The prevalence of domestic violence among women during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley Boxall ◽  
Anthony Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Coercive Control ◽  
Safety Concerns ◽  
Complex Forms ◽  
Controlling Behaviour ◽  
Forms Of Violence ◽  
A Current

This paper presents the findings from an online survey of 15,000 Australian women about their experience of domestic violence during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the three months prior to the survey, conducted in May 2020, 4.6 percent of women who responded to the survey experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former cohabiting partner. Almost six percent (5.8%) of women experienced coercive control and 11.6 percent reported experiencing at least one form of emotionally abusive, harassing or controlling behaviour. For many women, the pandemic coincided with the onset or escalation of violence and abuse. Two-thirds of women who experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former cohabiting partner since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic said the violence had started or escalated in the three months prior to the survey. Many women, particularly those experiencing more serious or complex forms of violence and abuse, reported safety concerns were a barrier to help-seeking.

scholarly journals Prevalence of domestic violence against women in informal settlements in Mumbai, India: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e042444
Author(s):  
Nayreen Daruwalla ◽  
Suman Kanougiya ◽  
Apoorwa Gupta ◽  
Lu Gram ◽  
David Osrin
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Intimate Partners ◽  
Coercive Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Domestic Violence Against Women ◽  
Forms Of Violence

ObjectivesDomestic violence against women harms individuals, families, communities and society. Perpetrated by intimate partners or other family members, its overlapping forms include physical, sexual and emotional violence, control and neglect. We aimed to describe the prevalence of these forms of violence and their perpetrators in informal settlements in Mumbai.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingTwo large urban informal settlement areas.Participants5122 women aged 18–49 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence and perpetrators in the last year of physical, sexual and emotional domestic violence, coercive control and neglect. For each of these forms of violence, responses to questions about individual acts and composite estimates.ResultsIn the last year, 644 (13%) women had experienced physical domestic violence, 188 (4%) sexual violence and 963 (19%) emotional violence. Of ever-married women, 13% had experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence in the last year. Most physical (87%) and sexual violence (99%) was done by partners, but emotional violence equally involved marital family members. All three forms of violence were more common if women were younger, in the lowest socioeconomic asset quintile or reported disability. 1816 women (35%) had experienced at least one instance of coercive control and 33% said that they were afraid of people in their home. 10% reported domestic neglect of their food, sleep, health or children’s health.ConclusionsDomestic violence against women remains common in urban informal settlements. Physical and sexual violence were perpetrated mainly by intimate partners, but emotional violence was attributed equally to partners and marital family. More than one-third of women described controlling behaviours perpetrated by both intimate partners and marital family members. We emphasise the need to include the spectrum of perpetrators and forms of domestic violence—particularly emotional violence and coercive control—in data gathering.Trial registration numberISRCTN84502355; Pre-results.

scholarly journals Breast-feeding counselling mitigates the negative association of domestic violence on exclusive breast-feeding duration in rural Bangladesh. The MINIMat randomized trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 2810-2818 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Frith ◽  
Shirin Ziaei ◽  
Ruchira Tabassum Naved ◽  
Ashraful Islam Khan ◽  
Iqbal Kabir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Exclusive Breast Feeding ◽  
Controlling Behaviour ◽  
Group Experience

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if exclusive breast-feeding counselling modifies the association of experience of any lifetime or specific forms of domestic violence (DV) on duration of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF).DesignIn the MINIMat trial pregnant women were randomized to receive either usual health messages (UHM) or usual health messages with breast-feeding counselling (BFC) in eight visits. During pregnancy (30 weeks), lifetime experience of any or specific forms of DV was measured. Infant feeding practice information was collected from 0 to 6 months at 15 d intervals.SettingMatlab, Bangladesh.SubjectsPregnant and postpartum women (n 3186) and their infants.ResultsAmong women in the UHM group, those who had experienced any lifetime DV exclusively breast-fed for a shorter duration than women who did not experience any lifetime DV (P=0·02). There was no difference, however, in duration of EBF among women in the BFC group based on their experience of any lifetime DV exposure (P=0·48). Using Cox regression analysis, there was an interaction of exposure to any lifetime DV, sexual violence and controlling behaviour, and counselling group with duration of breast-feeding at or before 6 months (P-interaction≤0·08). Among the UHM group, experience of any lifetime DV, sexual violence or controlling behaviour was associated with fewer days of EBF (P<0·05). In contrast, among the BFC group, experience of DV was not associated with duration of EBF.ConclusionsThe experience of DV compromises EBF and the support of breast-feeding counselling programmes could assist this vulnerable group towards better infant feeding practices.

