Risk Factors For Domestic Violence Research Articles

Determining domestic violence against women using machine learning methods: The case of Türkiye.

Domestic violence against women is a pervasive issue globally, representing a severe violation of human rights and a significant public health concern. The hidden nature of such violence and its frequent underreporting make it a critical area for research. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence offer new avenues for identifying and predicting instances of domestic violence through machine learning (ML) algorithms. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of domestic violence against women using ML methods. With a cross-sectional design, this research was conducted with 630 married women between December 2023 and February 2024. Data were obtained using the 'Demographic Information Form' and the 'HITS Domestic Violence Scale'. Data analysis used six ML algorithms (decision tree, random forest, support vector machine [SVM], logistic regression [LR], Naive Bayes and k-nearest neighbour). In our study, the rate of women experiencing violence was determined to be 11%, while the duration of marriage, number of children and level of education were identified as significant risk factors. Threat, insult and injury were common risk factors in all algorithms. SVM and LR algorithms were effective models in predicting violence with a 100% accuracy rate. All ML algorithms' sensitivity ranged from 91.12% to 100%, while specificity ranged from 85% to 100%. The findings of our study demonstrate that ML algorithms have high accuracy rates in determining the frequency and risk factors of domestic violence against women, indicating that they can be used safely.

Effect of domestic violence at preschool age on victimity formation

The article provides data on the prevalence of physical violence suffered at preschool age among medical students based on the results of medical, sociological, and psychometric research. An unselected sample of 275 fifth-year students at the Medical Institute was examined. It was demonstrated that physical violence in all cases was combined with psychological violence and in 12 % of cases — with sexual violence. Anxious personality traits and low levels of self-esteem were formed as a result of violence, which created a risk of social maladjustment. It has been established that when brought up in conditions of physical and psychological violence, victim complexes are formed 2–4 times more often than when brought up in favorable conditions. Notably, the subjective significance of the severity of physical violence suffered in the family at preschool age significantly (8–56 times) increases the likelihood of being subjected to beatings, sexual harassment, and psychological pressure, in contrast to being raised in favorable conditions. Risk factors for domestic violence are presented and described. The possibilities of providing medical and psychological assistance are discussed.

The impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on domestic violence assaults: A study of New South Wales

AbstractIntroduction of stay‐at‐home orders during the COVID 19 pandemic led to immediate disruption of individuals' daily routines with confinement to their households and changes in risk factors of domestic violence. Utilising data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), I estimate the causal impact of stay‐at‐home orders on domestic violence assaults in New South Wales. Since adoption dates for these restrictions varied across LGAs, I implement a staggered difference‐in‐difference (DiD) specification. I find a 21% decline in daily domestic violence assault incidents during stay‐at‐home order periods compared to pre‐restriction incidence levels. These results are robust under weekly frequency and extrapolated fixed effects models. I further utilise google search term data as a proxy of consistent reporting rates and unemployment data to identify household power dynamics. Analysis of both data sets support estimates of declines in domestic violence during stay‐at‐home order periods.

IJCM_35A: Prevalence and risk factors for domestic violence against infertile women in central India

Background: Infertility is a public health issue affecting a large part of the world’s population. Violence against women, Spousal or intimate partner violence is the most common form of domestic violence; a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Especially sexual violence, is one of the most pressing public health concerns affecting women today. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of spousal violence, various types of spousal violence and factors associated with it among reproductive age group women. Methodology: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Urban Health Training Centre area of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nagpur, India among married women between 15-49 years of age. The reproductive age group women were 3985 according to health survey done by UHTC. Out of which the data was collected in a sample of 82 infertile women by face-to-face interview and analysed using SPSS v22. Predesign pretested questioner use for data collection. The ethical consideration was taken from the institute for the study. Results: The prevalence of spousal violence among reproductive age group (15-49 years) women was found to be 79.7%; emotional violence (64.1%) being the most common, followed by physical (71.2%) and sexual (53.6%) violence in that order Conclusion: Infertility and associated domestic violence is a significant public health issue, it would be necessary to pay attention to infertile women to ensure the quality of their of reproductive health.

