Psychological Domestic Violence Research Articles

The influence of patriarchal cultural factors on pregnancy complications (antepartum hemorrhage) at Mitra Medika General Hospital, Bandar Klippa, Indonesia

HIGHLIGHTS 1. Antepartum hemorrhage stands as one of the major contributors to maternal mortality globally. 2. Patriarchal culture is among the societal factors impacting maternal mortality rates.3. Patriarchal cultural factors associated with antepartum hemorrhage are examined to establish effective preventive measures. ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the influence of patriarchal culture on the occurrence of antepartum hemorrhage at Mitra Medika General Hospital. Materials and Methods: This study employed an analytical observational design with a case-control approach. The sample for this study included pregnant women in their third trimester and mothers who had given birth within a maximum of 4 months from the time of the study at Mitra Medika General Hospital, Bandar Klippa, Indonesia. There were 90 respondents, comprising 30 case groups and 60 control groups. The sampling method for the case group used quota sampling, while the control group utilized accidental sampling. The research instrument utilized questionnaires and secondary data (antepartum hemorrhage diagnoses). Data analysis employed the chi-square test for bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression for multivariate analysis, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: There was a significant relationship between decision-making (p=0.030), family support (p=0.003), psychological domestic violence (p=0.024), and sexual domestic violence (p=0.039), no relationship with physical domestic violence (p=0.257) with the occurrence of antepartum hemorrhage. Multivariate analysis revealed that the family support variable was the most dominant risk factor with an Exp (B) value of 8.230 in causing antepartum hemorrhage. Conclusion: The patriarchal cultural factors that significantly affect antepartum hemorrhage at Mitra Medika General Hospital, Bandar Klippa, Indonesia, are decision-making, family support, psychological domestic violence, and sexual domestic violence.

Linking physical violence to women’s mobility in Chile

Despite increased global attention on violence against women, understanding the factors that lead to women becoming victims remains a critical challenge. Notably, the impact of domestic violence on women’s mobility—a critical determinant of their social and economic independence—has remained largely unexplored. This study bridges this gap, employing police records to quantify physical and psychological domestic violence, while leveraging mobile phone data to proxy women’s mobility. Our analyses reveal a negative correlation between physical violence and female mobility, an association that withstands robustness checks, including controls for economic independence variables like education, employment, and occupational segregation, bootstrapping of the data set, and applying a generalized propensity score matching identification strategy. The study emphasizes the potential causal role of physical violence on decreased female mobility, asserting the value of interdisciplinary research in exploring such multifaceted social phenomena to open avenues for preventive measures. The implications of this research extend into the realm of public policy and intervention development, offering new strategies to combat and ultimately eradicate domestic violence against women, thereby contributing to wider efforts toward gender equity.

Legal Protection for Women Victims of Psychological Domestic Violence Based on Enactment Number 23 of 2004

According to National Commission on Violence against Women’s annual record in 2020, within a period of 12 (twelve) years, violence against women increased by 792%. It means that violence against women in Indonesia for 12 (twelve) years increased almost 8 (eight) times. Psychological violence against women in the household is an act against the law, a violation of human rights, a crime against human dignity, and a form of discrimination that must be abolished. This study aims to examine the legal protection for women victims of psychological violence in the household based on the enactment of domestic violence elimination. The method used in this research is normative legal research which makes the norm system the centre of its study with the aim of providing legal arguments as a basis for determining whether an event is right or wrong and how the event should be according to law. The results showed that the government has made efforts to protect women victims of psychological violence in the household. Preventively bypassing the constitution of domestic violence elimination and repressively by providing protection and services needed by victims in the context of recovery. Domestic violence is included in the complaint offence; therefore, the victim must report to the investigator related to the violence experienced so that legal proceedings can be carried out immediately.

The Association between Physical and Psychological Domestic Violence Experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Symptoms

Research has shown that rates of domestic violence generally increased during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, likely related to mitigation efforts that promoted staying at home and lockdown protocols. However, the link between pandemic-related domestic violence victimization and mental health outcomes has been less explored. The present study examined the possible association between exposure to domestic physical and psychological violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in an online sample of American adults recruited in December 2021. Data from 604 participants were analyzed. Forty-four percent of participants (n = 266) reported experiencing physical domestic violence, psychological domestic violence, or both during the pandemic, with psychological violence more commonly reported than physical violence. Exposure to both forms of violence was associated with higher rates of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Given the high rates and negative associations between psychological domestic violence and mental health symptoms in this sample, healthcare providers should assess for domestic violence exposure even if no indications of physical abuse are present or if there were not concerns about domestic violence exposure prior to the pandemic. Potential psychological sequalae should also be assessed if a patient has a positive history of domestic violence victimization.

