Men’s Perception of Domestic Violence, Rural Minia, Egypt

Background: Domestic violence is an important prevalent, yet hidden and ignored health concern with significant impact on women’s health and wellbeing. This research was guided by the belief that men could play a role in preventing domestic violence as the majority of domestic violence is perpetrated by men. Aim: To assess attitudes of men towards domestic violence and factors affecting violence supportive attitude. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study conducted in a rural area, Minia District, 2015. A systematic random sample was used. An interview-administered questionnaire was used including questions related to violence supportive environments, and opinion of men of causes and existence of domestic violence within families. Gender equity score (GES) was applied. Results: A total of 440 males participated. 57.3% of the participants reported that domestic violence was sometimes justified and needed in certain cases, and nearly two third (69%) of them practiced violence against their wives mostly in the form of physical one (64%). Small proportion of males reported high support for gender equity (7%). The study identified reasons for domestic violence, as perceived by men: The commonest was marital disputes (48.9%), followed by financial problems (36.4%) and social and economic disparity between the spouses (12.7%). Regarding the effect of violence on families, 30.9% of males reported that it led to lack of proper education. Conclusion and Recommendations: There is a tendency to describe this community as abusive. There is a need for development of relevant and culturally sensitive domestic violence education/prevention program in rural Egypt.

Self-compassion and resilience mediate the relationship between childhood exposure to domestic violence and posttraumatic growth/stress disorder during COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND Studies have indicated that childhood exposure to domestic violence is a common factor in posttraumatic growth(PTG)and posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD),but it is unclear whether PTG and PTSD share a common/different underlying mechanism.AIM To explore the common/different underlying mechanism of PTG and PTSD.METHODS Between February 12 and 17,2020,a nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China among 2038 university students,and a self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection.The data included demographic characteristics,such as age,gender,and subjective social economic status,and childhood exposure to domestic violence scale that was selected from the Chinese version of revised Adverse Childhood Experiences Question,Self-compassion Scale,Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale,Posttraumatic Growth Inventory,and the Abbreviated PTSD Checklist-Civilian version.A structural equation model was used to test the hypotheses.RESULTS Exposure to domestic violence was significantly associated with PTG and PTSD via a 1-step indirect path of self-compassion(PTG:β=-0.023,95%CI:-0.44 to-0.007;PTSD:β=0.008,95%CI:0.002,0.014)and via a 2-step indirect path from self-compassion to resilience(PTG:β=-0.008,95%CI:-0.018 to-0.002;PTSD:β=0.013,95%CI:0.004-0.024).However,resilience did not mediate the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and PTG and PTSD.CONCLUSION PTG and PTSD are common results of childhood exposure to domestic violence,which may be influenced by self-compassion and resilience.

Situations of Domestic Violence against Children and Adolescents in a Northeastern Brazilian Capital

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of children and adolescents who are victims of domestic violence. Method: This is a cross sectional and descriptive study, following a quantitative approach, conducted from September to December 2013, at the SOS CHILD service, in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The research protocol was approved by CEP/UFRN under CAAE 0166.0.051.000-11. Results: In the analysis of 69 children, the results were presented from three points of view: 1) the victim—female (56.5%), aged one to 11 years old (66.7%) and lived with one of the parents (43.5%);2) the abuser—female (60.9%) in the 14 - 23 years old and 34 - 43 years old, with the same percentage (24.6%), history of alcohol use and abuse (42.0%), the mother was the one who attacked the most (34.7%);3) types of violence, among the physical ones, the most frequent were slaps (43.2%) and punches (18.9%);the prevalence, among the psychological violence, were curses (35.4%) and abuse (27.8%);negligence, omission of care (73.5%), deprivation of care for personal appearance (18.4%);among sexual violence: sexual caresses (57.1%) and forced sex (42.9%). Conclusion: Children and adolescents placed in an unfavorable social-economic context, under the care of mothers with a history of use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, are more vulnerable to intra-domiciliary violence.

Domestic Violence against Elderly People: A Case Study of India

The present demographic scenario of the country shows the rising trend of adult population. According to census report 2011, there are 60.3% people belonging to 15 to 59 years of age group and the percentage of people above 60+ age is 8.6%. Our country fails to provide due respect, care, affection, security and health related facilities, which elderly people utmost require. A number of cases of adult abuses are reported in news papers as these people are easy victims of violence and criminal activities. The society comes to know about only those problems, which are reported, the innumerable cases of disrespect and neglect are not given any consideration. The situation becomes all the more worst when perpetrators are very near relatives and in some cases blood relatives also. This growing insensitiveness is a threat to our society. Sincere efforts are needed to tackle this alarming problem. The present paper describes the available data [1]-[3] on the old people, their dependence ratio, the problems being faced by them and suggestive measures to provide social and emotional security to them.

