Identifying the Barriers to Women's Agency in Domestic Violence: The Tensions between Women's Personal Experiences and Systemic Responses

Despite advances in knowledge and understanding about the impacts of domestic violence on women's lives, global research on violence against women shows there is a need for research that not only places women centre stage in research praxis, but also that involves them more collaboratively in genuine dialogue about their experiences, including their agentic stances. This is especially the case for marginalised and socially excluded women victims of domestic violence, such as those who are not known or do not present to services and who survive abusive relationships alone or with little outside support. Evidence from two studies reported here—secondary analysis of women with severe and enduring mental health problems and a collaborative narrative project with unsupported women victims of domestic violence—suggest that women's capacity for agency are compromised by a number of critical factors, and that these are also reflected in the tensions between micro–macro analyses and understanding of the impact of domestic violence on women. This article considers the barriers to women's agency from the women's perspective and in the context of broader, systemic dynamics, including the denial or obscuring of abuse by governments and states and the consequences of stringent fiscal retrenchment that put women at increased risk of domestic violence.

Download Full-text

Quality of life and risk of feminicide in women victims of intimate partner violence in Campinas

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1115 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Caicedo Roa ◽

L Gabrielle Dalaqua ◽

P Filizola ◽

R Cordeiro

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

High Risk ◽

Women Victims ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Introduction Violence against women is a public health problem with severe consequences. Most women in situations of domestic violence are emotionally involved and/or economically dependent of their intimate partners contributing to the perpetuation and acceptance of violence. Objectives 1) To characterize the women who join the Reference and Support Center for Women (Ceamo) in Campinas, Southeast Brazil. 2) To measure the quality of life in women victims of intimate partner violence 3) To determine the risk of feminicide. Methods The Ceamo is a public specialized service from the mayor of Campinas, it provides psychological, social and legal guidance to women in situations of gender violence. Inclusion criteria: Women attending Ceamo services, speaking Portuguese, age ≥18 years old and having experienced intimate partner violence. Measure instruments: Danger assessment Scale and WHOQOL-BREF. Results During the 11 months of the study, 78 new users were recruited. Average age 38.3 years old, mostly married/stable union, most of them with children (88%). 64% of women do not work and 36% live with the abusive partner. Prevalent types of violence suffered during by the victims in the last year were psychological n = 76, physical n = 62, moral n = 54 and sexual n = 23. The domain most affected in the assessment of quality of life was the environment (average 42% /100%) and psychological domain (42%/100%). 49% of women were classified with increased risk, 22% with severe risk and 1% with extreme risk of femicide. The questions with the most positive answers were those related to believing that the partner can kill her (77%), jealous of the partner (76%) and controlling behavior (73%), being followed/spied by the partner (67%) and threat death (65%). Conclusions The service in general receive very vulnerable women with low perception of their own quality of life, precarious material conditions and high risk of femicide. Key messages The women in domestic violence situation attended by the Ceamo service are at high risk of femicide. Service users have very low perception of their quality of life and poor social conditions.

Download Full-text

Subtle invasions: Aspects of Samoan women's wartime experiences

10.26686/wgtn.17060654 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Saui'a Louise Marie Tuimanuolo Mataia-Milo

Keyword(s):

