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Sengupta NK, Hammond MD, Deak CK, Malhotra RS. Ambivalent Sexism and Tolerance of Violence Against Women in India. Psychol Sci 2024:9567976241254312. [PMID: 38869963 DOI: 10.1177/09567976241254312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined associations between sexist beliefs and tolerance of violence against women in India using a nationally representative probability sample of adults (n = 133,398). Research consistently indicates that hostile sexism fosters tolerance of violence against women. However, benevolent sexism is sometimes associated with higher tolerance and sometimes with lower tolerance of violence. We proposed that this inconsistency could be resolved by considering the source of violence: Is violence perpetrated by outsiders or intimate partners? Results of a multigroup structural equation model showed that endorsement of hostile sexism was related to greater tolerance of violence regardless of the source. In contrast, endorsement of benevolent sexism was associated with lower tolerance of violence from outsiders but was simultaneously associated with higher tolerance of spousal violence. These opposing processes indicate that although benevolent sexism promises women protection from violence, the very same ideology legitimizes spousal violence, thereby reinforcing men's power within intimate relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris K Deak
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington
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Patel A, Dixon KE, Rojas S, Gopalakrishnan L, Carmio N. Explaining Suicide Among Indian Women: Applying the Cultural Theory of Suicide to Indian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Reporting Suicidal Ideation. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241254145. [PMID: 38819007 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241254145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Indian women account for 36.6% of suicide-related deaths worldwide and gender-based violence (GBV) is a key social determinant. The cultural theory of suicide (CTS), which synthesizes risk factors and explanations of suicide among racial/ethnic minorities, posits four tenets: idioms of distress, cultural sanctions, and social discord. Our study applied the CTS to Indian women from slums reporting GBV to explore (1) culturally relevant risk pathways towards suicidal ideation using qualitative analyses, and test (2) the association between idioms of distress and suicidal ideation. 112 women from urban slums were recruited and 99 completed surveys. A subset were administered qualitative interviews. Aim 1 explored the CTS framework among participants describing suicidal ideation in qualitative interviews [n = 18]; Aim 2 explored if idioms of distress severity was associated with suicidal ideation through an ANCOVA [N = 99]. Idioms of distress such as 'tension' indicated suicidal ideation. Communities did not sanction suicidal ideation, leading to secrecy regarding disclosure. Women in 'love marriages' (versus arranged marriages) reported minority stress. Social discord heightened suicidal thoughts. Results of the ANCOVA confirmed that women reporting suicidal ideation had higher idioms of distress severity (M = 28.56, SD = 6.37), compared to women who did not (M = 21.77, SD = 6.07), F(1, 96) = 28.58, p < .001 (ηp2 = .23). Our study empirically validates the CTS among Indian GBV survivors. Culturally responsive suicide prevention can include assessing idioms of distress, improving family support, and educating to reduce stigma and enhance help-seeking.
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Chattopadhyay A, Kumar Sharma S, Vishwakarma D, Jungari S. Prevalence and risk factors of physical violence against husbands: evidence from India. J Biosoc Sci 2024; 56:391-411. [PMID: 37823273 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932023000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
As the proportion of women being victims of spousal violence in India is higher than men, laws are usually framed to safeguard women. However, men who have experienced physical spousal violence are not unheard of. The study aims to provide the nationwide prevalence of physical violence against husbands and the risk factors for such violence, using large-scale nationally representative 'National Family Health Survey' (NFHS 4) data. The study used descriptive, bivariate, logistic, and multilevel regression models with a random intercept clustering within states and households to explain the physical violence against husband. Sample size for the analysis was 62,716 currently married women aged 15-49 years. Findings revealed that in most of the states of India, physical spousal violence has increased over time. Behavioural characteristics like marital control, alcoholism, and childhood experience of parental violence have a consistent and strong role in explaining the experience of physical violence across states. With age, experience of violence against husbands increases. Differences in socio-economic characteristics do not have unidirectional effect on violence experienced by husbands across regions of India. Working women who are earning cash and having access to mobile phones perpetrate more physical violence in selected regions. Education shows a gradient on such violence perpetration, indicating that only after achieving a certain level of education, chances of violence reduce. Regionally contrasting social and economic risk factors in explaining violence strengthen the argument that violence is space and culture-specific, and development alone may not resolve violence unless the system is addressing the behavioural aspects. There is a need for supporting men experiencing domestic violence within the existing system facilities. Revisiting the present domestic violence laws and programmes for inclusivity is the need of the hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparajita Chattopadhyay
- Department of Population and Development, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Deepanjali Vishwakarma
- Senior Associate Monitoring & Evaluation, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Suresh Jungari
- Department of Public Health & Mortality Studies, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
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Satyen L, Bourke-Ibbs M, Rowland B. A global study into Indian women's experiences of domestic violence and control: the role of patriarchal beliefs. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1273401. [PMID: 38495424 PMCID: PMC10941981 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1273401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic violence (DV) is a serious and preventable human rights issue that disproportionately affects certain groups of people, including Indian women. Feminist theory suggests that patriarchal ideologies produce an entitlement in male perpetrators of DV; however, this has not been examined in the context of women from the Indian subcontinent. This study examined Indian women's experiences of abuse (physical, sexual, and psychological) and controlling behavior across 31 countries by examining the relationship between the patriarchal beliefs held by the women's partners and the women's experience of DV. This study uses an intersectional feminist framework to examine the variables. Data from an online questionnaire was collected from 825 Indian women aged between 18 and 77 years (M = 35.64, SD = 8.71) living in 31 countries across Asia (37.1%), Europe (18.3%), Oceania (23.8%), the Americas (16.1%) and Africa (3.2%) and analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression. A majority of participants (72.5%) had experienced at least one form of abuse during their relationship, and over a third (35.1%) had experienced controlling behavior. In support of the central hypotheses, after controlling for potential confounders, women whose partners showed greater endorsement of patriarchal beliefs were less likely to have access to freedom during their relationship (ß = -0.38, p < 0.001) and were more likely to have been abused by their partner or a member of his family (ß = 0.34, p < 0.001). The findings of this study highlight the need to engage with men in Indian communities through culturally-tailored intervention strategies designed to challenge the patriarchal ideologies that propagate, justify, and excuse DV.
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Kowalski J. Language Beyond Labeling: Toward a Language Ideologies Analysis of Anti-Violence Interventions. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:668-688. [PMID: 36452985 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221140135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
As scholars explore anti-carceral approaches to gender violence, they question how to structure interactive practices to transform, rather than reproduce, dynamics of inequality and harm. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted with frontline workers in north India, this article argues that the concept of language ideologies can help analyze how interactive practices address gender violence. Language ideologies are shared representations of how interaction connects speaker, audience, and context. By tracking the language ideologies that inform anti-violence interventions, researchers can better analyze the extraordinarily complex semiotic labor required to address gender violence.
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Rao TSS, Tripathi A, Manohar S, Tandon A. Promoting sexual well-being. Indian J Psychiatry 2024; 66:S262-S271. [PMID: 38445287 PMCID: PMC10911331 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_612_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adarsh Tripathi
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India E-mail:
| | - Shivanand Manohar
- Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhinav Tandon
- Department of Psychiatry, MLN Medical College, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Shorey S, Baladram S. "Does It Really Get Better After Dad Leaves?" Children's Experiences With Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:542-559. [PMID: 36927274 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231156197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Domestic violence (DV) can persist and escalate post-separation. However, little focus has been given to children exposed to DV during this period. This review aims to consolidate the available evidence on children's post-separation experiences with DV caused by their fathers. A qualitative systematic review was carried out. Six electronic databases were searched from the inception of each database until July 2022. Qualitative studies of children aged below 24 years, with biological fathers that committed DV, of which each had experienced parental separation were selected. Twenty studies were included in this review after screening according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. Using Sandelowski and Barroso's analysis method, a meta-summary and a meta-synthesis were conducted. Three major themes with eight subthemes were identified: (1) continued abuse post-separation, (2) child's wavering mind of their fathers, and (3) wrangling between past and present. Overall, the findings highlighted that the experience of DV persisted post-separation through various forms of abuse. Children also struggled with mixed feelings and thoughts toward their fathers. They found it hard to trust their fathers and were cautious about their fathers' intentions regarding love and interest. Some children had difficulty interacting with their fathers and were exploited by them. Different stakeholders such as healthcare professionals and court officials can play a significant role in supporting and protecting children exposed to DV and schools can play a significant role in empowering children against DV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sara Baladram
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Angeline J, Rathnasabapathy M. Understanding women's suffering and psychological well-being: exploring biopsychosocial factors in mothers of children with ADHD - a case study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1279499. [PMID: 37915818 PMCID: PMC10616792 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1279499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Overview Parents play a dynamic part in child development. Mothers have a great responsibility towards the upbringing child. Previous research has demonstrated that parenting stress levels are high among Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Aim Parenting stress affects the psychological well-being of the mother. It is necessary to identify the factors that affect psychological well-being based on Biopsychosocial factors, including biological, psychological, and social factors. Methodology An in-depth case study was conducted with the mother of a 7-year-old child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results The mother lacks self-efficacy and low perceived social support in. Equipping themselves and building up the knowledge on handling the child and training the child with the developmental disorder increase parenting self-efficacy. Support from family, partner, and society will help them strengthen themselves and may have high psychological support.
