scholarly journals Domestic violence and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Piumee Bandara ◽  
Andrew Page ◽  
Lalith Senarathna ◽  
Judi Kidger ◽  
Gene Feder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is increasing evidence that domestic violence (DV) is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviour. The level of risk and its contribution to the overall burden of suicidal behaviour among men and women has not been quantified in South Asia. We carried out a large case-control study to examine the association between DV and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka. Methods Cases (N = 291) were patients aged ⩾18 years, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Kandy Sri Lanka for self-poisoning. Sex and age frequency matched controls were recruited from the hospital's outpatient department (N = 490) and local population (N = 450). Exposure to DV was collected through the Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the association between DV and self-poisoning, and population attributable fractions were calculated. Results Exposure to at least one type of DV within the previous 12 months was strongly associated with self-poisoning for women [adjusted OR (AOR) 4.08, 95% CI 1.60–4.78] and men (AOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.51–4.21), compared to those reporting no abuse. Among women, the association was strongest for physical violence (AOR 14.07, 95% CI 5.87–33.72), whereas among men, emotional abuse showed the highest risk (AOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.57–4.82). PAF% for exposure to at least one type of DV was 38% (95% CI 32–43) in women and 22% (95% CI 14–29) in men. Conclusions Multi-sectoral interventions to address DV including enhanced identification in health care settings, community-based strategies, and integration of DV support and psychological services may substantially reduce suicidal behaviour in Sri Lanka.

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piumee Bandara ◽  
Andrew Page ◽  
Lalith Senarathna ◽  
Judi Kidger ◽  
Gene Feder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is increasing evidence that domestic violence is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviour. The level of risk of domestic violence (DV) and its contribution to the overall burden of suicidal behaviour has not been quantified in South Asia, where 37% of suicide deaths globally occur. We examined the association between DV and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka through a large case-control study. Methods Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted on 298 self-poisoning cases and 500 hospital controls to estimate the association between domestic violence and self-poisoning, and population attributable fractions (PAF) were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using 455 population-based controls. Results DV exposure within the previous 12 months was strongly associated with self-poisoning for women (adjusted OR [AOR] 4·08, 95%CI 1·60-4·78) and men (AOR 2·52, 95%CI 1·51-4·21), compared to no abuse. Physical violence showed the highest risk among women, whereas among men, emotional abuse showed the highest risk (AOR 2·75, 95%CI 1·57-4·82). PAF% for exposure to at least one type of DV was 38% (95%CI 32-43) in women and 22% (95 CI 14-29) in men. Conclusions DV was strongly associated with suicidal behaviour for men and women. Almost 40% of female self-poisoning cases and a fifth of male cases may be reduced if domestic violence is addressed. Key messages The significant contribution of DV to the overall burden of self-poisoning suggests preventative and curative interventions to address domestic violence may yield significant gains in reducing suicidal behaviour in Sri Lanka, and other similar settings.


2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loraine Bacchus ◽  
Susan Bewley ◽  
Gill Mezey

Definitions of domestic violence vary according to the frequency, severity and nature of the violence as well as the context in which it occurred and the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. Though there is a lack of uniformity, a generally accepted definition of domestic violence is the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of an adult woman by a man with whom she has or has had an intimate relationship, regardless of whether the couple are living together. Although violence can be carried out by other family members or occur in same-sex relationships, it is argued that men use violence in order to maintain dominance and control over their female partners. Physical violence is just one of the many tactics that an abuser may use to exert control over his partner. Other behaviours include isolation, intimidation, threats of violence, threats to take the children away or hurt them and emotional or economic abuse. Whilst some studies have identified demographic patterns associated with domestic violence, it can affect any woman regardless of age, race, ethnicity, social class, employment status, religion, marital status or disability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (226) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajita Silwal ◽  
Bandana Thapa

Introduction: Millions of couples suffered from Infertility worldwide. Infertility can cause intenseemotional pain in women resulting in stress, anxiety and depression. Domestic violence in infertilewomen can further results in poor health status and lowers the quality of life. The objective of thisstudy is to find out the prevalence of domestic violence among infertile women attending subfertilityclinic of tertiary hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among infertile women in a tertiaryhospital from July to August 2018 after taking ethical approval. Convenient sampling was used. Faceto face interview was conducted using a structured interview schedule. Data analysis was done inthe Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) were used toanalyze the data. Point estimate at 95% CI was calculated along with frequency and proportion forbinary data. Results: Domestic violence was found among 62 (55.35%) women at 95% Confidence Interval (46.15-64.55). The emotional violence accounted for 57 (50.89%), physical violence for 19 (16.96%) and sexualviolence for 18 (16.07%). The prevalence of domestic violence was more 22 (61.11%) in women withsecondary infertility than in women with primary infertility 40 (52.63%). The main perpetrators ofdomestic violence were family members 28 (45.16%). Conclusions: The study concluded that women experiencing infertility are exposed to various formsof domestic violence, emotional one being most common. Routine screening for domestic violencein infertility clinics is necessary to give affected women an opportunity to access appropriate healthcare and support services.


