Spousal Physical Violence Research Articles

Spousal violence and pregnancy termination among married women in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the relationship between spousal violence and pregnancy termination had not been adequately explored. To assess the prevalence of spousal violence, and examine the relationship between spousal violence and pregnancy termination. Data on spousal violence among ever married women was extracted from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable is pregnancy termination. The explanatory variables were the type of spousal violence experienced by the women in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Descriptive statistical analysis and binary logistic regression were applied using stata version 12. Results show that 13.8% of women had ever terminated pregnancy; 19.9% had ever experienced at least one type of spousal violence; and women who had ever terminated pregnancy had higher prevalence of all types of spousal violence. Women who had ever experienced spousal physical violence were 9% more likely to experience pregnancy termination (OR=1.09; CI: 1.03-2.86); and women who had ever experienced spousal emotional violence were 33% more likely to experience pregnancy termination (OR=1.33; CI: 0.97-1.95). Spousal violence is significantly related to pregnancy termination. Improving women's sexual and reproductive health in the country requires fresh initiatives that address spousal violence to further reduce women's exposure to pregnancy termination.

Disclosure and help seeking behavior of women exposed to physical spousal violence in Dhaka slums.

BackgroundDespite high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its adverse social and health consequences, the rate of help seeking for IPV is generally low. Although the level of IPV is much higher in urban slums of Bangladesh, the level and nature of help seeking of the victims are unknown. This paper aims to address this gap in the literature.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional survey conducted between August 2011-February 2012, we explored disclosure of violence, help seeking behavior, and their correlates among randomly selected currently married women aged 15–29 in Dhaka slums (n = 2604).ResultsAbout 60 % of the currently married women reported past year spousal physical violence, but only 21 % disclosed and 19 % sought any help. High acceptance of violence was the main reason for not seeking help. Help was most commonly sought from informal sources (89 %). Any education, frequent and severe physical abuse, and presence of children increased the likelihood of disclosure and help seeking. Most survivors from slum who disclosed also sought help.ConclusionsDespite widespread physical abuse, many survivors never sought help. Wide acceptance of violence hampering help seeking needs to be challenged. Increasing disclosure would also enhance help seeking. Awareness rising regarding rights of women to live a violence free life is essential. Although many services are available in the urban area, information about these services needs to be available to women. Promoting education is important in increasing both disclosure and service uptake.

The Nexus between Child Marriage and Women Empowerment with Physical Violence in Two Culturally Distinct States of India

Summary. We investigated the relationship between child marriage among young women and their level of empowerment with spousal physical violence in two culturally distinct states of India (Bihar and Tamil Nadu) using nationally representative survey data. Empowerment index was calculated taking into account parameters such as mobility, economic independence, and decision-making power of a woman using Principal Component Analysis method. Lower level of women empowerment was significantly associated with physical violence in Tamil Nadu (OR = 2.38, p<0.01) whereas marriage before the age of 15 was associated with physical violence in Bihar (OR = 3.27, p<0.001). The mean age at marriage was low among women who reported physical violence as compared to those who did not report physical violence across Bihar and Tamil Nadu and at all India level. Although the majority of the women in Tamil Nadu justified wife beating and witnessed father beating mother as compared to the women from Bihar, however, they were less likely to report physical violence than women from Bihar. Factors contributing to physical violence are distinct in Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Culture specific intervention may be considered while planning intervention strategies to curb spousal violence against women.

Spousal Violence and Women's Employment in India

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes women's experiences of physical or sexual spousal violence as a correlate of their employment. Based on the 2005–6 National Family Health Survey III, a nationally representative dataset from India, the analysis illustrates that married women who experienced spousal violence are more likely to be employed and are also more likely to work for cash remuneration and be employed year-round. These results may appear to suggest that spousal violence is associated with higher likelihood of married women seeking financial self-reliance. However, investigation of who decides how to spend women's earnings reveals that Indian women who experienced spousal violence are less likely to have a say in that vital decision, which suggests that women who experience spousal violence may also be more susceptible to financial exploitation. The evidence further indicates a need for caution among analyses that uniformly embrace employment as a financial empowerment tool for women.