scholarly journals Variation in the Prevalence of Domestic Violence between Neighboring Areas

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedigheh Nouhjah ◽  
Seyed Mahmood Latifi
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Khuzestan Province ◽  
Logistic Analysis ◽  
Domestic Violence Against Women ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Forms Of Violence

Domestic violence against women is an important health issue, but few studies have focused on city of residence and ethnic differences. To estimate the prevalence of various forms of domestic violence and certain related factors, with a specific focus on city of residence and ethnicity, we studied 1820 married women attending public health centers in 4 large cities in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Islamic Republic of Iran. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection. The prevalence of some forms of lifetime domestic violence against women was 47.3%. The prevalence of physical, psychological, and any form of lifetime violence was the highest in Dezful (25.7%, 54.8%, and 57.7%, resp.). For sexual violence, the highest prevalence was reported in Ahvaz (17.7%). The highest prevalence of physical and sexual violence during any point of life was reported by Arab women (25.1% and 16.7%). The experience of all forms of violence was significantly associated with city of residence. Results of regression logistic analysis revealed that all of the forms of violence except psychological violence were statistically significantly associated with ethnicity (P<0.05).

Gender and Affect in Testimonial Performance: The Example of I Once Knew a Girl

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Civil Conflict ◽  
Individual Experience ◽  
Northern Irish ◽  
The Public ◽  
History Of ◽  
Affective Experiences ◽  
Forms Of Violence

Using the Theatre of Witness production I Once Knew a Girl as its focal point, this essay examines the operation of affect in performances that address Northern Ireland's history of civil conflict. I Once Knew a Girl seeks to capture women's experience of those decades. The gendered aspects of that conflict and of the associated violence and victimhood are rarely acknowledged or explored, although the research on domestic and sexual violence suggests that public civic violence has an aggravating impact on all forms of violence, including those normally designated as ‘private’. These performances focus on the personal and individual experience of the conflict and its aftermath, while seeking to create affective experiences for the spectators. Affect arguably facilitates the public telling of taboo stories while minimizing the potential for audience objectification and ‘Othering’ of the participant/protagonist. ‘Taboo’, because sexual and domestic violence – an issue that arises repeatedly within this production – is often minimized or marginalized in public discussion of the Northern Irish conflict, where the focus is on the ‘masculine’ narratives of nation and nationalisms.

scholarly journals Pemahaman Masyarakat terhadap UUPKDRT serta Dampaknya terhadap Terjadinya Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-152
Author(s):  
Ahmad Yunus ◽  
Supianto Supianto
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
The People ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Economic Violence ◽  
Level Of Understanding ◽  
Forms Of Violence ◽  
The Impact

Harmonious households can occur due to several factors that support, including factors such as comfort, compatibility, the existence of goals and trust. Conversely, households that are not harmonious occur because of several factors, including the lack of compatibility and frequent conflicts. This research focuses on how the level of understanding and the impact of community understanding of UUPKDRT. The level of community understanding of Cangkring Village, Jenggawah Subdistrict, regarding the PKDRT Law is still low. They do not know that there are many kinds of violence, including physical violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, economic violence and domestic violence violence. The impact of the low understanding of the people of Cangkring Village on the PKDRT Law and also the low understanding of various forms of violence in household causes the high incidence of violence in the household whether it is realized consciously or not.Keywords: Understanding, Domestic violence, impact

Domestic Violence against Women in Bangladesh: A Review of the Literature and the Gaps to fill-in by Future Interventions

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-81
Author(s):  
Anisur Rahman Khan
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Domestic Violence Against Women ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Forms Of Violence