Popular Culture ◽

Social Transformation ◽

Women's History ◽

Women's Agency ◽

Effect Change ◽

The Social ◽

Women's Lives ◽

Women’S Agency ◽

Sexual Encounters ◽

Women’S History

<p>During World War Two the peaceful “occupation” of the Samoa Islands by US Forces combined with existing colonial conditions to transform the lives of Samoans in important yet also subtle ways. Drawing on thirty two oral history interviews and the papers of the colonial administrations this thesis examines the wartime lives of Samoan women. Their accounts of their experiences reveal how they understood the war at the time and after years of life experience. Using approaches from social history and women’s history this thesis illustrates women’s agency in finding ways to manage the new social contexts and situations created by the war. The central argument of this thesis is that it was the ordinary business of negotiating daily life during the war that engaged and normalised social changes. These mundane everyday acts were significant historical moments that wove new and unique motifs into the tapestry of Samoan women’s history. The war brought to Samoa a multitude of American servicemen who saw Samoa through a ‘romantic’ lens as an arcadia of unrestrained social mores. In contrast, through this research Samoan women reveal their wartime experiences in their own words. The women’s narratives indicate that the war interrupted lives in many ways causing them to rethink their roles in response to the changes. The four areas of Samoan women’s lives that this thesis examines are their roles in their families and communities, their involvement with the churches, their engagement with wartime popular culture and lastly their wartime sexual encounters. The discussion opens with a portrait of Samoan society during the 1920s and 1930s, depicting the social and political forces that shaped women’s lives and influenced their understandings of their wartime experiences. This discussion highlights how colonial entanglements had a bearing on the different trajectories that women’s lives took during the war. The thesis then turns to explore the arrival of the war, examining the women’s initial experiences and reactions with a particular focus on what they learnt from their experiences and how they adapted to change in the context of their communities and families. The study finds that social transformation was a response to the war’s disruption of physical and cultural space and the critical structures and ideologies that are central to Samoans’ way of life. The second part of this enquiry examines how wartime circumstances affected Samoan women’s sometimes tense relations with the Christian churches. The churches occupied a central place in Samoan society as a provider of both spiritual nurture and secular education for women during the war years, so they deserve specific attention. Wartime conditions created opportunities that expanded and rejuvenated the scope of Samoan women’s agency which had been marginalised and narrowed by Christian influence before the war. At the same time, the war heightened the pre-war tensions between Samoan women’s agency and the power of the churches. Despite the clergy’s reluctance, the churches provided spaces in which American troops socialised with the Samoan population, creating social situations that were difficult to control. The third area analyses Samoan women’s engagement with wartime popular culture and how the consumption of introduced material culture galvanised their autonomy and enabled them to tailor social transformation to suit their personal perceptions. Wartime popular culture in its many forms contributed to the rapid absorption of new ideas and the adaptation of cultural practices. Women’s engagement with this popular culture resulted in ‘on the ground changes’ that stimulated social transformation and which should be appreciated as significant historical moments in their own right. The fourth area of discussion investigates Samoan women’s wartime sexual encounters. The perception that Samoan women’s sexual encounters with American servicemen were characterised by an unrestrained morality on their part ignores other factors that shaped these encounters, including violence and their own bodily knowledge and preparedness. This study shows that Samoan women had a variety of sexual encounters during the war and their narratives speak volumes about the pains of such life-changing moments. There was no single or archetypal wartime experience. The thirty two interviewees experienced the war in different parts of the Samoa islands and their social and political alignment has influenced their perceptions and understanding of their wartime lives. The social transformation brought by the war involved considered responses from the women who sought to balance personal and family interests and Samoan values. Exploring the women’s wartime lives reveals their resilience and their ability to overcome difficulties and effect change for the better of their community.</p>

Download Full-text

Domestic violence: a review on the impact in women's lives and child development

IJS - International Journal of Sciences ◽

10.29327/229003.2.3-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 56-61

Author(s):

Antônio Emanoel da Silva ◽

Camila Gouveia de Oliveira Moura ◽

Marcela Eduarda Gomes de Arruda ◽

Maria Beatriz Albuquerque Moura ◽

Natália Diógenes da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

Child Development ◽

Women's Lives ◽

The Impact

Download Full-text

Influence of Estimated Fetal Weight on Labor Management

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1695011 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (03) ◽

pp. 252-257

Author(s):

Elisa T. Bushman ◽

Norris Thompson ◽

Meredith Gray ◽

Robin Steele ◽

Sheri M. Jenkins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cesarean Delivery ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Physical Exam ◽

Fetal Weight ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Labor Management ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Tertiary Center ◽