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Steinert JI, Boehret I, Vasumati Satish R, Sharma S, Chatterji S. 'We don't get money in our own hands': evidence from focus group discussions on economic abuse against women in two states of India. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012576. [PMID: 37798047 PMCID: PMC10565156 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Violence against women is a serious human rights violation. While much attention has been given to the prevalence and prevention of physical, sexual and emotional violence, one crucial dimension is to date less well understood: economic abuse against women. This paper presents rich qualitative data on economic abuse against women in India to improve the understanding of economic abuse in a lower-middle income setting and to assess how economic abuse interacts with socio-cultural factors such as patrilocality, patriarchal gender norms and limited acceptance of female employment. METHODS We conducted 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) in the states Maharashtra and Rajasthan. FGDs were conducted with married working (for income) and non-working women, husbands and mothers-in-law. Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Transcripts were coded using thematic analysis and emerging themes were discussed among all authors. RESULTS Women suffered from four distinct forms of economic abuse. Economic control emerged as the most prevalent theme, amplified by women's marginalisation from financial decision-making in the household. Discussions further alluded to employment sabotage, which husbands commonly justified by not wanting their wives to neglect their duties at home. A third category was women's economic exploitation, expressed by husbands taking their salaries, accumulating debt in their wife's name, and using their wife's wedding endowments for own purposes. A last category was husbands' refusal to financially contribute to necessary household expenses, which hindered investments in children's education and adequate coping with health emergencies. We identified important linkages with other forms of domestic abuse. CONCLUSION Economic abuse has the potential to trap women in abusive relationships. Effective interventions to reduce economic abuse and economically empower women such as financial inclusion programmes are urgently needed. Stricter penalisation of dowry-related violence and spousal abuse is also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Isabel Steinert
- TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ines Boehret
- TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Sangeeta Chatterji
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Rezaie-Chamani S, Bostani Khalesi Z, Rahnavardi M. Factors Associated With Domestic Violence Against Peri- and Postmenopausal Women. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2023; 38:611-624. [PMID: 37541757 DOI: 10.1891/vv-2021-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the study was to determine factors associated with domestic violence in menopausal women. This was a cross-sectional study that 350 menopausal women participated. Data gathering used a World Health Organization's violence against women instrument. Emotional violence was recognized as one of the most experienced types of domestic violence (48%). According to the multivariate logistic regression model, the status of exposure to sexual violence (before marriage) and the partner's substance abuse was the most robust risk factors for domestic violence, while factors such as employment of women and satisfaction of income were protective against domestic violence. This study has highlighted the factors associated with domestic violence that health program managers need to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedighe Rezaie-Chamani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zahra Bostani Khalesi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mona Rahnavardi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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Purbarrar F, Khani S, Zeydi AE, Cherati JY. A review of the challenges of screening for domestic violence against women from the perspective of health professionals. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:183. [PMID: 37545994 PMCID: PMC10402801 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_733_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic violence has a significant effect on women's reproductive, physical, and mental health, and it is a significant threat to everyone's health, so that, it sometimes leads women to commit suicide. Although many of these women will refer to receive medical care due to domestic violence, few of them are identified by health care providers. The present study aimed to review the challenges of screening for domestic violence against women from the perspective of health professionals. MATERIALS AND METHOD This study is a scoping review. The study was performed in five stages, which include (1) designing the research question, (2) searching and extracting research-related studies in national and international databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), IranDoc and Google Scholar search engine, from inception to March 2021, (3) selecting related studies, (4) scheduling and summarizing data and information, and (5) reporting the results. RESULTS Out of 411 articles reviewed, 10 article met our inclusion criteria and were included. According to the results of the studies, barriers of screening for domestic violence can be classified into three areas, which include barriers related to employees (lack of knowledge and training, lack of time to conduct screening, lack of staff confidence, client judgment, and lack of security and comfort for asking related questions and forgetting employees), barriers related to the client and the prevailing culture in the society (tolerating and not reporting domestic violence, fear of spouse due to high power of men in society, fear of losing children and life, and racial and cultural issues) and barriers related to the organization (lack of necessary support from the organization, lack of funding from the organization, lack of protocol). CONCLUSION Considering the high number of barriers of detecting women affected by the domestic violence, this study could be used in program designation, and implementation of effective interventions to remove barriers of domestic violence screening. Health care providers can use the results of this review to prepare educational packages according to their cultural background to improve understanding and women's cooperation in the domestic violence prevention and screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Purbarrar
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Soghra Khani
- Department of Reproductive and Midwifery Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Amir Emami Zeydi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nasibeh School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Jamshid Yazdani Cherati
- Health Sciences Research Center, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Maitra A. The belly's word: Domestic violence in a Bengali clinic. Med Anthropol Q 2023. [PMID: 36989382 DOI: 10.1111/maq.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Unspeakability is a dominant analytic lens in scholarship on gendered violence in India, but women can and do speak out. This article examines how Bengali women complain about domestic violence through peter katha, the belly's word. The capacious pet (belly) is the seat of tension, where abuse dwells in the body. At a clinic in Kolkata, India, women describe sensations of abdominal pain, pressure, and hunger to convey patterns and temporalities of violence. Yet complaints of belly pain go unacknowledged by local clinicians. Hygiene discourses frame poor women's bodies, not structural violence, as the problem. Peter katha is more than an idiom of distress: it is a genre of embodied complaint that illuminates violence as the accrual of harm and, in its dynamic and layered quality, moves beyond a binary of disclosure or concealment. Anthropologists may use peter katha to extend the conceptual vocabulary of gender and silence. [domestic violence, kinship, complaint, hygiene, belly, India].
