio-behavioral Survey, 2020.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is usually defined as unequal power relations between men and women, which poses a widespread public health problem. The study evaluated the prevalence and factors associated with GBV among female sex workers (FSWs) in Ethiopia. We used cross-sectional bio-behavioral data collected using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in 2020 from 16 towns in Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics was analyzed to summarize the study population characteristics and prevalence of GBV, and a multilevel logistic regression model was applied to identify associated factors for GBV. A p-value of ≤0.05 was used as a threshold for statistical significance. Of 6,085 participants, 28.1% had experienced GBV during the last 12 months, among which 12.7% and 22.3% experienced physical and sexual violence, respectively. FSWs aged 15-24, and 25-34 than those 35 years or more, had a non-paying than paying partners, had 31-60, 61-90, and over 91 than those had less than 30 paying partners, ever had anal sex than those not, condom failure than those not, mobile female sex workers when compared with those not mobile at different town; 3-5 and ≥ 6 years than those less than 3 years stayed in selling sex, street-based, and multiple places selling sex than those used other venues were significantly associated with GBV. Gender-based violence is a substantial problem among FSWs in Ethiopia, with significant implications for program planning on prevention and response to mitigate the occurrence and impact of GBV among FSWs.

Prevalence and associated factors of gender-based violence for female: Evidence from school students in Nepal-A cross-sectional study.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major global public health challenge in the 21st century that poses a serious impact on women's health and well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with GBV among secondary school female students in the Sarlahi district of Nepal. Using a cross-sectional study, we collected data from 225 secondary-level female students in the Sarlahi district of Nepal. Data was collected by using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Probability proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used for sampling. The association was explored by using a chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The two-tailed significance level for all analyses was set at p<0.05. The overall prevalence of GBV among the students during their lifetime was 45.33 of which physical violence was 16.89%, sexual violence was 30.22% and psychological violence was 39.56%. The prevalence of experiencing physical violence from family members was 97.36%, followed by emotional violence (41.57%). Further, the prevalence of sexual violence from non-family members was 91.17%. Type of family had a significant association with lifetime experience of GBV (p = 0.003). Gender based discrimination in the family had a significant association with lifetime (p = 0.001) as well as last 12 months (p = 0.001) GBV experience. Experience of witnessing physical violence as a child within the last 12 months was associated with GBV (p = 0.03). Different forms of GBV such as physical, sexual, and emotional acts of violence among female students were highly prevalent. However, their knowledge and awareness of confronting this issue were limited. This warrants the urgent need to establish preventive and responsive control measures within schools and communities to address GBV effectively.

Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence among Sex Workers in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR)

Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence among Sex Workers in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR)

Causal attributions of impulsive and compulsive behaviors.

Aggression, and therefore gender-based violence, can be an impulsive or compulsive behavior, depending on the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. In Europe, the prevalence of gender-based violence is 16 to 23%. This prevalence shows that there is a need to make further progress in the treatment of aggression against women. Qualitative techniques allow us to understand perceptions and attributions holistically by analyzing what people who commit the crime say, why they say it and how they say it. To explore the experience of physical and verbal aggression by a partner, dependent on the presence or absence of alcohol and drug use, in the prison population. A mixed methodology was used (combining qualitative and quantitative techniques). The sample was made up of 140 men divided into two focus groups [with alcohol and/or drug consumption (SAD) and without alcohol and/or drug consumption (NSAD)] who completed the Demographic, Criminal and Behavioral Interview in Penitentiary Institutions; the Gender Violence Questionnaire (both developed for this study) and the MultiCAGE CAD-4 Questionnaire. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and quantitative data were obtained using contingency tables. It was found that the SAD group attributed the crime committed to alcohol and/or drug consumption, while the NSAD group attributed it to jealousy and to their partner. The SAD group revealed that the consequence of the physical aggressions was to get what they were looking for from their partner and the consequences of the verbal aggressions was regret, unlike the NSAD group that did not get anything from the aggressions. The SAD group recognized that to avoid future aggressions they would have to avoid alcohol and/or drug use, while the NSAD group mentioned that they would have to avoid contact with their partner. The need to include perceptions and attributions as well as the use of alcohol and/or drugs is emphasized when assessing individuals who commit the crime of gender-based violence.