Prevalence, pattern and risk factors for domestic violence against men in Sokoto Metropolis of Sokoto state, Nigeria

Background: Domestic violence against men (DVAM) is a major public health concern all over the world and remains unheard of because of the shame, guilt and embarrassment associated with it. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, pattern, knowledge and risk factors for DVAM in Sokoto metropolis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried to assess the prevalence, patterns and risk factors for domestic violence against men in Sokoto metropolis. Using a multistage sampling method, a total of 141 men were recruited into the study and administered with a standardized questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using IBM statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) statistical software version 25 and thereafter summarized using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine level of associations and predictors of DVAM. Results: Almost half (49%) of the respondents were aware of DVAM while most (73.3%) had good knowledge of violence against men. The forms of violence experienced by the respondents include psychological (90.8%), physical (20%), and Sexual (90.8%). All the respondents experienced at least one form of violence and risk factors for violence included use of alcohol and other illicit drugs and keeping late at night. Conclusions: Men are increasingly becoming victims of domestic violence with little or no attention being given to their plight as they are seen more as the aggressors. There is a need to take a holistic approach to the issues of domestic violence generally and the domestication of laws against violence perpetrated against men.

Assessment and management of the risk factors of domestic violence

This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the results of the analysis of domestic violence reported to the police in Croatia and the Sisak-Moslavina County for the period 2018-2022, with emphasis on the socio-demographic characteristics of perpetrators and victims, and with special reference to the analysis of the most common risk factors for the repetition of these punishable acts in the urban and rural areas of the Sisak-Moslavina Police Directorate for one year, i.e. six months before and six months after the mandatory application of the Family violence risk assessment tool for repeated violence (from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023). Research findings show that psychological violence prevails, and to a slightly lesser extent, physical violence is represented. A significant criminogenic factor is the excessive use of alcohol. Violence is increasingly directed towards children, the elderly and people with disability. The risk factors analysis for repeated domestic violence indicates that the risk indicators in the observed cases are not established or are marked as unknown in the majority of cases. If they are established, they refer exclusively to the risk of repeating physical violence mostly in the urban area. Adequate attention should be given to the fact that risks for sexual abuse are almost completely absent or found to be non-existent.

Prevalence and risk factors of domestic violence among women attending primary health care centers in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia

Prevalence and risk factors of domestic violence among women attending primary health care centers in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia

Domestic violence against Iranian pregnant adolescents: protective and risk factors.

Domestic violence is an important health, which has serious impacts on women's health. The study aimed to discover the protective and risk factors of domestic violence among pregnant adolescents. In the analytical cross-sectional study, 255 eligible pregnant women aged 14-20 years who have been referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, in northern Iran between September 2020 and March 2022 participated. Demographical characteristics were recorded by a questionnaire. Domestic violence was assessed using the instrument of violence against women. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the basic features of the data. The frequency of physical, emotional, and sexual violence was respectively 13.33%, 23.52%, and 9.01%. The risk factors included the spouse's substance use (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.25-4.62), spouse's low education (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.12-3.52), spouse's unemployment (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.57) and domestic violence exposure in childhood (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.46-2.51). Higher education for women was a protective factor for domestic violence (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45-0.83). The education level is a protective factor against domestic violence among pregnant adolescents. These results can help to design the most appropriate prevention programs to reduce the risk factors for violence among pregnant adolescents.

Psychological Distress and Domestic Violence Under COVID-19 Lockdown in LGBT+ Persons in Belgium, Germany, and Portugal

Abstract: Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide issued lockdown and social-distancing measures, which triggers psychological distress and may increase the occurrence of domestic violence (DV). We examined the role of the LGBT+ status in the relationship between risk factors of DV and its occurrence during the pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study (n = 5,148), an online self-report questionnaire was administered to a non-probabilistic sample of participants living in Belgium, Germany, and Portugal between March and June 2020. Participants were sampled through national media, social media, and snowballing procedures. Results: LGBT+ persons reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress, more acute stress symptoms, and more illegal drug use during the first weeks of the lockdown compared to non-LGBT+ persons. DV in LGBT+ persons was not more prevalent than in the non-LGBT under COVID-19 lockdown measures. No significant evidence was found indicating that identifying as LGBT+ itself increases the risk of DV exposure. Conclusion: LGBT+ persons were more at risk of DV compared to non-LGBT+ persons prior to but not during COVID-19 lockdown measures. The increased risk for DV can be linked to socio-demographic characteristics, levels of stress, and illegal drug use which are more prevalent in LGBT+ persons than in non-LGBT+ persons.