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrapali Maitra
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States of America
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Mittal M, Paden McCormick A, Palit M, Trabold N, Spencer C. A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Community-Based Intimate Partner Violence Interventions in India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5277. [PMID: 37047893 PMCID: PMC10093839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) in India remains an entrenched and prevalent public health issue. Despite ample evidence of the widespread problem of IPV in India and associated mental and physical morbidities, far less is known about intervention models to reduce IPV in India. The aims of this meta-analysis and systematic review are to assess the effectiveness of community-based interventions to reduce IPV in India and to provide a narrative synthesis of these intervention approaches. A total of 9 databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed, English-language articles published between January 2000 and September 2022. The search identified 10 studies that met study inclusion criteria, including 3 randomized control trials, 4 quasi-experimental, 2 pre/post, and 1 time-series evaluation. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was notable variation in the interventions and approaches employed to reduce IPV and varying measurement of IPV outcomes. The results of the meta-analysis show that participating in community-based IPV interventions produced a significant reduction in IPV among women. When considering different types of IPV, study participants were less likely to report physical and psychological IPV victimization. In addition, participants were also less likely to report approving of IPV after participating in community-based IPV interventions. Community-based interventions and research addressing IPV are still evolving in India. Missing descriptions of theoretical frameworks, sampling, intervention design, and inadequately reported effectiveness of intervention (both quantitative and qualitative reporting) need to be addressed. Moreover, long-term evaluations of the pilot interventions are needed to provide a clear picture of the long-term effectiveness, sustainability, and replicability of the community-based IPV interventions. The findings have implications for researchers, practitioners (community health workers, clinicians, and social workers), and policymakers keen on IPV reduction in India and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Mittal
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Anna Paden McCormick
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Manjushree Palit
- Jindal School of Psychology and Counseling, Jindal Global University, Sonipat 131001, India
| | - Nicole Trabold
- College of Health Science and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Chelsea Spencer
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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Kovacevic M, Patel AR, Newman E. Mixed-Method Investigations Uncovering Tension, PTSD Symptoms, and Trauma-Related Difficulties Among Indian Women from Slums Reporting Gender-Based Violence. Cult Med Psychiatry 2023; 47:195-216. [PMID: 35099672 PMCID: PMC9339029 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-021-09759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Indian women exposed to gender-based violence (GBV) report experiencing cultural concepts of distress, such as tension, and trauma-related difficulties. However, tension and trauma-related sequalae have not been explicitly explored. The present study examined the symptoms, causes, and coping strategies associated with tension among slum-residing Indian women reporting GBV (N = 100). This study also explored linkages between tension and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. Qualitative results among a subsample of women (n = 38) indicated tension was commonly reported. Tension was characterized by varied affective, behavioral, cognitive, and somatic components and was most commonly caused by interpersonal stressors. Participants described various coping strategies to manage tension, including avoiding, cognitively reframing, considering consequences, distracting themselves, seeking medical, religious and/or spiritual assistance, finding social support, and tolerating tension. Barriers to coping were stigma, hopelessness about present circumstances, and negative reactions from others. One-way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc results (N = 100) indicated that participants with higher tension exhibited significantly higher PTSD symptom severity as compared to participants reporting no tension. Altogether, the polyvalence of tension suggested that it requires idiographic assessment. Tension appears responsive to skills consistent with evidence-based psychological treatments for Indian women from slums reporting GBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anushka R Patel
- Trauma Recovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Akram N, Yasmin M. Sexual violence against women: Global interventions and an evidence from Pakistan. WOMENS STUDIES INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2023.102691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Wiem BA, Hela S, Jihen J, Hatem K, Narjes K, Malek Z, Fatma D, Samir M, Zouhir H. Physical violence against women in southern Tunisia: Epidemiology and risk factors. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 94:102482. [PMID: 36608480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Violence against women is a widespread offense worldwide. It causes serious physical, psychological, and medico-legal repercussions. We aim to specify the socio-demographic characteristics of female victims of physical violence well as the medical consequences and risk factors related to serious physical violence against women in Tunisia. MATERIALS This is a retrospective study including all women victims of physical violence, examined on judicial requisition at the Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, over two years (March 1st, 2018 to February 29th, 2020). Physical violence is considered serious whena forensic specialist predicts long term effects at the lesional stage (determining partial permanent disability: PPD). RESULTS In our study, 2909 women were victims of physical violence. The average age of the victims was 34 ± 13 years (extremes:2 and94 years). The majority of victims were married (83.3%), jobless (52.5%), and of an urban origin (72.7%). Physical violence predominated in summer and autumn with a peak in frequency in July and at weekends. The consultation delay ranged between 1 and 30 days in two-thirds of the cases. The perpetrator was an intimate partner in 38.2% of cases, a stranger in 11.1% of cases, and a family member in 5.9% of cases. The weapon used was a blunt object in 82.8% of cases. Injuries were preferentially located in the upper limbs (52.6%) followed by the head and face (42.7%), consisting essentially of bruising and abrasions. The median duration of the total temporary disability (TTD) was 5 days (extremes: 0-60 days). The duration of TTD was statistically correlated to the type and the site of the most serious injuries. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between the duration of TTD and the PPD prediction (p < 0.001). A 9-day TTD represented the threshold to expect PPD. A total of 198 cases (6.8%) were considered serious. Serious physical violence was statistically correlated to the origin of the victim (urban), the relationship with the aggressor (stranger, or thief), the type of weapon used (sharp or thermal force), the type of injury (contused wound, sharp wound, penetrating wound, fracture-dislocation, or head trauma) and thesite of the injury (head and face). CONCLUSION Violence against women is a very widespread practice in our society. Despite legislative advances, Tunisian women remain victims of discrimination in several areas. A change in mentalities and an awareness of the need to respect women's rights are necessary and require collaboration between the various social, legal and medical stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Amar Wiem
- Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Siala Hela
- Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Jedidi Jihen
- Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Preventive and Community Medicine Department of Hedi Chaker Hospital, Tunisia.
| | - Kallel Hatem
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana; Tropical Biome and Immunopathology CNRS UMR-9017, Inserm U 1019, Université de Guyane, French Guiana.
| | - Karray Narjes
- Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Zribi Malek
- Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Daoud Fatma
- Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Maatoug Samir
- Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Hammami Zouhir
- Forensic Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
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Roberts LR, Sadan V, Siva R, Sathiyaseelan M, Rosalind SE, Suresh P, Montgomery SB. Factors Predicting Mental Health Among Women in Low-Income Communities of a Changing Society: A Mixed-Methods Study. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:381-394. [PMID: 36960038 PMCID: PMC10028298 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s397845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore women's mental health in India's rapidly changing society. Participants and Methods A convenience sample of low-income women (N = 286) in a medium-sized city in South-India participated in a mixed-methods, exploratory study in 2022. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was received from Loma Linda University in the US, and Christian Medical College-Vellore in India, in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki, prior to data collection. All study materials were forward and back translated for Tamil, the local language. Phase 1(n = 25) involved audio recorded key-informant interviews and focus groups. Verbatim transcripts were inductively coded, and emerging themes identified. Phase 2 (n = 261) entailed a quantitative survey including demographics, health history, and validated scales measuring mental health symptoms, coping strategies, social support, living situation, and life satisfaction. Data collectors were gender and language matched, research trained, community health nurses. Results Qualitative themes included: 1) benefits of living in the city, 2) double duty for women doing household work and paid work, 3) challenges of living in the urban environment, 4) advantages of living in the village, 5) struggles associated with village life. Quantitative results: the average Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL) score of 1.82 (SD = 0.70) exceeded the 1.65 cut-off score for anxiety and depression symptomology. Among participants with elevated HSCL scores (n = 129) the average was markedly elevated (M = 2.39, SD = 0.56). These women were more likely to rely on wishful thinking, religious coping, and reported more post-migration living difficulties, less social support, and less satisfaction with life. Regression analysis further explored variables associated with participant HSCL scores. Conclusion In this sample of low-income urban-dwelling women depression and anxiety symptomology was elevated. Given the limited mental health workforce and cultural stigmatization of mental health issues, further attention is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Roberts
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Lisa R Roberts, Loma Linda University School of Nursing, 11262 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA, Tel +1 909 558 1000, Fax +1 909 558 0719, Email
| | - Vathsala Sadan
- Christian Medical College-Vellore, College of Nursing, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajeswari Siva
- Christian Medical College-Vellore, College of Nursing, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sara Emma Rosalind
- Christian Medical College-Vellore, College of Nursing, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prema Suresh
- Christian Medical College-Vellore, College of Nursing, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Do electronic and economic empowerment protect women from intimate partner violence (IPV) in India? BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:510. [PMID: 36494662 PMCID: PMC9733227 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem. Electronic empowerment has several positive impacts on health. No study has examined whether electronic empowerment prevents intimate partner violence. Economic empowerment has positive and negative effects on IPV victimization. The current study was conducted to investigate whether economic and electronic empowerment of women act as protective factors against IPV in India. METHODS A national representative sample of 66,013 ever-married women from 36 member states and union territories of India has been used from the National Family Health Survey 2015 to 2016. Emotional, physical and sexual violence against women by husbands were target variables. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of emotional violence was 13%, physical violence was 28% and sexual violence was 7%. IPV against women was as follows: The prevalence was higher among women living in rural areas, belonging to Hindu religion and those belonging to Scheduled Castes. Higher education and higher socio-economic status were found to be protective factors against IPV. The prevalence of IPV was higher among the working women, among those having knowledge of business loans for women and the recipients of such business loans. Exposure to media was found to reduce IPV. The women who used mobile phones and SMS facility experienced less violence. CONCLUSION Economic independence of women was found to be a risk factor for IPV in India, whereas electronic empowerment was a protective factor. In the Indian context, policymakers should make use of mobile phones and support SMS use in the IPV awareness programs. Women empowerment, combined with gender equity, can reduce the prevalence of violence against women.