Prevalence and Trends in Domestic Violence in South Korea: Findings From National Surveys.

To examine trends in the prevalence of domestic violence since 1997, 1 year prior to the introduction of legislative countermeasures and accompanying services in South Korea, and to analyze what socio-demographic characteristics of perpetrators contribute to spousal violence and whether there were any changes in risk factors over time. This study used two sets of nationally representative household samples: married or cohabiting couples of 1,540 from the 1999 national survey and 3,269 from the 2010 National Survey of Domestic Violence. Frequency analysis was used to measure the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), and cross-tabulation, correlation, and logistic regression analyses were used to look for socio-demographic risk factors of spousal physical violence and patterns of change over time. The frequency analysis showed that the IPV prevalence dropped by approximately 50%, from 34.1% in 1999 to 16.5% in 2010, though it was still higher than many other countries. The cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses suggested that men with low socio-demographic characteristics were generally more violent, though this tendency did not apply to women. Instead, younger women seemed to be more violent than older women. Last, different levels of household income were associated with different levels of IPV in 2010, but no linear trend was detected. In this study, IPV prevalence trends and risk factors of two different time periods were discussed to provide implications for tackling the IPV problem. Future countermeasures must build on understanding about men with low socio-demographic status and younger women, who were more violent in marital relationships.

Intimate partner violence and mental health in Bolivia

BackgroundLatin America has among the highest rates of intimate partner violence. While there is increasing evidence that intimate partner violence is associated with mental health problems, there is little such research for developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Bolivian women’s experiences with physical, psychological, and sexual intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes.MethodsThis study analyzes data from the 2008 Bolivia Demographic and Health Survey. 10,119 married or cohabiting women ages 15–49 are included in the analysis. Probit regression models are used to assess the association between intimate partner violence and mental health, after controlling for other demographic factors and partner characteristics. The questionnaire uses selected questions from the SRQ-20 to measure symptoms of mental health problems.ResultsIntimate partner violence is common in Bolivia, with 47% of women experiencing some type of spousal abuse in the 12 months before the survey. Women exposed to physical spousal violence in the past year are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, and psychotic disorders, after controlling for other demographic and partner characteristics. Women who experienced sexual abuse by a partner are most likely to suffer from all mental health issues. Psychological abuse is also associated with an increased risk of experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychogenic seizures. Women who experienced only psychological abuse report mental health problems similar to those who were physically abused.ConclusionThis study demonstrates an urgent need for research on the prevalence and health consequences of psychological abuse in developing countries. Our findings highlight the need for mental health services for victims of intimate partner violence. Because physical and psychological violence are often experienced concurrently, it is recommended that health providers who are treating victims of physical intimate partner violence also screen them for symptoms of potential mental health problems and refer them to appropriate mental health services.

Spousal Domestic Violence of Married Women in India

The national family health survey in its 3 rd round during 2005 - 06 had collected information on different forms of spousal violence experienced by ever married women between the ages of 15 - 49 years (66,658) belonging to all states and union territories of India. Making use of this data from its all India report, in this paper , an attempt is made to identify the prevalence rate, forms and the factors correlated with the forms of the violence and to examine help seeking behavior of men and women. At all India level, 35 percent of ever married women had experienced physical spousal violence, whereas 16 percent and 10 percent had encountered emotional and sexual violence, respectively . Further, these magnitudes vary considerably across the states and union territories of India. The correlation analysis revealed that, with a few exceptions, the magnitude of all the three forms of spousal violence has a negative correlation with percentage of women and men who have 10 + years of education, who are exposed to mass media, and also with the percentage of households wealth index that falls under 4 - 5 quintiles (richer and richest) at dif ferent levels of significance. Conversely, the levels of either 1 or 2 types of spousal violence positively correlated with the percentage of women belonging to Hindu and Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities as well as with the percentage of men and women employed during 12 months preceding the survey.