Psychological Domestic Violence against Woman as Reflected in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles

Susan Glaspell (1876-1948) was one of the pioneering American female playwrights who evolved into visibility at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the twentieth. She had celebrated in her personal and literary life the advent of the new woman striving to fulfill her dreams in a hostile and intensive world. Glaspell based her first dramatic play, Trifles, on an actual murder case she covered while working as a journalist.1 She may write her piece, Trifles, as an explanation for why a woman may murder her husband. In her attempt to explain, Glaspell created the character of Minnie Wright who is oppressed by her husband to the extreme. To fully free herself, Minnie escapes by way of strangling her husband to death. Thematically speaking, Glaspell’s Trifles handles women’s issues in a time where women like Minnie Wright were often forced to remain with “either father or husband just to have a roof over their heads. The life of a solitary woman without male protection was not an attractive option.”2
 In Trifles, the troubled marriage of the Wrights has culminated in Minnie Wright strangling her husband, John. The men vainly look for signs of violent rage, but the women, with growing empathy, are able to recognize the signs of quiet desperation under which many women of their time were forced to live. Glaspell contrasts male and female perspectives throughout the play, and engages the audiences’ sympathy firmly on the side of the women. Susan C. W. Abbotson indicates that “We are asked to witness Mrs. Wright’s life rather than Mr. Wright’s death, and we are shown that the true ‘crime’ has been the way she was being subjugated and ‘destroyed’ by her marriage.”3 Mr. Wright sees women as a submissive group whose concerns hold

Mother's exposure to domestic and community violence and its association with child's behavioral outcomes.

This study investigated the potential cumulative effect of maternal exposure to violence both at home and in community on children. This study used the data (N = 2506) from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study. We found that maternal nonphysical victimization, either by witnessing violence in the community or by experiencing psychological domestic violence, had a direct negative effect on children's depression and anxiety. Maternal nonphysical victimization also indirectly elevated child's aggression through mother's use of psychological and physical aggression toward the child. Witnessing community violence by mothers, directly and indirectly, worsened the child's withdrawal behaviors through the mother's psychological aggression toward the child. Mother's direct victimization by community violence and physical domestic violence was not related to child's behavioral outcomes after controlling for other risk factors. This study points to important considerations for devising intervention and prevention for mothers and children. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Associations Between Attachment Insecurities and Psychological Violence in a Sample of Court-Mandated Batterers.

We conducted a survey-based study looking at the associations among attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoidance), relationship functioning, and psychological domestic violence. We looked at three relationship functioning variables (i.e., anger management, communication, and conflict resolution) and three domestic psychological violence variables (i.e., derogation and control, jealous-hypervigilance, and threats-control of space). Data were collected from 76 male and 21 female court-mandated batterers. Participants completed the self-report measures of attachment insecurities, relationship functioning, and psychological domestic violence-related variables. Overall, attachment insecurities were negatively associated with relationship functioning and positively associated with psychological domestic violence outcomes. Among the whole sample, attachment anxiety correlated positively with derogation and control and with jealous-hypervigilance. There were also differential attachment associations by gender. Attachment anxiety correlated positively with threats of controlling space only among men, and with derogation and control and jealous-hypervigilance only among women. Finally, avoidance correlated negatively with communication only among women. Overall, this pattern of results is consistent with predictions derived from attachment theory: attachment insecurities are associated with poor relationship functioning and high rates of domestic violence.

Criminal Orders of Protection for Domestic Violence: Associated Revictimization, Mental Health, and Well-being Among Victims.

All states issue criminal protection orders (POs) with the intention of improving the lives of victims of domestic violence (DV); however, there is a dearth of research examining their impact. This study aims to examine the impact of criminal POs with different levels of restrictions on victims' revictimization, mental health, and well-being. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data regarding two time points during one interview among a sample of 298 victims in a criminal DV case. Across the three levels of PO restrictions (limited, residential stay-away, and full no-contact), participants reported significantly reduced physical, sexual, and psychological DV; unwanted pursuit behavior; post-traumatic stress and depression symptom severity; and perceived stress and fear of revictimization. The amount of change varied between groups for revictimization variables. Full no-contact restrictions were associated with the greatest decreases in revictimization. However, findings must be interpreted with caution given the heterogeneity in victims' experiences; some victims experienced an increase in revictimization and mental health problems and a decrease in well-being. Findings suggest that the court, through criminal POs, may be a system through which to reach victims who might not otherwise connect with services to promote safety and resilience.