The Impact ◽

Estimated Fetal Weight

Abstract Objective Prior studies suggest knowledge of estimated fetal weight (EFW), particularly by ultrasound (US), increases the risk for cesarean delivery. These same studies suggest that concern for macrosomia potentially alters labor management leading to increased rates of cesarean delivery. We aimed to assess if shortened labor management, as a result of suspected macrosomia (≥4,000 g), leads to an increased rate of cesarean delivery. Study Design This is a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary center in 2015 of women with singleton pregnancies ≥36 weeks with documented EFW by US within 3 weeks or physical exam on admission. Women were excluded if an initial cervical exam was ≥6 cm or no attempt was made to labor. In addition, patients were excluded for the diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, or prior cesarean delivery, as these comorbidities influence the use of US, labor management, and cesarean delivery independent of fetal weight. Patients were classified as EFW of ≥4,000 and <4,000 g. Secondary analysis examined the impact of US within 3 weeks of admission when compared with physical exam at the time of admission. The primary maternal outcomes were duration of labor and cesarean delivery. Duration of labor was evaluated as total time from 4 cm to delivery (with 4-cm dilation being a surrogate marker for active labor), length of time allowed from 4 cm until the first documented cervical change (or delivery), and time in second stage of labor (complete dilation to delivery). Cesarean delivery for arrest of labor was a secondary outcome. Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test were used for univariate data analysis as appropriate. Results Of 1,506 patients included, 54 (3.5%) had EFW of ≥4,000 g. Women with EFW of ≥4,000 g had a larger body mass index, higher fetal birth weight, were more likely to be undergoing induction of labor, had a more advanced gestational age, and were more likely to have had an US within 3 weeks of delivery. They were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery (29.6 vs. 9.3%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–5.5) despite not having shortened labor times. When analyzing this population by method of obtaining EFW, those with EFW based on US rather than external palpation were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery (13.1 vs. 7.9%, AOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.01–2.12), again without having shortened labor times. Conclusion EFW of ≥4,000 g and use of US to estimate fetal weight do not appear to shorten labor management despite being associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery.

Download Full-text

Continued State Liability for Police Inaction in Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence: A Reflection on the Implementation of South Africa's Domestic Violence Legislation

Journal of African Law ◽

10.1017/s0021855319000081 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 53-77 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amanda Spies

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

South African ◽

Violence Against Women ◽

The Social ◽

Women's Lives ◽

Failure To Protect ◽

State Liability ◽

Domestic Violence Legislation ◽

Legal Understanding ◽

The Impact

AbstractNow that it has been in operation for 20 years, it is necessary to reflect on the impact the South African Domestic Violence Act has had on women's lives. This article analyses this key legislation and the police's duty to ensure its proper implementation. It focuses on the reports of the Independent Complaints Directorate and Civilian Secretariat of Police, the bodies responsible for measuring police compliance with the act. The reports identify serious transgressions, highlighting the police's perception that domestic violence is a private affair with which it should not interfere. This perception plays a particularly subtle and destructive role in legitimizing, supporting and permitting violence against women. In focusing on key court decisions in which the state (police) was held financially accountable for the failure to protect women against violence, the author highlights the importance of challenging the social and legal understanding of women's experiences with violence in promoting a system that takes account of those experiences.

Download Full-text

From academic heritage to Aboriginal priorities

Revista de Antropologia da UFSCar ◽

10.52426/rau.v4i2.74 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 6-19

Author(s):

Barbara Glowczewski

Keyword(s):

Indigenous People ◽

Aboriginal People ◽

Social Injustice ◽

Women's Agency ◽

Political Struggles ◽

Women’S Agency ◽

The Impact

Throughout my 34 years of involvement with aboriginal people across australia, I have regularly chosen to respond to aboriginal priorities against a certain academic heritage, illustrated by the refusal of some colleagues – in France or Australia – to recognise the importance of women’s agency in the society, the impact of history on aboriginal ritual life and cosmology, the continuity of their culture in new forms of creativity, the respect of ethical protocols, the discrimination and social injustice suffered by indigenous people and the legitimacy of their political struggles.

Download Full-text

Mental health problems and correlates among 746 217 college students during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in China

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796020000931 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

Author(s):

Z. Ma ◽

J. Zhao ◽

Y. Li ◽

D. Chen ◽

T. Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

College Students ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Acute Stress ◽