Author(s):  
Pooja Chauhan ◽  
Kotina Shridevi ◽  
Sushma Katkuri

Background: The WHO reports that the proportion of women who had ever experienced physical or sexual violence or both by an intimate partner ranged from 15% to 71%. According to NFHS-3 and India’s NCRB, the increasing cases of any form of violence against women and also the variation in its prevalence among different sections of the society indicate that it is preventable. This has been the motivation for conducting this study. The aim of the study was to know the prevalence, different forms and associated factors of domestic violence against ever married females between 15-49 years age.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study population included ever married females from 15 to 49 years. Sample size was calculated using openEpi online program. Simple random sampling was used. A pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS software v24. Chi-square test was used.Results: It was observed that 33.5% (n=83) suffered from any form of violence and 29.4% (n=73) experienced physical violence at least once. Emotional abuse was seen in 12.5% whereas sexual abuse was seen in 4.4%. The experience of domestic violence by women was significantly related to the consumption of alcohol by the husband, education status of the females and their husband.Conclusions: By improving the literacy, and sensitizing about equal rights and need to look their wife as a life partner rather than a slave, an attempt can be made to break the chain of domestic violence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzieh Kargar Jahromi ◽  
Safieh Jamali ◽  
Afifeh Rahmanian Koshkaki ◽  
Shohreh Javadpour

<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>Domestic violence against women is a health problem. Research on domestic violence in order to clarify the relationship between the different forms of violence and health outcomes is needed. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of domestic violence in women. It also assessed the association between risk factors and psychological, physical, and sexual violence against women by their intimate partners.</p> <p><strong>MATERIALS &amp; METHODS:</strong> This cross-sectional study was done on married women 16–80 years of age living in jahrom south of Iran between August 2013 and December 2014. This research was implemented through questionnaires including the demographic characteristic. The form of partner violence including emotional abuse, physical violence and sexual violence was assessed with a validated questionnaire. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the association between violence and factors.<strong></strong></p> <p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> The prevalence of physical, sexual and emotional domestic violence was respectively 16.4%, 18.6% and 44.4%.and was associated with Age (p=0.002), Husband’s Age (p=0.001), Length of marriage (p=0.002), Woman's low educational level women's education (OR=4.67 95%.CI=1.97-11.07), husband's low education (OR=9.22 95%. CI=0.69-12.16), were the most important risk factors for violence.<strong></strong></p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Prevalence of physical, emotional or sexual violence was very high. Men's violence against women in intimate relationships is commonly occurring in Iran. Considering the factors contributing to violence against women, raising the level of education of men and women is one of the ways to prevent violence.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piumee Bandara ◽  
Andrew Page ◽  
Thilini Rajapakse ◽  
Duleeka Kniipe

Background: Evidence on the risk factors for repeat self-harm from low- and middle-income countries is scarce and requires urgent attention. Aims: We sought to examine psychosocial correlates of repeat self-harm in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Methods: Logistic regression models (adjusting for age and sex) were used to examine associations between study factors and repeat self-harm among adult patients (N=292) admitted for self-poisoning. Results: Depression (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.7-4.7), prior psychiatric diagnosis (OR 4.8 95% CI 2.2-10.2), past-year exposure to suicidal behaviour (OR 1.9 95% 1.1-3.3), physical/sexual abuse (OR 3.0 95% CI 1.3-6.9), and psychological abuse (OR 2.3 95% CI 1.3-4.2) were strongly associated with repeat self-harm. Conclusions: Identification and management of domestic violence and psychiatric morbidity should be part of routine clinical assessments of patients presenting with self-harm.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 828-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sothy Eng ◽  
Whitney Szmodis ◽  
Kelly Grace