Analysis and Commentary:“Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence”

On May 11, 2011, 13 mem- bers of the Council of Europe signed a legally binding international in-strument, the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, as part of a program to protect and aid women. The Convention aims to increase aware- ness and understanding among the general public of the different mani- festations of all forms of violence and their consequences on children,

Qinhuangdao Women Protected from Domestic Violence

Zhang Honglian （pseudonym）, 36, doesn＇t remember how many times her ill-tempered ex-husband beat her. But she knows her plight would definitely continue if women＇s organizations in her city, Qinghuangdao of Hebei Province, failed to step in to intervene on her behalf.

Underlying Beliefs Influencing Vietnamese Nurses and Doctors in Screening for Victims of Domestic Violence: An Exploratory Study

Many health professionals in Vietnam have limited knowledge and experience in coordinating care for victims of Domestic Violence (DV). This qualitative study aimed to elicit the beliefs of nurses and doctors that are influencing the care of victims of DV. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with nineteen nurses and doctors. Data were analyzed by content analysis and organized by three main themes;behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs and control beliefs. The outcomes of this study will inform the development of intervention strategies that will enable health professionals to better respond to and manage care for women who experience domestic violence in Vietnam.

Readiness to Screen for Domestic Violence against Women in Healthcare Uganda: Associations with Demographic, Professional and Work Environmental Factors

Aim: We assessed demographic, professional and work environmental determinants of readiness to screen for Intimate Partner Violence among healthcare practitioners in healthcare Uganda. Methods: The Domestic Violence Healthcare Provider Survey Scale and the Demand-Control-Support questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 376 health care providers (n = 279 valid responses) from Gulu, Anaka, Lacor and Iganga hospital situated in northern and eastern Uganda. Correlation tests, t-tests, ANOVA and Multiple Linear regression were used to analyse the data. Results: Male care providers were more likely than female peers to blame the victim for the occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence in a relationship. Participants from Lacorhospital graded a lower self-efficacy and a poorer support network with regard to screening for Intimate partner violence, and a higher propensity to blame the victim when contrasted with other hospitals. Doctors experienced a lower self-efficacy with regard to IPV screening than other professions. Blaming the victim for abuse was associated with a high work load and low support at work. In addition, with increasing work control and support, participants’ appraisal of system support and self-efficacy increased. Conclusion: Gender, profession, facility of work, work demand, control and support are important determinants of the readiness to screen for IPV in healthcare Uganda, and should inform strategy for the introduction and implementation of routine IPV inquiry in healthcare Uganda.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Domestic Violence in Senegal

Introduction: Despite being under-reported, domestic violence remains a significant challenge in Senegal. The aim of this study is to provide a descriptive analysis of the epidemiological and clinical factors characterizing domestic violence in Senegal. Methodology: A descriptive and retrospectively observational study was conducted. The data was collected from the court records of female victims of physical and/or sexual violence registered from 2006 to 2015. Female victims of physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of their husbands who had a court record at one of Senegal’s high courts during this period were also included. All records that met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study, and the data was analyzed using Epi Info 3.3.2. Results: According to the court records of 148 female victims of domestic violence, the average age of the victims was 30.6 ± 10.1 years. More than 3/4 (76.4%) of the victims were housekeepers, 82.4% of whom were uneducated. The average age of the perpetrators was 40.4 ± 11.4 years, and they were self-employed in the informal sector in 47.3% of the cases. Additionally, more than 3/4 (78.4%) of the perpetrators were uneducated. Eleven women (8% of the victims), were abused while pregnant. Physical violence was predominant (95.3%), while those associated with sexual assault accounted for 4.7% of cases. Of the 7 recorded cases of sexual violence, 3 were cases of unwanted sexual touching, and all cases of physical violence were cases of assault and battery. The violence took place at the home of the perpetrators in 81.8% of cases. In 84.7% of the cases, victims received treatment and care within 24 hours or less. Among the victims, 73% showed clinical lesions. Contusions, hematomas and penetrating wounds were most frequent, representing 23.1%;19.4% and 13.9% of cases respectively. Conclusion: Despite the low number of cases registered in the judicial system in the past ten years, much more violence is occurring without being denounced by the victims. Therefore, it seems appropriate to increase awareness within the community and break sociocultural barriers that hinder the recognition of women’s rights in the couple.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Health Professionals’ Attitudes toward Identification of Female Victims of Domestic Violence