Gender-Based Violence and its Effect on Mother, Fetus and Newborn Baby: A Systematic Review

Abstract: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health concern resulting in physical, psychological, sexual, and social issues. GBV during pregnancy may results in complicated and grave consequences for mother and unborn child. The prevalence of GBV was reportedly higher in developing countries, indicating higher maternal and child mortalities. Effect of GBV on pregnancy has been reported to enhance the chances of prolonged labor, obstructed labor and in severe injuries higher incidents of miscarriages and abortions are also been reported. Moreover, fetal respiratory distress, diarrhea, small for gestaional age and Intra Uterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) have also been reported. This review aims to present a systematic view of genderbased violence and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes and to contribute by filling the existing information gap. Review assessed the effect of GBV during pregnancy on fetal health, reporting infant diarrhea more frequently, along with fever, vomiting, and respiratory distress. The significant association between adverse maternal and fetal outcomes and gender-based violence has been evaluated extensively.

Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Their Implications on Gender-Based Violence: A Deep Dive into India's Diverse Contexts

This study aimed to explore the influence of socio-cultural factors on gender-based violence (GBV) within the multifaceted societal fabric of India. Recognizing the prevalence of GBV in various forms across the country, the research addressed the underlying social norms, practices, and cultural narratives that perpetuate this issue. Employing a mixed-method approach, the investigation included both qualitative and quantitative data, collecting insights through surveys, interviews, and case studies across different regions in India. The research problem revolved around understanding how deep-rooted cultural dynamics, such as caste systems, religious beliefs, and traditional gender roles, contribute to the persistence and acceptance of GBV. The methodology adopted was designed to offer a comprehensive overview of these complex interactions. Surveys measured the prevalence and attitudes towards GBV, while interviews with survivors, activists, and community leaders provided a deeper understanding of the lived experiences and societal pressures that influence GBV. Findings indicated that GBV in India is a multifaceted problem with roots in historical, cultural, and structural inequalities. There was a clear link between societal norms and the incidence of violence, with certain practices such as dowry and child marriage identified as significant contributors. Additionally, the study found that there is often a gap between existing laws and their implementation, further exacerbating the issue. The conclusion drawn emphasized that GBV in India cannot be viewed in isolation from its socio-cultural context. While legislation and policy efforts exist, they must be strengthened and coupled with societal change for effectiveness. Recommendations include the need for comprehensive educational programs to challenge and change harmful cultural norms, improved legal frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms, as well as increased support systems for survivors. The study advocates for a collaborative approach involving government, civil society, and local communities to address the root causes of GBV and promote gender equality. Keywords: Socio-Cultural Dynamics, GBV, Human rights, Deep Dive, Challenges, Barriers, Policies

Gender based violence among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State: Prevalence, categories, patterns and associated factors

Context: Gender based violence (GBV) is a global public health issue common in pregnancy. &#x0D; Objective: To assess GBV among pregnant women in Benin City with aim of curbing its occurrence.&#x0D; Study design: A facility based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving consenting pregnant women.&#x0D; Results: Awareness of GBV was high 462 (92.4%), with media 293 (63.4%), friends 251 (54.3%) and family members 187 (40.5%) reported as the main sources of information respectively. The overall prevalence of GBV was 288 (62.3%) while in relation to category of GBV experienced; 365 (79.0%), 286 (61.9%), 218 (47.2%) and 216 (46.8%) reported emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and economic abuse respectively. Prevalence of GBV was significantly associated with respondent’s level of education (p=0.024) and occupational class (p=0.002). Furthermore, among respondent’s partners smoking (p &lt; 0.001), alcohol consumption (p&lt;0.001), keeping multiple sexual partners (p &lt; 0.001), aggressive traits (p &lt; 0.001), level of education (p &lt; 0.001) and employment status (p=0.005) were significant factors exhibited by them.&#x0D; Conclusion: Gender based violence was prevalent among pregnant women studied, a comprehensive strategy targeted at sensitizing pregnant women and their partners on GBV will be useful in curtailing its occurrence.

