scholarly journals Conceptual Development and Content Validation of a Multicultural Instrument to Assess the Normalization of Gender-Based Violence against Women

Author(s):  
Maddalena Rodelli ◽  
Kleio Koutra ◽  
Karen Birna Thorvaldsdottir ◽  
Hulya Bilgin ◽  
Nikoleta Ratsika ◽  
...  

AbstractThe normalization of gender-based violence (GBV) consists of all those cultural beliefs and values that sustain, justify, or minimize GBV perpetration. Acknowledging the lack of instruments addressing the normalization of GBV and its constitutive sociocultural dimensions, this article presents the conceptual development and initial validation of the Normalization of gender-based violence against women scale. This 18-item instrument could be used to assess the normalization of violence against women in GBV survivors of various cultural contexts. The scale has been developed through a sizeable mixed-methods study. This paper reports the qualitative portion of the study that allowed the development of the instrument and assessment of its content and face validity. In particular, the method section details the process by which the assessed scale’s domain has been identified through an expert panel workshop, the analysis of GBV survivor’s interviews, and the review of existing scales. The assessment of face and content validity, trough expert judges’ evaluation and Cognitive Interviewing, is presented. This instrument is the first normalization scale developed by a multicultural team for use with violence survivors. The techniques used to construct this scale aimed to capture cultural aspects of normalization that might be shared across women from diverse groups. Therefore, its use could enable social or health care providers worldwide to program or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to contrast GBV by promoting a clearer understanding of cultural and social norms that sustain the acceptance and normalization of violence.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (23-24) ◽  
pp. 5552-5573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Williams ◽  
Rosa M. Gonzalez-Guarda ◽  
Valerie Halstead ◽  
Jacob Martinez ◽  
Laly Joseph

The purpose of this study was to better understand victims’ perspectives regarding decisions to disclose gender-based violence, namely, intimate partner violence (IPV) and human trafficking, to health care providers and what outcomes matter to them when discussing these issues with their provider. Twenty-five participants from racially/ethnically diverse backgrounds were recruited from a family justice center located in the southeastern United States. Two fifths had experienced human trafficking, and the remaining had experienced IPV. Upon obtaining informed consent, semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine interview data. Five primary themes emerged. Three themes focused on factors that may facilitate or impede disclosure: patient–provider connectedness, children, and social support. The fourth theme was related to ambiguity in the role of the health care system in addressing gender-based violence. The final theme focused on outcomes participants hope to achieve when discussing their experiences with health care providers. Similar themes emerged from both IPV and human trafficking victims; however, victims of human trafficking were more fearful of judgment and had a stronger desire to keep experiences private. Cultural factors also played an important role in decisions around disclosure and may interact with the general disparities racial/ethnic minority groups face within the health care system. Recognizing factors that influence patient engagement with the health care system as it relates to gender-based violence is critical. The health care system can respond to gender-based violence and its associated comorbidities in numerous ways and interventions must be driven by the patient’s goals and desired outcomes of disclosure. These interventions may be better served by taking patient-centered factors into account and viewing the effectiveness of intervention programs through a behavioral, patient-centered lens.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaing Nwe Tin ◽  
Myitzu Tin Oung ◽  
Su Su Yin ◽  
Kyaw Ko Ko Htet ◽  
Kyaw Thu Hein ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Globally, 35% of women have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) which seriously affects all aspects of women’s health. While health sector must play a key role in response, there are many barriers for GBV survivors to access health services, especially in developing countries including Myanmar. Limitations of health sector in provision of quality services to GBV survivors, healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude, experience and service availability and readiness, should be explored as an initial step for the improvement of health care response to GBV survivors. Methods This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in four purposively selected townships with higher number GBV cases. Face-to-face interviews were done to all health care providers (n=233) from public health facilities using a structured questionnaire. The findings were described as frequency and percentage for categorical data and mean and standard deviation for continuous data. Results Lady Health Visitors and Midwives were mainly involved (88.0%). About two-thirds had heard GBV without probing. Types of violence they mostly described were physical (81.1%) and sexual violence (8.5%). One-third wanted women to be patient to their partners’ violence to maintain family ties. Nearly two-third assumed conflict between husband and wife was not a matter that someone should involve. About 70% had given care to GBV survivors and they provided only injury treatment (76.1%). A quarter of them experienced sexual violence cases, but only 4.9% and 1.2% provided emergency contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infection treatment. Although nearly two third mentioned about psychological counseling in GBV management, 20% provided counseling services to survivors. Absence of standard GBV management guideline, trained and skilled staff for GBV and counseling room at health facilities were issues mostly stated by the respondents. Conclusions Inadequate knowledge, misconceptions and unfavorable attitudes of GBV among health care providers might deter the effectiveness of GBV management at the health sector. In addition, poor management practice together with no standard management guideline, limited skilled staff, inadequate drug supplies and absence of counseling facilities indicated insufficient readiness to provide quality health care responses to GBV surviours in Myanmar.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shrawan Kumar Chaudhary ◽  
Pushpa Chaudhary