Back ground: Domestic violence against women is a major public health problem and violations of women’s human rights. Health professionals could play an important role in screening for the victims. From the evidence to date, it is unclear whether health professionals do play an active role in identification of the victims. Objectives: To develop a reliable and valid instrument to measure health professionals’ attitude to identifying female victims of domestic violence. Methods: A primary questionnaire was constructed in accordance with established guidelines using the Theory of Planned Behaviour Ajzen (1975) to develop an instrument to measure health professionals’ attitudes in identifying female victim of DV. An expert panel was used to establish content validity. Focus groups amongst a group of health professionals (N = 5) of the target population were performed to confirm face validity. A pilot study (N = 30 nurses and doctors) was undertaken to elicit the feasibility and reliability of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was also administered a second time after one week to check the stability of the tests. Results: Feedbacks of the expert panel’s and group discussion confirmed that the questionnaire had the content and face validity. Cronbach’s alpha values for all the items were greater than 0.7. Strong correlations between the direct and indirect measures confirmed that the indirect measures were well constructed. High test-retest correlations confirmed that the measures were reliable in the sense of temporal stability. Significance: This tool has the potential to be used by researchers in expanding the knowledge base in this important area.

Experience of, and Perception on Gender Based Violence (GBV) by Pregnant Women in South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a common women’s sexual and reproductive right violation. Pregnancy could be associated with an increased risk of GBV. Objective: To determine the experience of, and perception on GBV by pregnant Nigerian women. Methodology: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study involving 250 pregnant women from six selected health facilities in Anambra, Southeastern Nigeria was conducted to elicit their experience of, and perceptions on gender based violence. Data analysis employed statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Statistical comparison of variables employed Chi-square test, with significance levels comprising of p Results: Only 80 (32.0%) of the respondents were aware of GBV while 17 (6.8%) and 20 (8.0%) had experienced it in the index and previous pregnancies respectively. Physical violence was the most commonly experienced 18 (58.1%), while marital quarrel and drunkenness were the most commonly perceived causes, 21 (26.3%) apiece. Up to 33.7% of the respondents would report GBV to the law enforcement agencies;22.5% would seek medical attention and only 2.5% would do nothing. The most common source of information on GBV was public lecture (32.5%) followed by media (26.3%). As high as 49 (61.3%) of the respondents that are aware of GBV (N = 80), thought that GBV could be prevented while up to 53 (66.3%) were aware of the strategies for its prevention. Conclusion: Awareness of GBV in this study is low (32.0%) while experience is even lower at 6.8%, and 8.0% for the index and previous pregnancies respectively. Information on prevention strategies for GBV is also low. The need to develop comprehensive reproductive health (RH) policy that incorporates GBV and its management, to be taught in educational institutions is highlighted. The importance of public health lectures and the employment of various media platforms as reproductive right enlightenment modalities, towards creating awareness on the prevention and combat of GBV are also highlighted.

Research Priorities for Addressing Gender Based Violence in the WHO Africa Region

Background: There is an increasing emphasis on conducting research to identify gender based violence issues to enable development of appropriate programs and interventions. However, these efforts are mixed in quality and often raise ethical questions. The increased pressure on policy makers to move to a more evidence-based approach in addressing gender based issues creates the need for this research prioritization activity. Inadequate evaluative evidence in this area poses a challenge in the planning for responsive interventions especially in resource limited settings. The purpose of this paper is to present gender based violence research priority areas for the WHO Africa Region. Methods: We utilized a modified version of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach to reach consensus on research priorities on the thematic area of gender based violence. In three phases, we first conducted an online survey with sexual and reproductive health and rights experts in academia, ministries of health, non-governmental organizations and other health actors with a wide range of experiences. These questions were consolidated by three experts from World Health Organization headquarters into themes. Secondly, experts were invited in a meeting in Cape Town South Africa to analyze and generate relevant areas of research based on the themes. Finally, a smaller group of experts prioritized research areas based on agreed criteria. Results: A list of 10 priority research questions for addressing gender based violence were scored and ranked. Four priority research questions scored 30 points out of the possible 30 points and were thus ranked as the highest priority. These included questions that “engage young adolescents in behavioral interventions to influence gender roles”, “determinants of gender based violence analysis”, “both long and short term complications of gender based violence on survivors” and “assessment of men’s involvement in addressing gender-based violence against women”. The second most highly ranked question was on the assessment of the extent and strategies to prevent gender-based violence in the context of humanitarian crises. Conclusions: Priority research questions for addressing gender based violence were identified. This exercise provides a three year investment case for research with high potential of effectively identifying interventions with high impact on addressing gender based violence.