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Kamath A, Yadav A, Baghel J, Mundle S. Locked Down: Experiences of Domestic Violence in Central India. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:e2100630. [PMID: 36041829 PMCID: PMC9426993 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) data show that 31.1% of women faced domestic violence in 2015-2016, with no reduction since 2005-2006. Emerging data show that since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), reports of intimate partner violence have increased worldwide because of mandatory lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus. The nature of the current pandemic, which has forced women to spend time with their abusers and restricted their mobility, has made them more vulnerable to abuse. We aimed to determine the proportion of domestic violence among Indian women during the lockdown period. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in June-August 2020 on married, Indian women of reproductive age who attended the obstetrics-gynecology outpatient department during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Abuse Assessment Screening questionnaire validated during NFHS-4 (2015-2016) was used as a data collection tool. Our primary objective was to determine the proportion of women presenting to the hospital who were exposed to domestic violence during the lockdown period. Analysis was done using SPSS Statistics V22.0. RESULTS A total of 412 women were recruited for the study. The mean age was 23 years (range 19-52 years). The prevalence of domestic violence in any form was found to be 32.5%, with the majority being verbal abuse in the form of insults, threats of physical violence, or public humiliation. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicated a high proportion of women with a history of domestic violence during the pandemic. Thus, health care policy makers and experts involved in women's care-particularly during crisis conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic-should be aware of the extent of this problem and take measures to properly address it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Kamath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India
| | - Anita Yadav
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India
| | - Jyoti Baghel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India
| | - Shuchita Mundle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India.
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Sabri B, Rai A, Rameshkumar A. Violence Against Women in India: An Analysis of Correlates of Domestic Violence and Barriers and Facilitators of Access to Resources for Support. JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE-BASED SOCIAL WORK (2019) 2022; 19:700-729. [PMID: 36530195 PMCID: PMC9756932 DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2022.2105671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Domestic violence (DV) is a significant public health problem in India, with women disproportionately impacted. This study a) identified risk and protective correlates of DV and, b) barriers and facilitators for seeking and receiving help for DV among women in India. Methods A systematic search of 5 databases was performed to identify correlates of DV in the quantitative literature. The search resulted in inclusion of 68 studies for synthesis. For qualitative exploration, data were collected from 27 women in India. Results While factors such as social norms and attitudes supportive of DV were both risk correlates and barriers to addressing DV, omen's empowerment, financial independence and informal sources of support were both protective correlates of DV as well as facilitators in addressing DV. Conclusions Strong efforts in India are needed to reduce DV-related risk factors and strengthen protective factors and enhance access to care for women in abusive relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Sabri
- John Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | - Abha Rai
- School of Social Work, Loyola University, Chicago, IL
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21
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Patel AR, Kovacevic M, Hinton D, Newman E. "I put a stone on my heart and kept going": An explanatory model of how distress is generated and regulated among Indian women from slums reporting gender-based violence. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:522-538. [PMID: 34860626 DOI: 10.1177/13634615211055003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Clinical variation in the expression of panic disorder, depression and anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has have been documented across cultures. However, local (emic) cultural models that explain how people make sense of their illness experiences remain relatively understudied in India among trauma-exposed populations. Further, the integration of emic findings into clinical care is limited, underscoring the need for emic perspectives following trauma to improve the development or adaptation of trauma-focused treatments in India. This study describes an emic explanatory model of distress, which includes idioms of distress, perceived causes of distress, and coping/help-seeking behaviors among Indian women from slums reporting gender-based violence. This explanatory model can be used as a culturally grounded way to develop clinical case conceptualizations to adapt and deliver psychological treatments for this under-served population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Devon Hinton
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Sukhtankar S, Kruks-Wisner G, Mangla A. Policing in patriarchy: An experimental evaluation of reforms to improve police responsiveness to women in India. Science 2022; 377:191-198. [DOI: 10.1126/science.abm7387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Gender-targeted police reforms are frequently proposed to tackle the global problem of rising yet under-reported gender-based violence (GBV)—but with mixed and often disappointing results. We explore this issue in India, a country with alarming rates of GBV and limited police capacity, by studying the impact of Women’s Help Desks (WHDs): dedicated spaces for women in local police stations, staffed by trained officers. Drawing on the largest randomized controlled trial of a police reform to date (180 police stations serving 23.4 million people), we find that officers in stations with WHDs are more likely to register cases of GBV, particularly where female officers run the desks. This suggests that even in resource-constrained and patriarchal environments, police responsiveness can be improved by focusing and mainstreaming attention to women’s cases and by greater gender representation within the police.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Sukhtankar
- Department of Economics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Abdul Lateef Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Akshay Mangla
- Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 1HP, UK
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23
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Arya S, George AJ. Trivialization of Aggression Against Women in India: An Exploration of Life Writings and Societal Perception. Front Psychol 2022; 13:923753. [PMID: 35874423 PMCID: PMC9301204 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Aggression, or an action that intend to harm, encompasses different forms with varying intensity, impact, and salient features. Globally and in Indian context specifically, aggression against women is often normalized if there is no physical aggression involved as the hurt caused tends to be invisible. The current study explored the perceived intensity of physical, verbal, and sexual aggression among south Indian adults. Method Aggressive instances from the life writings of two south Indian women were chosen and were rated by five independent coders to check inter-coder reliability. The select narratives disclose instances of domestic aggression. Ten instances with highest ratings were chosen as the material for data collection. Adults (N = 145) from two southern states had reported the perceived intensity of aggression in each context. Textual analysis and ANOVA were the analytic techniques adopted. Results The results indicate trivialization of verbal aggression compared to physical and sexual aggression. Further, the instances of verbal or more subtle aggression were perceived as even more trivial when the respondents got exposed to the instances of explicit physical and sexual aggressions first. Conclusions The findings indicate trivialization of verbal and implicit forms of aggression, particularly when exposed along with physical and explicit forms of aggression. Consequences of different forms of aggression were not considered significant by the respondents. Suggestions for further studies, changes in policy-making, and law-enforcement were made based on the current results.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Arya
- Department of English, School of Humanities and Languages, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
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Ghiasi Z, Zaheri Y, Payandeh A, Shahbandari M, Sabzehali F, Ranjbar H. Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Women Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy Programs and its Related Risk Factors. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2022; 14:198-204. [PMID: 36544975 PMCID: PMC9743825 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2022.1270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women who are undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and its related risk factors. Methods This case-control study was conducted on 195 women who were under MMT and a control group consisting of 195 women who were not under it in the city of Zahedan from 22 May to 1 December 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire for the measurement of violence against women and a sociodemographic questionnaire. In order to analyze the data, the t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used. Findings In the case group, 67.2% of participants had experienced DV during the past year. In the control group, the prevalence was 78.5%. The rate of more than one occasion of DV was significantly higher in the group who were under MMT (P<0.05). The most common type of violence was mental abuse. Physical, sexual, and economic abuses were in the next ranks. Important predictors of DV, in order of importance, were: the women's low educational level, smoking, income level, and polygamy (P<0.05). Conclusion MMT is not a risk factor for DV. It seems that the rate of DV against women in Zahedan is very high. The prevalence of recurrent DV in women under MMT was higher than in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghiasi
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Younes Zaheri
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical School, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran,Corresponding Author: Younes Zaheri, Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical School, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Tel:+98-5433522636;
| | - Abolfazl Payandeh
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Health, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Milad Shahbandari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical School, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Sabzehali
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical School, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hadi Ranjbar
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lolayekar AP, Desouza S, Mukhopadhyay P. Crimes Against Women in India: A District-Level Analysis (1991-2011). JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP7289-NP7314. [PMID: 33107379 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520967147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Crimes against women (CAW) in India have been rising despite faster economic growth, higher education attainment, and increasing numbers of women in the economic sphere. This article explores the reasons for the incidence of reported CAW in India. We study five CAW (rape, kidnapping, cruelty, dowry deaths, and molestation), across 35 states and union territories, 594 districts, over three decades (1991-2011). We use panel fixed-effects regression models to explain crime. Our results confirm the importance of female literacy rates, female paid workforce participation, and female-male ratio in understanding crime. We find that these commonly-used socioeconomic variables have nonlinear effects on CAW. Our findings improve upon earlier results that have not explored either spatial distribution or nonlinearity in India. These findings could have significant implications for the policies aiming to reduce CAW.