Introduction: Gender Based Violence (GBV) is prevalent and exists to some extent in virtually all societies throughout the world. Evidence shows consistent negative effect of violence on health of women particularly. This hidden disease is perceived as a social issue and not a health issue and is often overlooked by health care providers. Methodology: This study was a Cross Sectional descriptive study conducted at national Academy of Medical Science affiliated Paropaker Women's and Maternity Hospital, Kathmandu enrolling 950 pregnant women from the emergency admission room who were interviewed using structured questionnaire from mid march to the end August in the year 2007. Result and discussion: Among 950 women suffered from gender based violence (33.36%). One hundred and fifty women faced psychological violence (47.31%), seventy two clients faced physical violence (22.71%), and forty two women faced sexual violence (13.24%) and rest of them faced all types of violence. Violence was reported during the current pregnancy (41.32%). Husbands were perpetrator of violence for almost on third of women (34.06%), followed by mother in low (18.29%). Joint violence by family members was quit common (28.1%). Perpetrator outside family was responsible for approximately 20% of cases. Domestic violence was extremely common accounting for more than four fifty of cases (81.38%). Among sexual violence, (45.45%) women were victim of marital rape. Alcoholism as one of the common reason for wife battering, observed in this study in Maternity Hospital which is still prevalent in Nepal. Often, verbal abuse is an excuse for imposing discipline in the family. Women's economic and emotional dependence on husband could be responsible for the vulnerable status in family. Health seeking behavior following violence was found to be extremely low in this study suggestion gender based violence as a privet matter.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Chipanga ◽  
Paddington Tinashe Mundagowa ◽  
Violet Chikanya

Abstract Background: Physical and sexual violence against women and girls has become a widespread public health challenge associated with negative physical and psychological consequences not only to the victim but to society at large. Gender-based violence (GBV) can result in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, anxiety, stress, depression, and sexually transmitted infections. The problem is more prevalent in low-income settings like Zimbabwe and this study aimed to investigate the determinants of GBV among young women and girls aged between 11- 24 years, seeking healthcare services at a rural hospital in Zimbabwe.Methods: A 1:1 unmatched case-control study was conducted at a rural hospital in Buhera District, Zimbabwe. A total of 104 cases and 104 controls were recruited using purposive and systematic random sampling methods, respectively. The data was collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and data were analyzed using Epi Info statistical package. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression at 95% confidence interval and statistical significance were set at p-value<0.05.Results: The pooled mean age of participants was 17.6±3.8 years and 89.4% of the cases had no familial relations with perpetrators. Bivariate analysis revealed that young age (<19 years), apostolic religion, having no formal education, not married, living in a polygamous family, and having >3 siblings were associated with GBV. Cases were more likely to report to a health center and were less likely to confide in someone. The most prevalent causes of GBV were religious and cultural beliefs, forced marriages, and alcohol abuse within a family. After multivariate analysis, young age [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.8; 95% Confidence interval (CI):1.3-17.2], polygamy [AOR: 13.8(3.6-53.1)], alcohol abuse in the family [AOR: 4.1(1.3-13.3)] were associated with GBV, while confiding in someone was protective [AOR: 0.05 (0.01-0.2)].Conclusion: Community religious and cultural beliefs and family structure are major areas to consider when intervening against violence against women. To eradicate GBV, there is a need for collaborative multi-sectoral interventions aimed at sensitizing the community on gender equality and the use of peaceful conflict resolution methods. Education on GBV should integrate children of school-going age, faith-based organizations, and community members in crafting sustainable interventions.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaing Nwe Tin ◽  
Myitzu Tin Oung ◽  
Su Su Yin ◽  
Kyaw Ko Ko Htet ◽  
Kyaw Thu Hein ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Globally, 35% of women have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) which seriously affects all aspects of women’s health. While health sector must play a key role in response, there are many barriers for GBV survivors to access health services, especially in developing countries including Myanmar. Limitations of health sector in provision of quality services to GBV survivors, healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude, experience and service availability and readiness, should be explored as an initial step for the improvement of health care response to GBV survivors.Methods This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in four purposively selected townships with higher number GBV cases. Face-to-face interviews were done to all health care providers (n=233) from public health facilities using a structured questionnaire. The findings were described as frequency and percentage for categorical data and mean and standard deviation for continuous data.Results Lady Health Visitors and Midwives were mainly involved (88.0%). About two-thirds had heard GBV without probing. Types of violence they mostly described were physical (81.1%) and sexual violence (8.5%). One-third wanted women to be patient to their partners’ violence to maintain family ties. Nearly two-third assumed conflict between husband and wife was not a matter that someone should involve. About 70% had given care to GBV survivors and they provided only injury treatment (76.1%). A quarter of them experienced sexual violence cases, but only 4.9% and 1.2% provided emergency contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infection treatment. Although nearly two third mentioned about psychological counseling in GBV management, only 20% provided counseling services to survivors. Absence of standard GBV management guideline, trained and skilled staff for GBV and counseling room at health facilities were issues mostly stated by the respondents.Conclusions Inadequate knowledge, misconceptions and unfavorable attitudes of GBV among health care providers might deter the effectiveness of GBV management at the health sector. In addition, poor management practice together with no standard management guideline, limited skilled staff, inadequate drug supplies and absence of counseling facilities indicated insufficient readiness to provide quality health care responses to GBV surviours in Myanmar.