ПРАВОВІ ТА ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ДОМАШНЬОГО НАСИЛЬСТВА

The scientific article is devoted to the coverage of certain aspects of psychological violence as a form of domestic violence and as a form of unlawful behavior of a person. The said basic legal acts concerning counteraction and prevention of domestic violence in Ukraine. Focused attention is paid to the consequences of psychological domestic violence in the form of depressive disorders. Attention is drawn to the program for the victim and the program of the offender, which are reflected in the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention and Combating Domestic Violence". The list of persons covered by the legislation on prevention and counteraction to domestic violence, regardless of the fact of joint residence, is indicated. Depressive disorders are described as consequences of psychological domestic violence. The role of the public and state structures in the implementation of legislation on the prevention and counteraction of domestic psychological violence is outlined.

Criminal Protection Orders for Women Victims of Domestic Violence: Explicating Predictors of Level of Restrictions Among Orders Issued.

Criminal protection orders (POs), with varying degrees of restrictions, are issued by the criminal justice system to enhance the safety of victims of domestic violence (DV). Limited research exists to elucidate factors associated with their issuance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how demographic, relationship, parenting, and court-process-related factors are related to the level of restriction the PO places on the offender. Two-hundred ninety-eight women who were victims in a criminal DV case (M age 36.4, 50.0% African American) participated in a structured interview approximately 12 to 15 months following the offenders' arraignment. Results revealed that psychological DV severity and fear of the offender in the 30 days prior to arraignment significantly predicted PO level of restriction issued. In addition, level of restriction requested by the victim significantly predicted level of restriction issued by the judge (though closer examination of the data revealed that many orders were issued at a different level of restriction than the victim requested). Other demographic, relationship, parenting, and court-process-related factors did not predict PO level of restriction issued. Findings are discussed with respect to practice and policy in the criminal justice system.

Violencia doméstica en adolescentes embarazadas: caracterización de la pareja y prevalencia de las formas de expresión

Introduction: Pregnancy in adolescents and domestic violence (DV) are worldwide problems. Their prevalence is influenced by cultural factors. Objectives: To characterize pregnant adolescents and their sexual partners, and to determine the prevalence of psychological, physical and sexual DV. Methodology: Cross-sectional study of 406 Colombian pregnant teenagers. Socio-demographic data were collected, and the scales “Are you being abused?” and “Abuse Assessment Screen” were applied. The former identifies domestic violence by the partner, and the latter, DV at any moment, the last year or during pregnancy. Results: Age: 16.5 ± 1.5 years, 92.9 % were in late adolescence, average years of schooling: nine; 50 % dropped out from school when they became pregnant; 70 % depended on their parents, both before and after pregnancy. DV by the partner: 7.1 %; physical DV: 6.7 %; psychological DV: 3.7 %; sexual DV: 2.2 %. DV by partner/husband/other person: 12.4 %; physical or emotional abuse by partner/another person: 21.7 %; fear from the partner: 3.4 %. There was significant association between alcohol consumption by the partner every weekend and DV. Conclusion: Frequency of DV against pregnant adolescents is high and alcohol consumption by the partner is an important risk factor for it.

Antecedents to the Perpetration of Domestic Violence in Curaçao

Previous international studies have found collectivism and low gender empowerment to contribute to higher domestic violence perpetration by males, compared to females. Little is known about gender differences in domestic violence perpetration prevalence in collectivist countries with high gender empowerment, for example Curacao. Curacao demonstrates gender similarity in committing domestic violence, resembling Western countries: 25–33 % have committed psychological domestic violence, 11–17 % physical violence, and 1–6 % sexual violence. Antecedents to the perpetration of domestic violence are similar for both sexes as well. Domestic violence victimization, especially in cases of severe physical violence, increases the probability of becoming a perpetrator. Other perpetrator risk factors are a high education (psychological violence) and having children in the household (physical violence).

Older Brazilian women's experience of psychological domestic violence: a social phenomenological study.