Risk factors for domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic-a multi-country longitudinal survey

Abstract Background A pressing public health issue exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic is domestic violence. The lockdowns harshened its major risk factors, such as financial strain, substance use, low social support, and also confined victims with their abusers. Cross-sectional studies confirm most of these associations, but longitudinal evidence is lacking. We investigate the association of domestic violence victimisation with these factors across the stages of the pandemic internationally and the characteristics linked with first vicitmisation in the pandemic. Methods We used four waves of an online survey of the adult general population of 14 countries in five continents in May 2020-May 2022 (N = 6051). Partner and child abuse were assessed with single items, sociodemographics and COVID-19 related data with Likert-type items, substance use and social support with validated scales. The Oxford Lockdown Stringency Index was used. Differences by onset of violence were tested with chi-squared, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and the associations with mixed effects logistic regression. Results Results are preliminary. Survivors with onset of violence before and during the pandemic were quite similar and differed from those not victimised in financial strain and social support. Social support (OR .83 CI .76-.91), employment status, especially unemployed (OR 5.24 CI 1.98-13.87), and polysubstance abuse (OR 2.22 CI 1.25-3.95) significantly predicted violence across time controlled for demographics. Lockdown stringency had no significant effect (OR 1.0 CI .98-1.01). Conclusions The findings are in line with the literature and clarify that the most robust financial strain proxy across time is unemployment. Pre-existing demographic, economic and health-related vulnerabilities remain impactful across countries and individuals, so screening by healthcare providers for victimisation should be targeted and policies should focus on maintaining financial stability, particularly in the long run. Key messages • The socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic are more impactful than confinement on the long-term risk of domestic violence internationally. • Cases of domestic violence with onset during the pandemic show similar socio-economic vulnerabilities as those with onset before.

Mental health disorder as a risk factor for domestic violence experienced by school children

PurposeDomestic violence is a universal social concern, and its implication on children’s mental health is a global health predicament. Although the aftereffect of domestic violence on the mental health of women is well researched, mental health disorders of children in terms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder (AD) and mood disorder (MD) on account of domestic violence is rarely investigated. Hence, the purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of exposure to domestic violence on children’s mental health.Design/methodology/approachTo examine the correlation between domestic violence and mental health among children, in a survey of public primary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria, the authors employed 664 pupils with simple random techniques. The Multidimensional Domestic Violence Scale assessed the participants’ exposure to domestic violence. The Child & Youth Mental Health General Screening Questionnaire was used to examine respondents’ mental health.FindingsThe results revealed a high incidence of domestic violence among children. It also showed a substantial correlation between domestic violence and the mental health of primary school pupils. Children living with domestic violence experience significantly increased rates of ADHD, ODD, AD, GAD and MD as forms of mental health disorders.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the unpleasantness of this social issue affecting the well-being of children globally, it is imperative to engage in intervention and prevention packages that will assist the victims, perpetrators, parents, teachers, schools and other stakeholders. Introducing counselling services into the primary school curriculum will assist victims and those at risk develop self-confidence that will enable them to report their violators. Although counselors do not diagnose, early detection of victims would assist in early intervention where counselors can use different techniques and approaches to help such victims to resolve all forms of cognitive distortions that can lead to mental health disorders. Counselling services can help in providing referral opportunities to victims or “at risk children,” rehabilitation and follow-up services for victims of domestic violence.Practical implicationsGovernment organizations should also reintroduce health-care services where clinical psychologists will be available in primary schools to provide psychological services to meet the needs of the victims.Originality/valueConclusively, the study presents evidence that children who witness domestic violence face a significant risk of developing mental health disorders. The findings highlight the potential harm that domestic violence can inflict on children’s mental well-being. Mental health conditions such as ADHD, CD, ODD, GAD, AD and MD are commonly observed in these children. It recommends establishing early intervention programs for children witnessing domestic violence in schools and communities and programs to detect and address mental health issues promptly.

Factors Associated With Domestic Violence Against Peri- and Postmenopausal Women.

The goal of the study was to determine factors associated with domestic violence in menopausal women. This was a cross-sectional study that 350 menopausal women participated. Data gathering used a World Health Organization's violence against women instrument. Emotional violence was recognized as one of the most experienced types of domestic violence (48%). According to the multivariate logistic regression model, the status of exposure to sexual violence (before marriage) and the partner's substance abuse was the most robust risk factors for domestic violence, while factors such as employment of women and satisfaction of income were protective against domestic violence. This study has highlighted the factors associated with domestic violence that health program managers need to address.