Spousal Domestic Violence of Married Women in India

The national family health survey in its 3 rd round during 2005 - 06 had collected information on different forms of spousal violence experienced by ever married women between the ages of 15 - 49 years (66,658) belonging to all states and union territories of India. Making use of this data from its all India report, in this paper , an attempt is made to identify the prevalence rate, forms and the factors correlated with the forms of the violence and to examine help seeking behavior of men and women. At all India level, 35 percent of ever married women had experienced physical spousal violence, whereas 16 percent and 10 percent had encountered emotional and sexual violence, respectively . Further, these magnitudes vary considerably across the states and union territories of India. The correlation analysis revealed that, with a few exceptions, the magnitude of all the three forms of spousal violence has a negative correlation with percentage of women and men who have 10 + years of education, who are exposed to mass media, and also with the percentage of households wealth index that falls under 4 - 5 quintiles (richer and richest) at dif ferent levels of significance. Conversely, the levels of either 1 or 2 types of spousal violence positively correlated with the percentage of women belonging to Hindu and Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities as well as with the percentage of men and women employed during 12 months preceding the survey.

Prevalence and Attitude of Women to Spousal Physical Abuse in Pregnancy in a Niger Delta Community of Nigeria

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spousal physical violence in pregnancy is a major public health and human rights concern. Identifying its prevalence and understanding the women’s attitude towards this phenomenon in our environment is key to developing strategies for effective intervention. Methods: This was a cross sectional study of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Information was collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire instrument. Results: The mean age of respondents was 28.72 ± 4.47 years with a range of 16 – 48 years. The prevalence of spousal physical violence in the current pregnancy was 10.3%. 45.2% of those who experienced violence in the current pregnancy also experienced violence in other pregnancies while 73.7% of those who reported spousal violence in previous pregnancies also experienced violence in the current pregnancy. There was a significant relationship between spousal physical violence and the woman’s number of deliveries/parity (x2 = 16.145, p=0.025), marital status (x2=11.105, p=0.025) and husband’s occupation (x2=12.786, p=0.047). About half of the respondents expressed the view that spousal violence was not excusable under any circumstance while 22.7% believed that it could be excused under certain circumstances. Also 50.0% of those who experienced physical violence in the current pregnancy expressed the view that physical violence can be excusable. Most of the women (65.8%) either kept the incidence of abuse secret or just did nothing. None reported to the police. Conclusion: Spousal physical abuse is still prevalent in our society. There is need to enlighten the women on this phenomenon in order to get their cooperation towards its eradication.

Male backlash, bargaining, or exposure reduction?: women’s working status and physical spousal violence in India

Labor force participation of women is expected to decrease the risk of spousal violence by enhancing their bargaining power or diminishing their contacts with abusive partners. The opposite effect is predicted when female employment induces male backlash. I identify the effect of female employment on spousal violence by exploiting the exogenous variations in rural women’s working status driven by rainfall shocks and the rice–wheat dichotomy. The instrumental variable regression result indicates that female employment significantly reduces the incidence of spousal violence. This result is mainly driven by the exposure reduction effect that dominates male backlash. There is, however, no evidence on the bargaining effect.

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Spousal Violence Against Women in Slum and Nonslum Areas of Urban Bangladesh

This study explores the prevalence and correlates of past-year physical violence against women in slum and nonslum areas of urban Bangladesh. The authors use multivariate logistic regression to analyze data from the 2006 Urban Health Survey, a population-based survey of 9,122 currently married women aged between 15 and 49 who were selected using a multistage cluster sampling design. The prevalence of reported past-year physical spousal violence is 31%. Prevalence of past-year physical spousal violence is higher in slums (35%) than in nonslums (20%). Slapping/arm-twisting and pushing/shaking/ throwing something at the women are the most commonly reported acts of physical abuse. Multivariate analysis shows that the risk of physical spousal abuse is lower among older women, women with post-primary education, and those belonging to rich households and women whose husbands considered their opinion in decision making. Women are at higher risk of abuse if they had many children, believe that married woman should work if the husband is not making enough money, and approve wife-beating norms. This study serves to confirm the commonness of physical spousal abuse in urban Bangladesh, demonstrating the seriousness of this multifaceted phenomenon as a social and public health issue. The present findings suggest the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies that capitalize on the interplay of individual and sociocultural factors that cause physical spousal violence. Our study adds to a growing literature documenting domestic violence against women in urban areas of developing south Asian nations.