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Riley A, Daruwalla N, Kanougiya S, Gupta A, Wickenden M, Osrin D. Intimate partner violence against women with disability and associated mental health concerns: a cross-sectional survey in Mumbai, India. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056475. [PMID: 35477887 PMCID: PMC9047698 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women with disability is believed to be high. We aimed to compare the prevalence of past-year IPV against women with and without functional difficulties in urban informal settlements, to review its social determinants and to explore its association with mental health. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Fifty clusters within four informal settlements. PARTICIPANTS 5122 women aged 18-49 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES We used the Washington Group Short Set of Questions to assess functional difficulties. IPV in the past year was described by binary composites of questions about physical, sexual and emotional violence. We screened for symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and of anxiety using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between functional difficulties, IPV and mental health. RESULTS 10% of participants who screened positive for functional disability had greater odds of experiencing physical or sexual IPV (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.68, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.29) and emotional IPV (1.52, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.00) than women who screened negative. Women who screened positive for functional disability had greater odds than women who screened negative of symptoms suggesting moderate or severe anxiety (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.78 to 3.49), depression (2.91, 95% CI 2.13 to 3.99) and suicidal thinking (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.50). CONCLUSIONS The burden of IPV fell disproportionately on women with functional difficulties, who were also more likely to screen positive for common mental disorder. Public health initiatives need to respond at local and national levels to address the overlapping and mutually reinforcing determinants of violence, while existing policy needs to be better utilised to ensure protection for the most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Riley
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nayreen Daruwalla
- Program on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children, SNEHA, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suman Kanougiya
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Apoorwa Gupta
- Program on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children, SNEHA, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mary Wickenden
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - David Osrin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Dandona R, Gupta A, George S, Kishan S, Kumar GA. Domestic violence in Indian women: lessons from nearly 20 years of surveillance. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:128. [PMID: 35448988 PMCID: PMC9023044 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prevalence of self-reported domestic violence against women in India is high. This paper investigates the national and sub-national trends in domestic violence in India to prioritise prevention activities and to highlight the limitations to data quality for surveillance in India.
Methods Data were extracted from annual reports of National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) under four domestic violence crime-headings—cruelty by husband or his relatives, dowry death, abetment to suicide, and protection of women against domestic violence act. Rate for each crime is reported per 100,000 women aged 15–49 years, for India and its states from 2001 to 2018. Data on persons arrested and legal status of the cases were extracted. Results Rate of reported cases of cruelty by husband or relatives in India was 28.3 (95% CI 28.1–28.5) in 2018, an increase of 53% from 2001. State-level variations in this rate ranged from 0.5 (95% CI − 0.05 to 1.5) to 113.7 (95% CI 111.6–115.8) in 2018. Rate of reported dowry deaths and abetment to suicide was 2.0 (95% CI 2.0–2.0) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.4–1.4) in 2018 for India, respectively. Overall, a few states accounted for the temporal variation in these rates, with the reporting stagnant in most states over these years. The NCRB reporting system resulted in underreporting for certain crime-headings. The mean number of people arrested for these crimes had decreased over the period. Only 6.8% of the cases completed trials, with offenders convicted only in 15.5% cases in 2018. The NCRB data are available in heavily tabulated format with limited usage for intervention planning. The non-availability of individual level data in public domain limits exploration of patterns in domestic violence that could better inform policy actions to address domestic violence. Conclusions Urgent actions are needed to improve the robustness of NCRB data and the range of information available on domestic violence cases to utilise these data to effectively address domestic violence against women in India. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01703-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhi Dandona
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector 44, Institutional Area, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002, India. .,Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Aradhita Gupta
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector 44, Institutional Area, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002, India
| | - Sibin George
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector 44, Institutional Area, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002, India
| | - Somy Kishan
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector 44, Institutional Area, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002, India
| | - G Anil Kumar
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector 44, Institutional Area, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002, India
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Nieder C, Bosch JF, Nockemann AP, Kärtner J. Evaluation of RISE: A Sexual Violence Prevention Program for Female College Students in India. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP5538-NP5565. [PMID: 32954942 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520959631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RISE, a sexual violence prevention program for female college students in India, covers topics on gender, healthy relationships, sexual violence, and bystander education, and focuses on the teaching of knowledge, the promotion of positive attitudes as well as the support of effective behaviors to prevent sexual violence against women in India. However, it is yet unclear what impact this program has in preventing sexual violence. In this evaluation study, a total of N = 245 female college students based in New Delhi and aged 17 to 22 years were assigned to a training (N = 128) or a waitlist control group (N = 117). The prevention program was conducted by two Indian professionals of a non-governmental organization (NGO) in New Delhi within five sessions. Results indicated that students in the training group showed significant increases in awareness of gender stereotypes, the importance of communication in relationships, bystander efficacy as well as intentions to intervene as a bystander in situations of violence when compared to students in the control group right after the program (posttest) and six months later (follow-up). Additionally, the training group displayed a significant increase of knowledge in all four program areas (gender, healthy relationships, sexual violence, and bystander education). Our findings implicate that future sexual violence prevention programs in India need to address women as well as men to effectively tackle sexual violence. In this context, bystander education seems to be one of the most promising approaches by targeting whole communities and creating new social norms regarding helping behavior and the prevention of sexual violence.
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Chang X, Yang Y, Li R. The characteristics of husbands and violence against women in Wuhan, China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:73. [PMID: 35287639 PMCID: PMC8922799 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the prevalence and correlation between husbands and lifetime domestic violence (DV) among women in Wuhan, China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community health center in Wuhan from June 2015 to December 2015. A total of 1015 women who came to the center for gynecological examination were selected through a random sampling. They were assessed using the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument to evaluate the prevalence of DV. The chi-square test, the Wilcoxon rank test, and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the possible risk or protective factors for DV. Results The lifetime prevalence of DV was 29.36% (298/1015). The risk factors included heavy physical labor (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.63–7.77), long-term drinking (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.19–2.14), overweight or obesity (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01–1.88) and long-term smoking (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.04). Higher education was a protective factor (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.96). Conclusion Women whose husbands had lower education, performed heavy physical labor, were long-term alcohol consumers, had overweight or obesity, and were long-term smokers were vulnerable to lifetime DV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuening Chang
- Child Health Section, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Child Health Section, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Ruizhen Li
- Child Health Section, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China.
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Raveesh BN, Rai S, Kaur D, Bandyopadhyay D, Gautam A, Shetty J, Parmar JM. Domestic Violence Current Legal Status: Psychiatric Evaluation of Victims and Offenders. Indian J Psychiatry 2022; 64:S134-S145. [PMID: 35599661 PMCID: PMC9122131 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_715_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B N Raveesh
- Department of Psychiatry, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Shashi Rai
- Sambal Drug De Addiction and Psychiatric Centre, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Darpan Kaur
- Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Anita Gautam
- Gautam Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jyoti Shetty
- Department of Psychiatry, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - J M Parmar
- Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Valsad, Gujarat, India E-mail:
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Patil VP, Luck J, Yoon J, Khanna S. Domestic Violence and Sterilization Skew in India: An Instrumental Variable Analysis. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP1544-NP1565. [PMID: 32532164 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520933044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of domestic violence in ever-married women in India and analyze the relationship between domestic violence and use of female sterilization as contraception. We analyzed data from the National Family Health Survey 2005-2006 (NFHS3). The Domestic Violence Module of the survey included abuse experiences and reproductive health outcomes of ever-married women aged 15 to 49 years (n = 69,704). The main outcome of interest was female sterilization and domestic violence experience was the main independent variable. Covariates in our multivariate regression models were guided by the socioecological model for domestic abuse. We estimated a reference linear probability model for the dichotomous outcome. We also employed an instrumental variables procedure to strengthen causal inference under such potential sources of bias as measurement error in reporting domestic violence and omitted variables. The reference model showed an increase of 2.1 percentage points (p < .001) in the probability of female sterilization associated with exposure to domestic violence. After correcting the estimate for the measurement error and omitted variable bias, we found that domestic violence was associated with an increase in female sterilization by 6.4 percentage points (p < .001), which is 18% higher than the rate of sterilization among non-victims. In conclusion, our findings imply that domestic violence may lead abuse victims to opt for female sterilization as contraception. Domestic violence is a significant obstacle to efficient contraceptive use. Programs directed toward violence prevention should work conjointly with family planning programs in India.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeff Luck
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
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Patel AR, Newman E, Richardson J. A pilot study adapting and validating the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and PTSD checklist-5 (PCL-5) with Indian women from slums reporting gender-based violence. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:22. [PMID: 35090450 PMCID: PMC8795349 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01595-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in India, culturally sensitive measures that examine universal and culturally relevant trauma reactions are lacking. Although the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) has been used in India, no study has adapted the measure in full for use with this population. Similarly, the PTSD checklist-5 (PCL-5) has not yet been validated in India. This study describes the adaptation, validation, and results from the adapted HTQ, and embedded PCL-5, for Indian women from slums reporting GBV. Method This study used the adaptation framework proposed by the HTQ measure developers. The adapted HTQ contained a (1) trauma screen relevant for stressors faced by Indian women from slums, (2) description of the index trauma, (3) description of any ongoing stressors, (4) universal trauma reactions (i.e., PTSD measured by the PCL-5), and culturally relevant trauma reactions (i.e., idioms of distress measured by a scale developed for the study). This measure was piloted on 111 women from Indian slums in face-to-face interviews. Trauma characteristics, types of ongoing stressors, and psychometric properties of the PCL-5 and idioms of distress scale were explored. These scales were validated against measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and somatic complaints (PHQ-15). Results The majority of participants (77%) reported physical beatings, 18% reported unwanted sexual touch, and 28.8% reported infidelity as the primary emotional abuse. Further, 96.7% of GBV was perpetrated by partner or family member and over half reported ongoing stressors (e.g., poverty-related strain). The PCL-5 embedded in the HTQ yielded good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .88) as did the idioms of distress scale with deletion of one item (Cronbach’s alpha = .80). Both scales were externally valid, yielding large correlations with depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints (rs between .54 and .80, ps < .05). Discussion This is the first study to develop a comprehensive measure of trauma exposure with universal and culturally relevant trauma reactions in India. This study also enhances HTQ usage in India by delineating all the steps in the adaptation process. Results can inform the development of trauma-focused interventions for Indian women from slums. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01595-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka R Patel
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74135, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Trauma Recovery Center, University of California San Francisco, 2727 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.