Is violence against men a problem in Sri Lanka?

Gender-based violence (GBV) among men is a universally present phenomenon that is mostly unacknowledged. The relative lack of research in this area leads to a deficiency of evidence ascribing due recognition to GBV among men. This, in turn, leads to not identifying it as a social problem, hence, poor development of resources for victims as well as poor help-seeking behaviour patterns are prevalent, especially in Southeast Asia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of GBV among men in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional analytical community survey was conducted to explore GBV against 1280 Sinhala-speaking men, selected using a multistage cluster sampling method in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. The GBV among men questionnaire (GBVMQ) was developed and culturally validated. A multiple logistic regression model was developed and nine correlates of GBV were identified and adjusted odds ratios estimated. The prevalence of GBV was 35.8% (95% CI 33.1 -38.6). The prevalence of Verbal GBV was 34.7% (95% CI 32.1 -37.5). Childhood sexual abuse was 7.6% (95% CI 6.2 -9.2). Being subjected to ridicule as cowardly or unmanly (AOR = 25.3, 95% CI 5.58 -114.7, P<0.0010), Childhood sexual abuse (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.73 -11.09, P = 0.002) showed positive associations with statistical significance. The results highlight the importance of having services for men as well as women. Enabling inclusiveness of men in mandates of state and private institutions catering for GBV would be a strategy in moving forward for Sri Lanka.

The Limitations of Hashtag Feminist Activism on South African Twitter: A Case Study of #MenAreTrash and #WomenAreTrash

Social media has become a central arena for debates around feminism and gender in South Africa. One recent example can be found in the hashtag #MenAreTrash, which has been a trending topic multiple times on South African Twitter. However, despite the prevalence of gender-based violence in the country, these conversations have also come under strong criticism, especially from men. Existing literature on social media expressions of misogyny and anti-feminism has primarily focused on North American and European case studies. This article expands existing literature by analyzing men’s reactions to the #MenAreTrash hashtag and highlighting the role and backlash against feminism in South Africa. Based on a thematic analysis of 600 tweets, this article explores the discursive strategies employed by South African cisgender men on Twitter in response to the #MenAreTrash hashtag. Beyond some marginal yet relevant examples of reflexibility and allyship, the overwhelmingly negative response from men online, as found by the study, reflected a lack of self-reflection about their masculinity. The article provides additional insights into the role of digital feminist activism in shaping networked masculinities in the South African context.

Gender-based violence against female sex workers in Nigeria: how helpful are grassroot interventions?

Introduction: Gender-based violence (GBV) against female sex workers (FSWs) increases their risk of unwanted pregnancies, abortion, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Hence, this study aims to assess the impacts of grassroots interventions on GBV against FSW in Benue State, Nigeria. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional baseline-post-intervention survey using a randomized cluster sampling technique. It was carried out in six local governments of the State using structured questionnaires to collect data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: This study comprised 446 FSWs with 223 from each baseline and intervention survey. The prevalence of GBV was 48.0% in the baseline and 59.2% in the intervention (P&lt;0.001). The most common GBV were being beaten/battered/kicked (26.0%) in the baseline and 30.9% in the intervention (P&gt;0.05). Paying partners (65.6%), the police (53.0%), and vigilantes (30.3%) were the top perpetrators of GBV in the post-intervention study, higher than 41.3%, 17.5%, and 3.9% in the baseline (P&lt;0.001). Access to health care services after GBV was 43.0% in the baseline and 72.7% in the intervention (P&lt;0.001). Only 24.2% of post-intervention respondents would keep cases of GBV to themselves instead of reporting them to appropriate authorities, compared to 53.3% in baseline (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The study recorded higher reports of GBV among the FSWs after the intervention than at the baseline, in which most cases of GBV were underreported. The increased ability to report cases among FSWs after intervention helped to improve the boldness of the victims in reporting the GBV.