Associations between conflict violence, community violence, and household violence exposures among females in Colombia

BackgroundExposure to protracted public violence is increasingly referenced as a risk factor for domestic violence, but limited quantitative evidence has demonstrated this association to date. This study analyzes associations in Colombia between lifetime experiences of external violence, including the Colombia civil conflict and community interpersonal violence, and experiences of household violence, including intimate partner and caregiver violence. Methods and findingsWe use the 2018 Colombia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey, employing multi-variable logistic regressions to determine the association between exposure to external violence and household violence victimization for females aged 13–24 (n = 1406). Adjusted models controlled for age, ever married, currently in school, and past 12-mo work experience and standard errors were adjusted to account for the multi-stage sampling design. Females who had ever witnessed community violence (39.23 %) faced increased risks of experiencing both physical violence (aOR = 2.81; 95 % CIs: 1.54–5.14; p < 0.001) and emotional violence (aOR: 2.48; 95 % CIs: 1.29–4.75; p < 0.01) from caregivers. Females who had ever witnessed internal conflict (15.99 %) had a greater likelihood of experiencing emotional violence from caregivers (aOR: 5.24; 95 % CIs: 1.86–14.76; p < 0.01) as well as physical violence perpetrated by intimate partners (aOR: 3.31; 95 % CIs: 1.22–8.95; p < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the connection between exposure to community violence and internal conflict and household violence victimization among adolescent and young adult females in Colombia. Findings build the evidence base for more holistic and coordinated policy and programming efforts and foreground the need to identify and support vulnerable populations across socioecological domains in contexts of chronic violence.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Domestic Violence during Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis Approach

Background: Domestic violence is of various types and is associated with various health risks. This also effects fetal health. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of domestic violence during pregnancy in Pakistan and other international settings. Methods: Material was taken through several search engines such as Google scholar, Medline and web search. Data is collected mostly from those studies which are carried out after year 2000. It includes observational studies reporting estimates of prevalence and its risk factors among pregnant women of age more than 15 years. For this purpose 6431 papers were screened and 41 papers met inclusion criteria. Results: Total 115506 participants from all over the world were represented in the data. Meta-analysis produced pooled prevalence estimates of lifetime exposure to any type of domestic violence (DV) of 46.546 % (95% CI 46.258-46.834) by fixed effect and by applying random effect prevalence of domestic violence is 35.349 % (95%CI 28.972-42.000). Conclusion: Domestic violence is common among females with low education. In this meta-analysis, lowest prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant females is come out in Japan and highest in third world countries like Ethiopia, Africa. Keywords: Domestic violence, intimate partner violence, prevalence, Pregnancy, Pakistan

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Domestic Violence in Primigravidae in Low Socio-Economic Areas of Hamedan, Iran

Background and Objective: Domestic violence against women is a major physical and mental health problem all across the globe. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy, as well as its correlation with sociodemographic and psychological characteristics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 pregnant women who were referred to the health care centers of Hamedan in 2022. Data were collected through a questionnaire that consisted of three parts: sociodemographic characteristics, psychological characteristics, and the questionnaire on domestic violence (Revised Conflict Tactics Scales OR CTS2). Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 20) using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Chi-square. Results: The overall Prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy was 58.6%. The prevalence rates of emotional, sexual, and physical violence were obtained at 46.8%, 31.6%, and 27.7%, respectively. The level of education, occupation, wealth index, as well as alcohol and drug abuse, had a significant relationship with domestic violence (P&lt;0.001). Domestic violence was significantly correlated with unplanned pregnancies (P&lt;0.001), self-esteem (P&lt;0.004), stress (P&lt;0.001), social support (P&lt;0.001), and prenatal depression (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study pointed to a relatively high prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy. Therefore, it is suggested that all prenatal care centers have a screening program to identify domestic violence. Moreover, it is recommended to educate health professionals and women at risk and implement support programs for injured women.

The relationship between aggressive behaviors of preschool children and the violence against Iranian women in the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDuring epidemics, supports are limited and individual and collective vulnerabilities as well as domestic violence are increased. Therefore, various groups in society, especially children and their mothers, are extremely vulnerable. This study aimed to assess the relationship between aggressive behaviors of preschool children and the violence against Iranian women during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis descriptive-correlational study was conducted in October–November 2020. Stratified random sampling was performed among preschool children in Kerman. Data were collected using the Violence toward Women Inventory and the Aggression scale for preschoolers Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS25, ANOVA, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation test.ResultsThe results showed that the total mean scores of violence against women and preschoolers’ aggression were 54.43 ± 10.6 and 88.44 ± 6.5, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant difference in aggressive behaviors of preschool children, mother's job, number of children, mother's education, income, and age. A positive and significant relationship was also found between the subscales of violence against women and aggression in preschool children.ConclusionsThe results showed a positive and significant relationship between violence against women and aggression of preschool children. Therefore, it is recommended that parents identify and eliminate the risk factors for domestic violence during the COVID-19 in order to protect their children. Parents also must learn coping strategies for stress and resilience in the epidemic crises.