| | - Elana Newman
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74135, USA
| | - Julia Richardson
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74135, USA
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Jungari S, Chinchore S. Perception, Prevalence, and Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in Urban Slums of Pune, Maharashtra, India. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP239-NP263. [PMID: 32345120 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520914548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is limited evidence on the prevalence and determinants of violence against pregnant women in India. Previous studies were entirely restricted to the violence against women in the reproductive age group. There is lack of evidence about the factors affecting violence against women during pregnancy. Understanding such factors, women's perception regarding violence during pregnancy and their justification of such violence could manifest an important aspect of violence. Women living in slum communities particularly are victims of violence. In this context, this study intended to examine women's perception, prevalence of, and factors affecting the violence against women during pregnancy in the slum communities of Pune. A community-based cross-sectional study of 1-year duration was undertaken in urban slums of Pune city, Maharashtra, India. The study participants were women who have delivered 2 years preceding the survey. Using simple random sampling, 500 women were selected from 10 purposively selected slums. House-to-house visits were made and face-to-face interviews conducted using a pretested structured questionnaire. Univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were applied. The study results show that 15.3% of women have experienced violence during their recent pregnancy. Furthermore, 9.2% of women experienced physical violence, 1.8% sexual violence, and 11.2% psychological violence. Education level of women, husband's education and alcohol consumption, history of violence in the family, and provision of spurious justification for violence have emerged as some of the leading factors associated with the violence inflicted during pregnancy. Effective interventions at both community and health care settings are needed urgently to reduce the violence inflicted during pregnancy.
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Park T, Mullins A, Zahir N, Salami B, Lasiuk G, Hegadoren K. Domestic Violence and Immigrant Women: A Glimpse Behind a Veiled Door. Violence Against Women 2021; 27:2910-2926. [PMID: 33506739 PMCID: PMC8521370 DOI: 10.1177/1077801220984174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Domestic violence (DV) experienced by immigrant women is a public health concern. In collaboration with a community agency, researchers undertook a retrospective review of 1,763 client files from 2006-2014. The three aims were to document the incidence of DV, service needs associated with DV, and identification of risk factors associated with DV in the extracted file data. About 41% reported DV and required multiple services. Separated and divorced women, and women on visitor/temporary visas showed the highest risk. The results underscore the value of research partnerships with community-based service agencies in increasing our understanding of DV among immigrant women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nasim Zahir
- Changing Together, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Gerri Lasiuk
- University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Opening closed doors: using machine learning to explore factors associated with marital sexual violence in a cross-sectional study from India. BMJ Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8718485 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sexual violence against women is pervasive in India. Most of this violence is experienced in the context of marriage, and rates of marital sexual violence (MSV) have been relatively stagnant over the past decade. This paper machine learning algorithms paired with qualitative thematic analysis to identify new and potentially modifiable factors influencing MSV in India. Design, setting and participants This cross-sectional analysis of secondary data used data from in-person interviews with ever-married women aged 15–49 who responded to gender-based violence questions in the nationally representative 2015–2016 National Family Health Survey (N=66 013), collected between 20 January 2015 and 4 December 2016. Analyses included iterative thematic analysis (L-1 regularised regression followed by iterative qualitative thematic coding of L-2 regularised regression results) and neural network modelling. Outcome measure Participants reported their experiences of sexual violence perpetrated by their current (or most recent) husband in the previous 12 months. These responses were aggregated into any vs no recent MSV. Results Nearly 7% of women experienced MSV in the past 12 months. Major themes associated with MSV through iterative thematic analysis included experiences of/exposure to violence, sexual behaviour, decision making and freedom of movement, sociodemographics, access to media, health knowledge, health system interaction, partner control, economic agency, reproductive and maternal history, and health status. A neural network model identified variables that largely corresponded to these themes. Conclusions This analysis identified several themes that may be promising avenues to identify and support women experiencing MSV, and to mitigate these traumatic experiences. In particular, amplifying screening activities at health encounters, especially among women who appear to have compromised health or restricted agency, may enable a greater number of women access to essential physical and emotional support services, and merits further consideration.
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Pant I, Rimal R, Yilma H, Bingenheimer J, Sedlander E, Behera S. mHealth for Anemia Reduction: Protocol for an Entertainment Education-Based Dual Intervention. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e26252. [PMID: 34812735 PMCID: PMC8663628 DOI: 10.2196/26252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than half of the women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) are anemic in India. The uptake of and adherence to iron folic acid (IFA) supplements remain low despite sustained efforts to increase their use. With India’s burgeoning digital environment, mobile phones offer a potential medium for increasing their uptake, especially when combined with interactive voice messages that deliver entertaining stories infused with norms-based educational messages. Objective This study aims to investigate whether a norms-based entertainment education mobile health intervention can increase self-efficacy for IFA adherence among women of reproductive age in Odisha, India. Methods Mobile reduction in anemia through normative innovations (mRANI) is a randomized 2-arm study that includes assessments before and after the intervention. All study participants will be recruited from the intervention arm of the parent reduction in anemia through normative innovations trial only. Although the usual practice is to randomize participants either to a treatment arm or a usual care control arm, we will assign the mRANI control group to another entertainment education–based treatment group that is designed to improve bystander intervention to reduce violence against women. Data collection for the mRANI study is embedded in the parent trial and will include baseline and end line assessments. The primary outcomes are self-efficacy for IFA adherence and violence against women–related bystander intervention. The inclusion criteria for the mRANI study are participation in the parent trial and phone ownership. Women (approximately n=400) who meet the mRANI inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to the IFA arm or the bystander arm. Ordinary least squares regression with robust SEs will be conducted to assess between-group comparisons at the end line. A mediation analysis will be conducted to examine whether social norms and interactivity mediate the relationship between intervention exposure and primary outcomes in both arms. Real-time monitoring data will offer insights into intervention receptivity and audience engagement. Results Data collection for the mRANI study is integrated within the parent trial. Household surveys were conducted between February and March of 2021. Responses on the mRANI study’s primary and secondary outcomes were collected from 381 participants. The data analysis is expected to be completed by October 2021. Conclusions This study will provide evidence on whether a mobile health norms–based entertainment education intervention can increase self-efficacy for IFA adherence and violence against women–related bystander intervention. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/26252
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichhya Pant
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rajiv Rimal
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hagere Yilma
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jeffrey Bingenheimer
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Erica Sedlander
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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Garg P, Das M, Goyal LD, Verma M. Trends and correlates of intimate partner violence experienced by ever-married women of India: results from National Family Health Survey round III and IV. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2012. [PMID: 34740337 PMCID: PMC8570022 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aims to estimate the prevalence of Intimate partner violence (IPV) in India, and changes observed over a decade as per the nationally representative datasets from National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) Round 3 and 4. We also highlight various socio-demographic characteristics associated with different types of IPV in India. The NFHS round 3 and 4 interviewed 124,385, and 699,686 women respondents aged 15-49 years using a multi-stage sampling method across 29 states and 2 union territories in India. For IPV, we only included ever-married women (64,607, and 62,716) from the two rounds. Primary outcomes of the study was prevalence of the ever-experience of different types of IPV: physical, emotional, and sexual violence by ever-married women aged 15 to 49 years. The secondary outcome included predictors of different forms of IPV, and changes in the prevalence of different types of IPV compared to the previous round of the NFHS survey. RESULTS As per NFHS-4, weighted prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional, or any kind of IPV ever-experienced by women were 29.2%, 6.7%, 13.2%, and 32.8%. These subtypes of IPV depicted a relative change of - 14.9%, - 30.2%, - 11.0%, - 15.7% compared to round 3. Significant state-wise variations were observed in the prevalence. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis highlighted women's and partner's education, socio-economic status, women empowerment, urban-rural residence, partner's controlling behaviours as major significant predictors of IPV. CONCLUSIONS Our study findings suggest high prevalence of IPV with state-wise variations in the prevalence. Similar factors were responsible for different forms of IPV. Therefore, based on existing evidences, it is recommended to offer adequate screening and counselling services for the couples, especially in health-care settings so that they speak up against IPV, and are offered timely help to prevent long-term physical and mental health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Garg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab 151001 India
| | - Milan Das
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Lajya Devi Goyal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab 151001 India
| | - Madhur Verma