The Association of Gender Based Violence (GBV) with Familial and Social Determinants and Mental Health Status of Bengali Married Working Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Gender Based Violence (GBV) represents a severe violation of women's human rights beyond geographical, cultural, religious, social, and economic aspects. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of GBV, its association with mental health status, and familial and social determinants among the higher socio-economic married working women in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2019 among the higher socio-economic married women working in Dhaka. To reach the targeted participants, five hundred sixty participants were recruited using multistage sampling. Women with a minimum graduate degree, monthly income &gt;35000, and working outside were included in this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through a face-to-face interview. Mental health status was measured by 20 items on the CES-D scale. Descriptive statistics and bivariate (unadjusted) and multivariate (adjusted) logistic regression were used to explore the determinants and mental health status. Results: The mean age of participants was 35.7 ± 4.8 years. Around 13.6% of women faced GBV. The age, marriage duration, family type, monthly income, parental status, number of children, and education level showed a significant association with GBV. The binary logistic regression model found that the status of mental health was strongly significant in both unadjusted and adjusted models, OR (95% CI) =2.589 (1.577-4.252) and 4.542 (2.362-8.734). Participation in the family's decision-making process was strongly associated with GBV OR (95% CI) = 4.529 (2.332- 8.796). The attitude of the husband or in-laws was strongly significant in both unadjusted OR (95% CI) = 10.605 (4.988 - 22.548) and adjusted models 5.972 (1.836-19.421). Having a good understanding of the husband was strongly significant in two models, OR (95% CI) = 27.383 (13.568 -55.263) and 17.553 (6.160 -50.018). The odds of GBV, if any family members are suffering from chronic disease, were around six-fold higher among married working women in the unadjusted model OR (95% CI) =5.935 (2.791 - 12.623) and almost eight-fold higher in adjusted model 7.679 (2.293 -25.719). Time for attending social obligation was strongly significant in both unadjusted OR (95% CI)= 11.633 (5.239 -25.832) and adjusted model 24.402 (7.511 -79.277). Conclusion: The GBV prevalence was comparatively low, and it was found to be related to working women with higher socio-economic status. This issue should not be neglected as it impedes the empowerment of women, which is a global concern and developmental plan. Hence, there is a need to formulate better policies and programs to attain a gender-based, violence-free society.

The interrelationship between food security, climate change, and gender-based violence: A scoping review with system dynamics modeling.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health and human rights problem that is exacerbated by social and environmental stressors for a multitude of interpersonal, cultural, and economic reasons. Through sudden disruptions in the microclimate of a region, climate shocks often have a negative impact on food security, which correlates with increases in GBV. Associations between the various combinations of GBV, climate change, and food insecurity have been documented in the growing international literature, but questions remain about these associations that require further clarification. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 provides insight through a real time demonstration into these interactions. This review of the global literature examines the interplay between GBV, climate change, and food insecurity-including recent literature regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This review covers original research studies employing both quantitative and qualitative methodology, those that conducted secondary analyses of existing data sources and perspective pieces derived from observed evidence. An additional analytic layer of system dynamics modeling allowed for the integration of findings from the scoping review and discovery of additional insights into the interplay between disasters, food insecurity, and GBV. Findings from this review suggest that the development and adaptation of evidence-based, focused interventions and policies to reduce the effects of climate shocks and bolster food security may ultimately decrease GBV prevalence and impact.