2020 ◽  
pp. 154041532092476
Author(s):  
Daphne Tsapalas ◽  
Morgan Parker ◽  
Lilian Ferrer ◽  
Margartia Bernales

Introduction: To address the phenomenon of gender-based violence in Latin America and the Caribbean is an issue of epic proportion that reflects the unequal power dynamics created within the binary gender system and is often perpetrated by those with more physical, cultural, or social power and inflicted upon those without. Method: Each database was comprehensively searched for MeSH keyword combinations of gender violence (violence against women) or (gender-based violence) with the region of interest (Latin America and the Caribbean) in addition to a third word or phrase regarding health care (health care training, training, health care curricula, curricula, health care professionals). Results: After completing this scope review, we have found a widespread call for more comprehensive preparation for health care professionals involved in identifying and addressing gender-based violence. Conclusions: Though some research has been conducted documenting the ways in which gender-based violence is managed or not managed by health care providers, Latin America and the Caribbean in particular represent a gap in research on health care tools and their effectiveness in these situations. There is a distinct need for the creation of context-specific protocols for vulnerable and underrepresented groups.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tafadzwa Rugoho ◽  
France Maphosa

This article is based on a study of gender-based violence against women with disabilities. The study sought to examine the factors that make such women vulnerable, to investigate the community’s responses to gender-based violence against women with disabilities, and to determine the impact of gender-based violence on the wellbeing and health of women with disabilities. The study adopted a qualitative research design so as to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study. The study sample consisted of 48 disabled women living in marital or common law unions, selected using purposive sampling. Of the 48 women in the sample, 16 were visually impaired while the remaining 32 had other physical disabilities. Focus group discussions were used for data collection. The data were analysed using the thematic approach. The finding was that women with disabilities also experience gender-based violence. The study makes recommendations whose thrust is to change community perceptions on disability as the only guarantee towards eradicating gender-based violence against women with disabilities.


Author(s):  
Zorica Saltirovska Professor ◽  
Sunchica Dimitrijoska Professor

Gender-based violence is a form of discrimination that prevents women from enjoying the rights and liberties on an equal level with men. Inevitably, domestic violence shows the same trend of victimizing women to such a degree that the term “domestic violence” is increasingly becoming synonymous with “violence against women”. The Istanbul Convention defines domestic violence as "gender-based violence against women", or in other words "violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately." The situation is similar in the Republic of Macedonia, where women are predominantly victims of domestic violence. However, the Macedonian legal framework does not define domestic violence as gender-based violence, and thus it does not define it as a specific form of discrimination against women. The national legislation stipulates that victims are to be protected in both a criminal and a civil procedure, and the Law on Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence determines the actions of the institutions and civil organizations in the prevention of domestic violence and the protection of victims. The system for protection of victims of domestic violence closely supports the Law on Social Protection and the Law on Free Legal Aid, both of which include provisions on additional assistance for women victims of domestic violence. However, the existing legislation has multiple deficiencies and does not allow for a greater efficacy in implementing the prescribed measures for the protection of victims of domestic violence. For this reason, as well as due to the inconsistent implementation of legal solutions of this particular issue, the civil sector is constantly expressing their concern about the increasingly wider spread of domestic violence against women and about the protection capabilities at their disposal. The lack of recognition of all forms of gender-based violence, the trivial number of criminal sentences against persons who perform acts of domestic violence, the insufficient support offered to victims – including victim shelters, legal assistance, and counseling, and the lack of systematic databases on domestic violence cases on a national level, are a mere few of the many issues clearly pointing to the inevitable conclusion that the protection of women-victims of domestic violence is inadequate. Hence, the functionality and efficiency of both the existing legislation and the institutions in charge of protection and support of women – victims of domestic violence is being questioned, which is also the subject for analysis in this paper.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document