(A252) Impact of Protracted, Intrastate Conflict on Population Health in Manipur, India

IntroductionManipur is a state in northeastern India and in civil war for > 45 years. Healthcare delivery and access is affected due to poor security, restricted accessibility, and the incapacity of this fragile state.MethodsThe burden of morbidity and mortality in the conflict area of Manipur was estimated using data sources (hospital attendance, hospital inpatient, and death registries, national family and health registries, and in-depth interviews of healthcare providers) and compared to national averages. These findings were co-related with violent events reported in the local newspaper.ResultsExcess mortality was observed in the 21–50 year age group, but not in females or the elderly. The major causes of deaths were non-communicable diseases, cerebrovascular accidents, and chronic pulmonary disease. Chronic conflict increased the burden of alcohol liver disease and of mental health diseases. Suicidal deaths were common in the mid-twenty age group and usually due to agricultural pesticide consumption. These deaths were higher in men, and suicide attempts were higher in women. The prevalence of intravenous drug users and of HIV was reported to be five times as higher than the national average. High rates of disappearances, mutilation, torture, kidnapping, and hostage-taking, spousal physical violence and attacks on healthcare facilities and medical personnel were events of concern. There were no reported events of suicide bombers.ConclusionsProtracted conflict dramatically changes the demographics and disease burden. Humanitarian space constantly is under threat of attack and the insecurity interferes with the provision of sustained preventive and curative services. Recommendations to be implemented would measures to continue treatment in the insecure environment through telephonic or online medical helplines, vaccination, and drug supplies during negotiated ceasefires or curfew times and protecting humanitarian spaces. However, militarization of healthcare may not be favorable solution.

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Spousal Violence Against Women in Slum and Nonslum Areas of Urban Bangladesh

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Spousal Violence Against Women in Slum and Nonslum Areas of Urban Bangladesh

Dowry and Spousal Physical Violence Against Women in Bangladesh

This article explores whether payment issues or presence of dowry demand in marriage reflecting patriarchal attitude of marital family underlies the positive relationship between dowry and wife abuse using a sample of reproductive-age women ( N = 2,702) from a population-based survey conducted in urban and rural Bangladesh in 2001. Regression results show that absence of dowry demand in marriage lowered the likelihood of physical wife abuse in the rural site and its frequency and severity in both sites compared with marriages where dowry was demanded and fully paid. The results suggest that in general, dowry demand predicts the extent, frequency, and severity of physical wife abuse regardless of the status of dowry payment. No payment of dowry increased the likelihood of abuse, its frequency, and severity in households demanding dowry. The direction of association between partial payment of dowry and violence, however, was different in different sites, calling for further research.

PHYSICAL SPOUSAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA: SOME RISK FACTORS

Domestic spousal violence against women in developing countries like India, is now beginning to be recognized as a widespread health problem impeding development. This study aimed to explore the risk and protective factors for lifetime spousal physical violence. A cross-sectional household survey was carried out in rural, urban and urban-slum areas across seven sites in India, among women aged 15-49 years, living with a child less than 18 years of age. The sample was selected using the probability proportionate to size method. Trained field workers administered a structured questionnaire to elicit information on spousal physical violence. The main hypothesized variables were social support, witnessed father beating mother and experience of harsh physical violence during childhood, alcohol abuse by spouse and socioeconomic variables. The outcome variables included three physical violence behaviours of hit, kick and beat. Odds ratios were calculated for risk and protective factors of violence using logistic regression. Of 9938 women surveyed, 26% reported experiencing spousal physical violence during the lifetime of their marriage. Adjusted odds ratios calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis suggest that women whose husbands regularly consumed alcohol (OR 5.6; 95% CI 4.7-6.6); who experienced dowry harassment (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.7-3.8); had reported experiencing harsh physical punishment during childhood (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4-1.8) and had witnessed their fathers beat their mothers (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.6-2.1), were at increased risk of spousal physical violence (beat, hit and kick). Higher socioeconomic status and good social support acted as protective buffers against spousal physical violence. The findings provide compelling evidence of the potential risk factors for spousal physical violence, which in turn could help in planning interventions.