Locked up at home: a cross-sectional study into the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on domestic violence in households with children in Belgium

BackgroundPolicymakers worldwide took measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19-virus. While these sanitary measures were necessary to fight the spread of the virus, several experts warned for a significant impact on mental health and a potential increase in domestic violence. To study the impact of the COVID-19 measures in Belgium, and the factors influencing the occurrence of domestic violence, we set up the study on relationships, stress, and aggression. In this study, we evaluate the prevalence of domestic violence victimization during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgian children aged zero to seventeen years and the associations of the parents’ financial status, relationships, mental health, and previous victimization to the child’s victimization.MethodsA stepwise forward binary logistic regression was used to analyse the association between multiple risk factors of domestic violence and victimization of the respondent’s child. The respondent being an assailant, the respondent’s age, and the age of the children in the household were added as moderators.ResultsIn this model an association with domestic child abuse was found for the age of the respondent, the household’s size, the presence of children between zero and five years in the household, the perceived stress level of the respondent, and victimization of the respondent during the first wave of the sanitary measures, as well as victimization before the COVID-19 pandemic. None of the interacting effects were found to be significant.ConclusionIt is advisable to make extra efforts to improve well-being when maintaining sanitary measures by providing appropriate assistance and helping households struggling with increased or acute stress to install positive coping strategies - especially in larger households with children between six and 17 years. Besides, our findings draw attention to the clustering of risk of child and adult violence exposure in lockdown situations as well as to the potential cumulative impact of exposure to violence across the lifespan and across generations. It is key to invest in training healthcare workers and staff at schools to screen for and assess risks of domestic violence development and ongoing or past occurrence in order to detect, refer and follow-up on families at risk.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Women Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy Programs and its Related Risk Factors.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women who are undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and its related risk factors. This case-control study was conducted on 195 women who were under MMT and a control group consisting of 195 women who were not under it in the city of Zahedan from 22 May to 1 December 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire for the measurement of violence against women and a sociodemographic questionnaire. In order to analyze the data, the t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used. In the case group, 67.2% of participants had experienced DV during the past year. In the control group, the prevalence was 78.5%. The rate of more than one occasion of DV was significantly higher in the group who were under MMT (P<0.05). The most common type of violence was mental abuse. Physical, sexual, and economic abuses were in the next ranks. Important predictors of DV, in order of importance, were: the women's low educational level, smoking, income level, and polygamy (P<0.05). MMT is not a risk factor for DV. It seems that the rate of DV against women in Zahedan is very high. The prevalence of recurrent DV in women under MMT was higher than in the general population.

Older adult abuse in a service for sexual and domestic violence: Medico-legal implications from the experience of an Italian center

Older adults are subject to vulnerability and abusive behaviors have serious negative health consequences. Since the phenomenon is underestimated, several challenges are faced to prevent, diagnose, and treat abuses on older adults. In this context, clinical forensic medicine practitioners can play a pivotal role. A retrospective monocentric analysis of all the files concerning victims of violence observed in the SVSeD Center in Milan over the age of 65 for a five-year period was performed. For each medical report, data regarding the variables of the victims, the type of violence, and the variables of the perpetrators were analysed. Older adult victims of abuses were 166. Abuses against women were more frequent than against men (less than 6 % of consultations). In one third of cases, subjects also suffered from disabling diseases and reported signs of physical violence. Perpetrators were male known individuals in almost 90 % of cases. Violence was perpetrated by a partner or a family member. The present study may help in identifying risk factors for domestic violence against older adults. Consequently, preventive policies should be designed to interrupt the vicious circle of violence. Older adult abuse deserves additional focus and better education for healthcare professionals and further research should be carried out to better understand the actual epidemiology of the phenomenon and to develop therapeutical and caring strategies.

“I killed him”. Marital homicide commited by Portuguese women: a qualitative criminological analysis

The paper presents the results of a qualitative study conducted with 14 women serving prison sentences in Portugal, for killing their (former) partners. Aiming to analyze the possible relationship between the practice of homicide and a previous history of domestic violence, among other factors, in-depth interviews were developed, and their individual files were examined. Results suggest that these women experienced several risk factors for domestic violence and marital homicide, although their motives for killing were varied. It was possible to verify that proven histories of domestic violence in court did reduce the dosimetry of the sentences.