Health Problems ◽

Senior Year ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Abstract Aims Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health concern all over the world. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population. This study aimed to assess the mental health problems and associated factors among a large sample of college students during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Methods This cross-sectional and nation-wide survey of college students was conducted in China from 3 to 10 February 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess psychosocial factors, COVID-19 epidemic related factors and mental health problems. Acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by the Chinese versions of the impact of event scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Univariate and hierarchical logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with mental health problems. Results Among 821 218 students who participated in the survey, 746 217 (90.9%) were included for the analysis. In total, 414 604 (55.6%) of the students were female. About 45% of the participants had mental health problems. The prevalence rates of probable acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were 34.9%, 21.1% and 11.0%, respectively. COVID-19 epidemic factors that were associated with increased risk of mental health problems were having relatives or friends being infected (adjusted odds ratio = 1.72–2.33). Students with exposure to media coverage of the COVID-19 ≥3 h/day were 2.13 times more likely than students with media exposure <1 h/day to have acute stress symptoms. Individuals with low perceived social support were 4.84–5.98 times more likely than individuals with high perceived social support to have anxiety and depressive symptoms. In addition, senior year and prior mental health problems were also significantly associated with anxiety or/and depressive symptoms. Conclusions In this large-scale survey of college students in China, acute stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple epidemic and psychosocial factors, such as family members being infected, massive media exposure, low social support, senior year and prior mental health problems were associated with increased risk of mental health problems. Psychosocial support and mental health services should be provided to those students at risk.

Download Full-text

Psychological Responses According to Gender during the Early Stage of COVID-19 in Spain

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073731 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3731

Author(s):

Lucía del Río-Casanova ◽

Milagrosa Sánchez-Martín ◽

Ana García-Dantas ◽

Anabel González-Vázquez ◽

Ania Justo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Models ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Early Stage ◽

Psychological Responses ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Background: Current research has pointed out an increased risk of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in women compared to men, however the reason for this difference remains unclear. The aim of this research is to study early psychological responses to the pandemic in the Spanish general population, focusing on gender differences. Methods: Nine to 14 days after the declaration of a state of emergency an online survey was conducted assessing sociodemographic, health, behavioral and COVID-19-related variables. Mental health status was evaluated by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Self-Care Scale (SCS). Results: The study included 3520 respondents: 2611 women and 909 men. Women scored significantly higher in DASS-21 and IES-R (p < 0.05) and were more likely to somatize, suffer from hypochondriasis, sleeping disturbances and claustrophobia (p < 0.05). Being a woman can be considered a risk factor for intrusive thoughts, avoidance mechanisms, stress and anxiety (Odd Ratio = 2.7/2.3/2.3/1.6). The risk of presenting posttraumatic symptoms and emotional distress was greater in women (Odd Ratio = 6.77/4.59). General linear models to predict IES-R and DASS-21 scores clarified which variables were gender specific, such as main concerns. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that at early stages of the pandemic, women mental health was more impacted and that both genders show different concerns. Gender perspective in secondary and tertiary prevention strategies must be taken into account when facing the distress associated with the pandemic.

Download Full-text

The Depression Level of Women Suffering Domestic Violence in Medan, Indonesia

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2020.3298 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (B) ◽

pp. 983-987

Author(s):

Friska Gurning ◽

Vita Camellia ◽

Harun Taher Parinduri ◽

Elmeida Effendy

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Women Victims ◽

Traumatic Event ◽

Education Level ◽

Psychological Disorder ◽

Psychiatric Clinic ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Economic Level ◽

Increased Risk

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence is defined as a social problem associated with an increased risk of mental illness in women. The violence experienced by women can be a traumatic event that leads to a psychological disorder. Domestic violence has a strong relationship with depression, including depressive symptoms, depression disorders, and suicide. Risk factors associated with depression in women victims of domestic violence are including age, education level, socioeconomic status, and long experience of violence. AIM: The aim of this study was to find the risk factors associated with the level of depression in women who experience domestic violence. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study and conducted at the Psychiatric Clinic of Dr. Pirngadi General Hospital, Medan. Subjects were 82 people of victims of domestic violence and recruited using non-probability sampling which was consecutive sampling. Subjects that meet the inclusion criteria were interviewed with the ICD-10 (A1) version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Furthermore, subjects were asked to fill out the Beck Depression Inventory-II questionnaire. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression through SPSS software. RESULTS: The most dominant risk factors for the level of depression were categorized with long experience of violence (odds ratio [OR] = 4.939, p = 0.018), economic level (OR = 4.436, p = 0.01), and education level (OR = 3.754, p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: A significant relationship is found between violence duration, economic level, and education level with the level of depression for women victims in domestic violence.

Download Full-text