Divorce rates continue to rise, especially in urban centers, which in turn contributes to increasing numbers of women who remarry. While remarriage is one of the only options for survival for divorced women, especially those from low socioeconomic status, remarriage also brings with it increased stressors of financial strain and the strain of blended families. This study tested the hypothesis that remarried women compared with first-time married and divorced women are at increased risk for domestic violence. The sample was drawn from the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey, consisting of 1,560 women with the average age of 31.64. Results showed that 20% of women reported emotional violence and 14%, physical violence. Based on hierarchical multiple regressions, this study found that remarried women were more likely to experience physical and emotional abuse than women in their first marriage or women who remain divorced/not in union. Further interaction analyses showed that domestic violence varies depending on place of residence, number of children younger than 5 years, partners’ education, and wealth index. Rural residents who were in poorest and poorer groups and urban residents in their poorer and middle groups of their wealth index showed high risk of domestic violence. Remarried women with two or three children younger than 5 years showed highest risk of domestic violence. Additional three-way interaction analysis revealed that remarried women residing in rural/urban areas with a spouse having no education and/or primary level of education were at highest risk of domestic violence. The study lends support to the structural role of the power of male dominance on women’s social and emotional well-being. This study suggested that to reduce men’s perceived domination, structural intervention that includes implementing gender-responsive curriculum in formal education, as well as strengthening domestic violence law enforcement would help reduce domestic violence against women.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Oluwaleye Monisola

The trend of violence against women in Nigeria has increased more than ever recently, with many women having been deprived of their fundamental rights. Violence against women in Nigeria includes sexual harassment, physical violence, harmful traditional practices, emotional and psychological violence, and socio-economic violence. This article investigates cases of domestic violence against women in South West Nigeria by assessing the role of family courts in the adjudication of such cases. Both primary and secondary sources of data were employed to examine incidents of violence against women and the role of the family courts in ensuring justice. The author employed both primary and secondary sources of data; the data gathered were analysed by frequency and simple percentages, while qualitative data were descriptively analysed. The article reveals the causes of domestic violence against women to include a cultural belief in male superiority, women’s lack of awareness of their rights, women’s poverty owing to joblessness, men seeking sexual satisfaction by force, women having only male children, the social acceptance of discipline, the failure to punish the perpetrators of violence, the influence of alcohol, and in-laws’ interference in marital relationships. It also reveals the nature of domestic violence against women. The research revealed that the family courts have played prominent roles in protecting and defending the rights of women. The author therefore recommends that the law should strengthen the family courts by extending their power to penalise the perpetrators of violence against women. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 443-457
Author(s):  
Zubairu Iliyasu ◽  
Hadiza S. Galadanci ◽  
Bashir Muhammad ◽  
Fatima Z. Yadudu ◽  
Aminatu A. Kwaku ◽  
...  

Background: The involvement of men in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs could accelerate the elimination of vertical transmission. Yet, little research has focused on HIV-positive male partners. This study determined predictors of male partners’ PMTCT knowledge and involvement in a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria. Methods: A clinic-based sample of 401 HIV-positive male partners of women who delivered within 12 months prior were interviewed using structured questionnaires. PMTCT knowledge and involvement scores were computed. Adjusted odd ratios (AOR) for predictors were derived from multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The proportion of respondents with adequate PMTCT knowledge was 40.9%. Less than half (43.6%) of the respondents participated in PMTCT, with median involvement score of 2.00 (interquartile range, IQR = 0, 5.0). One quarter of respondents (25.7%, n =103) reported >1 sex partners, 10.5% consistently used condoms, and 20.7% had disclosed to all partners. Father’s involvement in PMTCT was predicted by paternal education (AOR = 0.30; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.12-0.77, no formal vs. post-secondary), HIV-positive child (AOR = 3.85; 95%CI: 1.41-10.54, yes vs. no), treatment duration (AOR = 4.17; 95%CI: 1.67-10.41, ≤1 vs. ≥10 years), disclosure to partner(s) (AOR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.15-3.52, ‘disclosed to all’ vs. ‘not disclosed’), condom use (AOR = 5.81; 95%CI: 3.07-11.0, always vs. never), and PMTCT knowledge (AOR = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.31-0.92, inadequate versus adequate). Conclusion: The involvement of fathers in HIV PMTCT programs was low and predicted by paternal education, HIVpositive child, duration of antiretroviral treatment, disclosure to partner, consistent condom use, and level of PMTCT knowledge. Our findings will inform the development of policies to increase male partner involvement in PMTCT in Nigeria.


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