Obstetric Outcome of Pregnancies Complicated by Domestic Violence

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

Evaluation of the Functionality of the Networking of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Services in the Event of Gender-Based Violence in the Commune of Kpomasse in 2022

Introduction: In developing countries, gender-based violence (GBV) is a real public health problem. In Benin, GBV affects the majority of women and girls (69%). Benin has implemented strategies and set up integrated centers for the management of violence in order to reduce cases of violence and ensure the holistic management of victims. The objective of our study was to assess the functionality of the network of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in case of GBV in the commune of Kpomasse in 2022. Method: This descriptive and evaluative study was conducted from March 21 to April 11, 2022. The sampling method used was non-probabilistic. Reasoned choice and convenience were the techniques used for the different targets of the study. The functionality of the SRHR service network was assessed first by calculating scores at the structure, process and outcome levels, and then by analysis using the human rights-based approach. Results: Out of the 34 GBV victims identified, only one had received a full response and 54% of the victims had no knowledge of SRHR. The lack of knowledge about health care facilities was 41% for victims and 80% for non-victims in the community who participated in the study. In the case of gender-based violence, the community preferred to settle out of court rather than report it. The functionality of the networking of sexual and reproductive health rights services in the event of the occurrence of gender-based violence in the commune of Kpomassè is insufficient. Lack of knowledge of the roles of rights holders (DD) and duty bearers (DO) explains the insufficient functionality of networking. Conclusion: Training of SRHR service agents and community sensitization are essential to improve the functionality of SRHR service networking in the commune of Kpomasse.

Conjugal Dissolution and Gender(In)equalities:A Study of Divorce Processes in Portugal

Like other democratic societies,Portugal has known an important reduction of gender inequalities,mainly by the action of women’s social movements and some political forces.However,recent(inter)national studies confirm the social borders and inequalities persistence in many contexts(work,values and symbolic regulations,institutional frames,and daily interactions).In this paper,the authors will focus their analysis on the conjugal dissolution processes and unequal distribution of power between men and women.Regarding these matters,there is an extended debate,where they propose an articulation between the concepts of gender and class.The authors assume as fruitful an articulation of the Marxist model with the feminist one and,indirectly,a critical and synthetic crossing between(neo)Marxism and Weberianism,being this one also articulated with symbolic interactionism.Based on official statistics,in the analysis of some interviews about the motivations for/in divorce,and in the empirical evidence from the divorce judicial processes,the authors present some preliminary results of a collective project held on some regions of Portugal named:“Gender inequalities in work and private life:from the norms to social practices”.The central hypothesis of this project is that the forms of gender inequality and domination are tributaries of macro‐economic and institutional mechanisms but they are also playing at the micro level(family,business,public and private institutions),involving both variables,namely,in a crossing of Weberian‐Marxist perspectives,the presence/absence of certain level of empowerment by social actors.That means that women’s position depends and/or differs in function of factors such as available resources and rewards,the place in the organizational and(re)productive sphere of the family,and the place in the interactions and in roles negotiation.

Patterns of Violence Experienced by Women Victims of Domestic Violence in Bengaluru City:A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction:Domestic violence has negative effects on the physical health and mental health of women.Domestic violence takes various forms:physical,psychological,sexual,and emotional abuse.Many organizations are working with women and their families to prevent and reduce instances of violence.The current study aimed to understand the various patterns of violence among women victims of domestic violence.Materials and Methods:The sample of 30 women approaching the women’s helpline,in Bengaluru was considered for the study using a cross-sectional design.The interview schedule for assessing patterns of violence was used.Descriptive statistics were used for analyzing the data.Results:The majority of the respondents(50%)were in the age group of 20-29 years,more than half(53.3%)were homemaker and the majority(70%)stayed in nuclear family structures.More than one-fourth reported severe physical violence such as pushing,slapping,and punching.Most of the respondents reported husbands to be perpetrators of violence,60%reported violence as a habit,and the majority reported dowry harassment as the reason for violence.Conclusion:Mental health professionals need to work on the root cause of habitual violence and dowry harassment perpetrated by the spouse and empower the victims.

Identifying a research gap in relation to family and domestic violence accommodation design within Victoria,Australia:A systematic review

Within Australia,domestic and family violence(DFV)is a major health and welfare issue that disproportionately impacts on women,children,and vulnerable segments of the population.This paper examines the results of a systematic literature review aimed at identi-fying the existing evidence base in relation to the nexus between accommodation design and the health and well-being of women seeking shelter within Victoria,Australia.The review focused on three primary questions:a.What literature currently exists in relation to the design of refuges?b.How does the design of DFV refuges impact on those within refuges?C.What methods and metrics have been used to assess the effectiveness of the design of housing inter-ventions to support and promote agency,and better health and wellbeing?The review found that there is a significant lack of research into housing interventions for those seeking refuge.Of the 6038 records screened,only 2 studies were identified that fit within the review criteria,both of which focused exclusively on refuges within the USA.Among the very limited research that exists,there is lttle interrogation of the design of the refuge,nor an intersectional and geographically contextualized examination of how experiences of DFV and the shelter environment impact on wellbeing outcomes.Despite literature that dem-onstrates the positive impacts of well-being centered design approaches,the application of such research to the evaluation and design of DFV refuges,both within Australia and globally,remains an area in need of further research.