BackgroundDomestic violence is a global public health issue, as it is in Brazil. The psychological violence is one of the most prevalent forms of domestic violence, affecting more women than men. However, many older adults do not consider it as a type of domestic violence. In addiction, psychological violence has received little attention from researchers. So, this study aims to further understand the phenomenon of psychological domestic violence perpetrated by relatives against older adult women (60 years and older).MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using a social phenomenological approach proposed by Alfred Schütz. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 older Brazilian women from three different agencies, two in Campina Grande and one in São Bernardo do Campo. Data collection took place between November 2012 and February 2013. We performed data analysis using the key concepts (such as the world of everyday life, natural attitude, intersubjetivity, stock of knowledge, biographical situation, social action, motivation and typification) proposed by Alfred Schutz.ResultsDespite the fact that participants reported being psychologically abused, they also referred to being neglected and financially abused. They revealed being threatened, disrespected, neglected, financially abused, forced to do housework, and humiliated. Older women expressed feelings of sadness, anger, grief, and fear, which had negative effects on their health. Attempts by the participants to change their current situations were unsuccessful and resulted in feelings of helplessness. The abuser’s behaviour will change, and leaving the abusive situation were two possible outcomes pointed for participants.ConclusionsA support network is crucial to help changing the behaviour of aggressors and/or to help older adult women leave the abusive situation. Further research is needed to understand the risk factors linked to abuse behaviours, to develop educational programs for the abusers, and to design social support for the victims.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12939-015-0173-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Socioeconomic status, social relations and domestic violence (DV) against elderly people in Canada, Albania, Colombia and Brazil

PurposeTo determine whether gender, socioeconomic conditions, and/or social relations are related to recent experiences of DV in older adult populations. Materials and methodsData on socioeconomic status and social relations were collected in 2012 from 1995 community-dwelling older adults in Canada, Colombia, Brazil, and Albania. Violence experienced in the last 6 months was measured using the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with harm, or Screamed at (HITS) scale and classified according to type (physical or psychological) and perpetrator (partner or family member). Binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between experiences of violence and gender, socioeconomic conditions, and social relations. ResultsPhysical violence (by partner or family member) was reported by 0.63–0.85% of participants; the prevalence of psychological violence (by partner or family member) ranged from 3.2% to 23.5% in men and 9% to 26% in women. After adjustment for socioeconomic status, social relations, age and site, women experienced more psychological violence perpetrated by family members than did men (odds ratio (OR): 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2–2.6). Social relations, such as multifamily living arrangements and low levels of support from partners, children, and family, were associated with psychological DV. Current working status was associated with greater odds of victimization by partners among men (OR: 2.35 95% CI: 1.34–1.41), but not among women. ConclusionsGender and social relations are important determinants of experiencing violence in older adults. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of a gender-based approach to the study of DV in older adults.

A violência intrafamiliar e o adolescente que vive com HIV/AIDS por transmissão vertical: análise dos fatores de proteção e de vulnerabilidade

The scope of this study was to analyze protection and vulnerability factors in physical and psychological domestic violence among adolescents infected with HIV/AIDS through vertical transmission. This group is especially susceptible as they have vulnerability factors such as chronic disease, orphanhood with consequent change of caregivers and impaired body image. The research was conducted in a public hospital. The first stage used the Parent Child Conflict Tactics and the Degree of Psychological Violence Scale to determine what domestic violence occurred. In the second qualitative stage, the adolescents who scored the most or the least for violence in the quantitative instrument were interviewed. The questionnaires and the interviews revealed a high prevalence of physical and psychological violence and abusive domestic dynamics, thereby corroborating the extant literature. In view of the consequences of this kind of violence, it is essential that the health professional should be able to identify violent situations and recognize vulnerability factors and to promote protection factors against ill-treatment.

The link between traditional police sub‐culture and police intimate partner violence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify whether officers who adhere to the aspects of the traditional police sub‐culture – authoritarianism, cynicism, and burnout – are more likely to use violence against their intimate partner. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is measured in terms of both physical assault and psychological violence.Design/methodology/approachA survey was created using existing scales and was given to a sample of police officers from four departments in the southern United States. Both Tobit and logistic regression were utilized to examine the effects of the traditional police sub‐culture on the two types of intimate partner violence.FindingsThe results of the analyses partially supported the link between traditional police culture and police intimate partner violence. The results showed that two aspects of the traditional police sub‐culture, burnout and authoritarianism, were significantly related to psychological IPV. There was no significant relationship between traditional police culture and physical IPVResearch limitations/implicationsThere are a relatively small number of police officers in the convenience sample and it is not very diverse in its composition.Originality/valueThe results of this study indicate that those who adhere to the traditional police culture are at more risk for engaging in psychological domestic violence than those officers who do not. The research shows that traditional police sub‐culture has an effect on police intimate partner violence. This information is important in that it may provide police agencies with some direction in implementing domestic violence prevention efforts.