Although Bangladesh maintains inadequate records of the various forms of violence against women, it is clear that domestic violence against women is the most insidious problem for women in Bangladesh. For many Bangladeshi women, home is a place of pain and humiliation and violence is an integral part of everyday life. Domestic violence against women, perpetrated by their husbands, is a multi-faceted problem in Bangladesh. The efforts of the scholars to empirically investigate the problem are inadequate and a lot of issues are yet to be explored. This review is an attempt to present the findings of the major empirical research that has so far been conducted in Bangladesh. It broadly categorises the prior research into three major areas, which include: i) forms, practices and factors of domestic violence; ii) consequences of domestic violence; and iii) help-seeking and coping strategies. In addition, the review explores some of the major gaps in the existing literature. It is hoped that future research will address the gaps and make a significant contribution in expanding the research on domestic violence in Bangladesh.

scholarly journals ‘A life barely half lived’: domestic abuse and sexual violence practitioners’ experiences and perceptions of providing care to survivors of non-physical abuse within intimate partner relationships

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Halliwell ◽  
Jennifer Daw ◽  
Susie Hay ◽  
Sandi Dheensa ◽  
Suzanne Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Intimate Partner Relationships ◽  
Partner Relationships ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

Non-physically abusive acts (underpinned by coercive control) are more prevalent than physical or sexual violence within intimate partner relationships. Yet, little is known about survivors’ help-seeking journeys or the efficacy of existing services in addressing this need. We present findings from a survey of UK-based domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and sexual violence (SV) practitioners (n = 279) exploring experiences of providing care to women with histories of non-physical abuse. Our findings suggest that survivors often seek help for non-physical abuse from specialist DVA and SV services, but wider professional agencies often overlook the severity of this experience of abuse in the absence of physical or sexual violence. The impacts of non-physical abuse on survivors’ health and wellbeing are severe and there are multiple barriers to support, particularly within the criminal justice system. Our findings highlight the urgent need to increase public and professional awareness of non-physical abuse and its consequences for training of wider agencies (for example, police, child protection, legal services) and for sustainable funding that increases long-term support options for survivors and their children.<br /><br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>Survivors of domestic violence and abuse often seek help for non-physical abuse, but professionals can misidentify the severity of this experience.</li><br /><li>The impacts of non-physical abuse on survivors’ health and wellbeing are severe, creating barriers to accessing support.</li><br /><li>There is a need to increase public and professional awareness of non-physical abuse and its consequences.</li></ul>

scholarly journals Domestic Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ana Gama ◽  
Ana Rita Pedro ◽  
Maria João Leote de Carvalho ◽  
Ana Esteves Guerreiro ◽  
Vera Duarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
National School ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Specific Support ◽  
Shared Time

The measures implemented to combat the COVID-19 pandemic led populations to confinement at home, with increased risk of domestic violence due to extended shared time between victims and offenders. Evidence on domestic violence in times of pandemic is lacking. This study examines the occurrence of domestic violence, associated factors and help seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted in Portugal between April and October 2020 by NOVA National School of Public Health. The survey was disseminated through partner networks, media, and institutions working within the scope of violence. Data were collected on the experience of domestic violence, and help seeking during the pandemic. In a total of 1,062 respondents, 146 (13.7%) reported having suffered domestic violence during the pandemic, including psychological (13.0%, n = 138), sexual (1.0%, n = 11), and physical (0.9%, n = 10) abuse. Overall, the lower the age, the more the reported domestic violence. Also, a higher proportion of participants who perceived difficulties to make ends meet during the pandemic reported domestic violence. Differences between women and men and across educational levels on reported domestic violence were not statistically significant. Bivariate logistic analyses showed that, among women, reported domestic violence was more likely among those with up to secondary education compared to higher education. Most of the victims did not seek help (62.3%), the main reasons being considering it unnecessary, that help would not change anything, and feeling embarrassed about what had happened. Only 4.3% of the victims sought police help. The most common reasons for not coming forward to form a complaint were considering the abuse was not severe and believing the police would not do anything. Our findings indicate that domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic was experienced by both sexes and across different age groups. There is a need for investing in specific support systems for victims of domestic violence to be applied to pandemic contexts, especially targeting those in more vulnerable situations and potentially underserved.

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