Intimate partner violence in the Balkans: the example of Albania

Our aim was to describe the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence in postcommunist countries of South East Europe (SEE). Review of recent reports regarding intimate partner violence in SEE countries as documented in the official Web sites of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Centers for Disease Control, and Medline. In Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, the prevalence of physical violence against women has been reported as 69.8%. In a reproductive health survey conducted in 1997 in Moldova, 22% of the women interviewed reported they had been abused by a partner or former partner at some time in their lives. More than 31% of female university students in Macedonia have reported that they had been victims of physical or psychological violence. Data from Albania indicate that spousal physical violence is one of the highest reported internationally. In Tirana, the Albanian capital city, the prevalence of past-year physical intimate partner violence was reported by 37% of women interviewed. The most empowered Albanian women were most likely to experience physical abuse and the least powerful men and those of rural origin were most likely to perpetrate spousal violence. Notwithstanding the lack of well-documented data and the questionability of extent to which the reported results are comparable among different SEE countries, the evidence suggests that intimate partner violence is an important public health problem in transitional countries of SEE. Information on intimate partner abuse can provide valuable clues to primary care and community care practitioners about the health status of female populations.

Physical violence by husbands: Magnitude, disclosure and help-seeking behavior of women in Bangladesh

This paper explores the magnitude of physical violence by husbands, the disclosure of it and the help-seeking behavior of abused women in urban and rural Bangladesh. The data come from a larger study on domestic violence against women conducted in Bangladesh during 2000–2004. All ever-married women covered by the population-based survey component ( n = 2702 ) conducted in 2001 were included in the current analysis. We also draw on in-depth interviews with 28 women who were physically abused by their husbands. Results show a high prevalence of lifetime physical spousal violence against women: 40% in urban and 42% in rural areas. Most of the abused women (66%) were silent about their experience. The main reasons behind this silence were high acceptance of violence, stigma and fear of greater harm. Sixty percent of urban and 51% of rural abused women never received any help from others. Only 2% ever sought help from institutional sources, from where support was not forthcoming. Women approached these sources only when they could not endure anymore or the violence became life threatening or children were at risk. The findings show that although providing appropriate services is absolutely necessary, it is also important to foster the use of such services and to help women overcome the barriers for accessing these services.

Factors Associated with Spousal Physical Violence Against Women in Bangladesh

Using data from a population-based survey of 2,702 women of reproductive age and from 28 in-depth interviews of abused women conducted during 2000-01, this study explores factors associated with domestic violence in urban and rural Bangladesh. Multilevel analysis revealed that in both residential areas, dowry or other demands in marriage and a history of abuse of the husband's mother by his father increased the risk of violence. Better spousal communication and husband's education beyond the tenth grade decreased the risk of violence. In the urban area, women's being younger than their husband and participating in savings and credit groups increased the risk of abuse, whereas husband's education beyond the sixth grade had a protective effect. In the rural area, women's earning an income increased the risk. These factors are important to consider when designing interventions.

Spousal physical violence affects one in three Albanian wives

Spousal physical violence affects one in three Albanian wives

Attitudes Toward Violence Against Women: A Cross-Nation Study

An understanding of attitudes toward violence against women is vital for effective prevention strategies. In this study we examined attitudes regarding violence against women in samples of undergraduate women and men students from four countries: India, Japan, Kuwait, and the United States. Attitudes toward sexual assault and spousal physical violence differed between men and women and across the four countries. Variations in gender differences across countries indicated that, for attitudes regarding sexual assault of women in particular, sociocultural factors may be a stronger influence than gender. Findings suggest the importance of examining differences within the larger sociocultural context of political, historical, religious, and economic influences on attitudes toward gender roles and violence against women.