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab 151001 India
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Das T, Roy TB, Roy R. Reintegration with family and intimate partner violence (IPV) against women among the returnee migrant worker's family during COVID-19 induced lockdown: A Block-level analysis using multinomial logistic regression model. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2021; 130:106226. [PMID: 34511676 PMCID: PMC8416023 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide the incidents of intimate partner violence (IPV) have increased due to lockdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to identify the association between IPV and different socio-economic factors of women & their most recent partner during the COVID-19 pandemic in returnee migrant worker families in Balurghat Block (area 363.9 sq. km), Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India. A total of 159 ever-married women were included in this present study, whose husbands were engaged as workers elsewhere at least two years before the lockdown. The result of the multinomial logistic regression model revealed that, after controlling for other variables, the women who had the poorest wealth background were 37% more likely (RRR: 1.37; 95% CI [1.18, 1.47]) to experience IPV almost every day in a week than those who had a middle wealth background. Conversely, the women who had the poorest wealth background were 37% (95% CI [0.57, 0.82]) less likely to experience IPV for three to four days in a week. Furthermore, the women whose partners were currently unemployed were 21% more likely (RRR: 1.21; 95% CI [1.16, 1.36]) to experience IPV almost every day in a week than those whose husbands were currently employed. The women whose husband's had a loan were 26% more likely (RRR: 1.26; 95% CI [1.25, 1.33]) to experience IPV for three to four days in a week than those whose husbands did not have any loans. The likelihood to experience IPV almost every day in a week is higher among those women whose husbands attain weekly (31%) loan instalment pattern and consume alcohol daily (31%). Interventions are needed at the grassroots level and some economic planning is required at an urgent basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanu Das
- Department of Geography, Raiganj University, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Tamal Basu Roy
- Department of Geography, Raiganj University, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Ranjan Roy
- Department of Geography and Applied Geography, University of North Bengal, West Bengal, India
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Mukherjee R, Joshi RK. Controlling Behavior and Intimate Partner Violence: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Urban Area of Delhi, India. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP10831-NP10842. [PMID: 31561731 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519876720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread issue faced by women across the world. While prevalence and epidemiology of IPV has been studied extensively, its association with controlling behavior has been largely ignored. We carried out this study to assess the prevalence of IPV against married women and its association with sociodemographic factors, justification of violence, and controlling behavior by their spouses in Delhi, India. Five hundred women residing in an urban residential area of Delhi, India, responded to a validated questionnaire asking about IPV and controlling behaviors by their husbands. In our study, 30.6% of women had "ever" experienced IPV, and 43.2% women stated that they had experienced controlling behavior by their husbands. Alcohol consumption by the husband, women's justification of their partner's violence, and controlling behavior by the husbands were significantly associated with the experience of IPV among study participants. Women with a lower education status, not financially employed, those who justified violence or faced any form of violence in their marital life were at higher risk of experiencing controlling behavior from their spouses.
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Poreddi V, Sai Nikhil Reddy S, Gandhi S, Marimuthu P, BadaMath S. 'Unheard voices': Perceptions of women with mental illness on nurses screening routinely for domestic violence: A qualitative analysis. INVESTIGACION Y EDUCACION EN ENFERMERIA 2021; 39:e03. [PMID: 34822230 PMCID: PMC8912164 DOI: 10.17533/udea.iee.v39n3e03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore women's experiences of violence and their opinion on routine screening for domestic violence by nursing professionals in mental health care settings. METHODS This qualitative narrative research design was carried out among 20 asymptomatic women with mental illness at a tertiary care centre in Bangalore, India. RESULTS Narrative content analysis was performed, and five dominant themes have emerged: 1. Understanding the nature and signs of violence (subtheme: Meaning of violence), 2. Abusive experiences of women with mental illness (subthemes: Physical violence, psychological violence, social violence, sexual violence and financial violence), 3. Experiences on disclosure of violence (subthemes: Identification of violence by nursing professionals, Experiences of disclosure of violence), 4. Barriers for disclosure of abuse(subthemes: Fear of consequences, the hectic schedule of nursing staff, helplessness and hopelessness, perceived poor family support). 5.Routine screening for violence by nursing professionals (subthemes: reasons for routine inquiry of violence, nature of inquiry by the nursing professionals). CONCLUSIONS Women with mental illness were undergoing more than one form of violence, and most of the participants supported routine screening by nursing professionals. Nurses play an essential role in identifying and supporting abused women in mental health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sailaxmi Gandhi
- Department of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, India,
| | - P Marimuthu
- Department of Bio-statistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, India,
| | - Suresh BadaMath
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, India,
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Potluri S, R Patel A. Using a Continuous Traumatic Stress Framework to Examine Ongoing Adversity Among Indian Women from Slums: A Mixed-Methods Exploration. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:917-928. [PMID: 34462969 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) is pervasive among Indian women. Although posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological outcome of GBV, it might not accurately capture the experiences of Indian women from slums, who face continued stressors (i.e., ongoing adversity). Continuous traumatic stress (CTS) is a framework used to characterize experiences of ongoing adversity. This mixed-method study investigated the applicability of the CTS framework for characterizing ongoing adversity and the psychological impacts of ongoing adversity among GBV-exposed Indian women from slums. Indian women from slums (N = 100) completed all study measures; a subset (n = 47) completed qualitative interviews analyzed using deductive coding and thematic analysis to identify core CTS characteristics. To examine the impact of ongoing adversity on participants' psychological symptom severity in the full sample, we performed an ANCOVA on PTSD symptom severity and an ANOVA on anxiety and depression symptom severity. Interviewed participants described the context of stressor conditions as pervasive, reported stressor conditions existed in the present or future rather than the past, had difficulty discriminating between real versus imagined threat, and demonstrated absent external protective systems. Results indicated that ongoing adversity was associated with significantly more severe PTSD, F(1, 96) = 9.86, p < .001; anxiety, F(1, 98) = 20.31, p < .001; and depression, F(1, 98) = 25.24, p < .001. The CTS framework is valuable for characterizing ongoing adversity and its related mental health impacts among GBV-exposed Indian women from slums. Assessment and intervention in slum communities must account for ongoing adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriramya Potluri
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anushka R Patel
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Trauma Recovery Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Sabri B, Young AM. Contextual factors associated with gender-based violence and related homicides perpetrated by partners and in-laws: A study of women survivors in India. Health Care Women Int 2021; 43:784-805. [PMID: 34252353 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1881963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Gender based violence (GBV) is a significant public health concern for women globally, including countries such as India. The researchers investigated factors related to GBV and GBV-related homicides perpetrated by both husbands and in-laws using a qualitative approach. Data were collected from 27 women in India. Analysis revealed factors at the societal/cultural (e.g. dowry), community (e.g. inadequate resources), relationship (e.g. in-laws abuse) and individual (e.g. internalized powerlessness) levels. Findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate risk assessment and safety planning procedures, as well as policies and programs across different ecological levels to reduce risk for GBV and GBV-related homicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Sabri
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Marie Young
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Patel R, Gupte SS, Srivastava S, Kumar P, Chauhan S, Govindu MD, Dhillon P. Experience of gender-based violence and its effect on depressive symptoms among Indian adolescent girls: Evidence from UDAYA survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248396. [PMID: 33765009 PMCID: PMC7993765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against women has been one of the most prominent issue and a major public health concern. It is a principle violation of basic human rights and has both physical and mental effect on the victim. This study focuses on married and unmarried girls aged 15 to 19 years, belonging to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. This study attempts to examine depression level among married and unmarried girls who have faced violence against them. With the unprecedented growth in social networking, online digital platform and its accessibility, the study also brings out the pertinent aspect of internet based violence and its psychological outcome on adolescent girls. Hence, the study can be seen as an important and needed value addition to the existing pool of knowledge on the subject. METHODS The study uses Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) project data for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Depressive symptoms among adolescent girl is the outcome variable of the study. Descriptive statistic and bivariate analysis has been used to get to preliminary results. Chi-squared test is used to test the significant of variables. Further, multi-variate analysis (logistic regression) was used. RESULTS Almost 29, 23 and 26 percent of married adolescent girls had faced emotional, physical and sexual violence respectively. It was found that about five per cent of unmarried and eight per cent of married girls had high depressive symptoms. It was found that unmarried adolescent girls who had witnessed their father beating mother were 71 percent more likely to suffer from higher depressive symptoms [OR: 1.71, 1.09-2.69]. Adolescents who faced perpetrated bullying had 90 per cent [OR: 1.90, 1.32-2.72] and 86 per cent [OR: 1.86, 0.98-3.52] higher likelihood to suffer from higher depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION The study goes beyond intimate partner violence and includes various covariates to explain the association between violence and depressive symptoms among married and unmarried adolescents. Hence, more inclusive policies are needed to address the issue of violence against women as the spectrum of the violence is expanding with time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratna Patel