The Issue of Gender in Relation to Psychological Domestic Violence in China

This article reports the results of a survey that addresses some of limitations of the earlier research on domestic violence in China. It begins by presenting a literature review of the existing research of domestic violence in China, particularly psychological violence, referring to its background, development, achievement, research, and issues. Domestic violence has not been seen as a “family/private” matter but as a “public” matter in the recent decade in China. However, researching domestic violence, particularly psychological violence is new in China that the research may be limited in some aspects by a lack of experience. This survey therefore focuses on an exploration of psychological violence, specifically of these non-verbal behaviors “glaring”, “threatening with fists” and “stamping of foot” because Chinese husbands and wives are likely to use/experience them in conflict. “Glaring” and “threatening with fists” can be classified as “active” non-verbal behavior, namely that which potentially precedes a physical attack upon victims, while “stamping of foot” can be classified as “passive” non-verbal behavior, namely that which doesn’t threaten or precede a real attack upon victims. The results of this survey presented here provide a more specific overview of how couples actually behave in conflict. First, these three non-verbal behaviors are frequently and more or less differently used by husbands and wives in their conflicts. Second, there is no significant difference in such non-verbal behaviors between intellectual and non-intellectual families. Finally, there is a gender difference in such non-verbal behaviors occurring between husbands and wives in conflict. The results show that husbands are more likely to use “active” non-verbal behaviors, while wives are more likely to use “passive” non-verbal behavior. Thus such a difference may be seen as gender inequality. Gender inequality, closely linked to factors such as history, society and culture, may influence the choice of using non-verbal behavior by husbands and wives in conflict. This inequality represents power and superiority: men as dominant and women as subordinate historically and socially in the Chinese family. Importantly, this survey has not only offered something new in comparison with the previous studies, but also overcome the limitations of the author’s research in relation to research design and to the sample of non-intellectual respondents. This article suggests that all society should do more (particularly in the area of education) in order to eliminate domestic violence and gender inequality.

Domestic Violence Against Married Women in Edirne

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of domestic violence against married women in Edirne, Turkey. This is a cross-sectional study which included a representative sample of the married women living in the Provincial Center of Edirne. The total past year prevalence of some forms of physical domestic violence is 34% in the last 12 months. 93% of women reported that they have been experiencing different forms of verbal and psychological domestic violence. The important risk factors for physical domestic violence were being Roma woman (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.44-6.12), living with more than four people in the household (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.21-4.36), being unemployed (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.06-4.37), and got married only with her families' decision (OR = 4.60, 95% CI: 1.42-14.80). Our findings conclude that patriarchal and traditional values, women's lack of financial autonomy, and low socioeconomic status are the risk factors for physical domestic violence.

The Prevalence of Domestic Violence Among Pregnant Women Who Were Attended in Iran University of Medical Science Hospitals

The prevalence of domestic violence (DV) during pregnancy could be high and is associated with significant psychological and physical impairment for mother and the fetus. The major objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of DV in expectant mothers who have attended the Iran University of Medical Sciences’ Hospitals (IUMS). In this cross-sectional study, 1,800 subjects were interviewed using a modified questionnaire to determine the prevalence of DV. Consecutive sampling was performed in six major hospitals of IUMS according to the number of referred patients. The prevalence of DV was found to be 60.6% including three types of physical, psychological, and sexual violence with the prevalence of 14.6, 60.5 and 23.5%, respectively. Severe physical DV was 5.3%. Severe psychological and sexual DV were also found in about 24.6 and 3.4% of cases, respectively. DV had a high prevalence in this study. It is recommended that all accessible pregnant women be screened for DV. Study of the prevalence of DV within the community with a larger sample size, and using cluster-sampling methodology would be of immense value.

Domestic Violence Against Married Women in Cambodia

We evaluate the effects of marital resources and early-life experiences on recent domestic violence and attitudes about wife abuse among 2,074 married Cambodian women. Household standard of living was negatively associated with physical domestic violence. Women with 8–13 fewer years of schooling than their husbands more often experienced physical and psychological domestic violence. Women with more living children more often experienced physical domestic violence and justified wife beating. Having surviving parents and siblings was not associated with domestic violence nor with attitudes about wife beating. Women reporting higher paternal schooling, urban childhood residence and domestic violence against their mothers had higher odds of experiencing physical and psychological domestic violence. Findings underscore the effects of marital resources and early-life experiences on domestic violence in Cambodia.