- Department of Public Health and Mortality Studies, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Shobhit Srivastava
- Department of Mathematical Demography & Statistics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Mathematical Demography & Statistics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Shekhar Chauhan
- Department of Population Policies and Programmes, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Mani Deep Govindu
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Preeti Dhillon
- Department of Mathematical Demography & Statistics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
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Domestic Violence and Coping Strategies Among Married Adults During Lockdown Due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic in India: A Cross-Sectional Study. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 16:1873-1880. [PMID: 33653434 PMCID: PMC8129684 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background: There has been a reported increase in cases of domestic violence during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, systematic research data are still unavailable. This study was conducted to find out domestic violence prevalence and coping strategies among married adults during lockdown due to COVID-19 in India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among married men and women in the month of April 2020. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, domestic violence, and coping strategies used during lockdown were collected thorough Google Forms. A total of 97.9% of the forms were completely filled by the respondents. A descriptive analysis was done. Results: Of 94 study participants, approximately 7.4% (n = 7) had faced domestic violence during lockdown. Of these 7 participants, approximately 85.7% (n = 6) reported increased frequency of domestic violence during lockdown. Approximately half of the victims chose to ignore it (57.1%; n = 4) or used yoga/meditation (42.9%; n = 3) to cope. Conclusions: With approximately 7.4% study participants facing domestic violence during lockdown, it is necessary to study its detailed epidemiology in pandemics so that interventions like helpline numbers, screening of patients during tele-consultation, etc., which can be delivered even during lockdown with the help of health-care and frontline workers could be devised to address this problem.
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Pattojoshi A, Sidana A, Garg S, Mishra SN, Singh LK, Goyal N, Tikka SK. Staying home is NOT 'staying safe': A rapid 8-day online survey on spousal violence against women during the COVID-19 lockdown in India. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 75:64-66. [PMID: 33225558 PMCID: PMC7753590 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amrit Pattojoshi
- Department of Psychiatry, Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Aninda Sidana
- Prerna De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, Sriganga Nagar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shobit Garg
- Department of Psychiatry, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Lokesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, India
| | - Nishant Goyal
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, India
| | - Sai Krishna Tikka
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, India
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46
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Prevalence and predictors of spousal violence against women in Afghanistan: evidence from Demographic and Health Survey data. J Biosoc Sci 2021; 54:225-242. [PMID: 33494851 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932020000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Spousal violence against women is a serious public health problem that is prevalent in all societies, with one in three women around the world experiencing violence in their lifetime. This study examined the prevalence of spousal violence, and its determinants, in Afghanistan using data from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey. Univariate, bivariate and logistic regression statistical techniques were used to assess the association of socioeconomic variables with spousal violence. The study sample comprised 20,827 currently married women aged 15-49. Fifty-two per cent of women reported experiencing some form of violence by their husband. A significant association was found between women's justification of violence, women's participation in decision-making in their household (COR=0.476; CI=0.446-0.509) and lower risk of experiencing spousal violence. After adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic factors, women's participation in all of four household decisions, either alone or jointly, was found to be associated with a lower risk of experiencing spousal violence (AOR=0.472; CI=0.431-0.516). In both the crude and adjusted models, the risk of experiencing spousal violence was high if the husband's desire for children was different from that of his wife. In the case of inequality in property ownership, the risk of spousal violence was significantly higher (COR=1.263; CI=1.178-1.353; AOR=1.159; CI=1.051-1.278) when women were joint owners of property compared with when they did not own any property. The findings point to an immediate need for legal and social interventions to prevent spousal violence against women, or at least reduce its prevalence, in Afghanistan.
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Avanigadda DB, Kulasekaran RA. Associations between intimate partner violence and pregnancy complications: A cross-sectional study in India. J Family Community Med 2021; 28:17-27. [PMID: 33679185 PMCID: PMC7927968 DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_256_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence rates of violence of the intimate partner affects the maternal health of the woman that sometimes ends in maternal mortality as well as the possibility of an adverse effect on the newborn. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of intimate physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) on mothers and examine the association between IPV and pregnancy complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data for the present study were retrieved from the National Family Health Survey-IV (2015-2016). In total, 79,729 women completed the domestic violence questions, but 24,882 were considered for this analysis. The study was restricted to currently married women aged 15-49 who had given birth to at least one child in the 5 years preceding the survey. The association between self-reporting pregnancy complications with the experience of IPV was examined using Chi-square test, followed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS The study findings show that IPV, specifically physical and sexual violence, are associated with pregnancy complications. The results show that 31.6% of the women had experienced some form of IPV. The factors associated with IPV included husband's alcohol habit, women who had witnessed parental violence, and women whose husbands had shown high marital controlling behavior. The high level of pregnancy complications was reported by women who had experienced sexual violence, emotional violence, and women whose husbands display three or more specific behaviors. CONCLUSION Confidential screening for IPV and prompt referral to support services could be crucial in improving women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga B Avanigadda
- Department of Population Studies, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
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Krishnakumar A, Verma S. Understanding Domestic Violence in India During COVID-19: a Routine Activity Approach. ASIAN JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGY 2021; 16:19-35. [PMID: 33723492 PMCID: PMC7945968 DOI: 10.1007/s11417-020-09340-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Domestic violence, a prevalent problem in India, saw an increase during the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. This article explores the factors associated with an increase in domestic violence incidents during COVID-19 by applying routine activity theory (RAT) framework. Data were drawn from the incidents of domestic violence reported in newspapers. Data was analyzed using content analysis and three major themes, i.e., three principle components of RAT-motivated offender, suitable target, and absence of capable guardian-were drawn. Findings reveal that sources of motivation in domestic violence perpetrators during the lockdown were alcohol and unemployment. The symbolic value that perpetrators associated with women, lower inertia, visibility, and accessibility to the perpetrators made women suitable targets of domestic violence. Lastly, shortage of police force and travel restrictions on formal and informal sources resulted in the absence of capable guardians. We conclude that changes in the routine activities of people during the COVID-19 lockdown provided more opportunities to the perpetrators of domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Krishnakumar
- Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana India
| | - Shankey Verma
- Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana India
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Daruwalla N, Kanougiya S, Gupta A, Gram L, Osrin D. Prevalence of domestic violence against women in informal settlements in Mumbai, India: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e042444. [PMID: 33328262 PMCID: PMC7745686 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Domestic 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. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Two large urban informal settlement areas. PARTICIPANTS 5122 women aged 18-49 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence 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. RESULTS In 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. CONCLUSIONS Domestic 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 NUMBER ISRCTN84502355; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayreen Daruwalla
- Programme on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children, Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suman Kanougiya
- Programme on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children, Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Apoorwa Gupta
- Programme on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children, Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lu Gram
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Osrin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Jungari S, Chauhan BG, Bomble P, Pardhi A. Violence against women in urban slums of India: A review of two decades of research. Glob Public Health 2020; 17:115-133. [PMID: 33253046 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1850835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that about one-third of women ever experienced violence in their lifetime. India has experienced steady urban growth accompanying increase of urban populations living in slums. Several studies have reported prevalence of various forms of violence in urban slums. To our knowledge, no systematic review has been conducted exclusively reporting violence against women in India's urban slums. The review aims to synthesise the studies of violence against women conducted in the last two decades (2000-2020). We searched PubMed, Scopus and other relevant search engines to identify articles published between years 2000 and 2020, which focused on Indian women slum dwellers' experiences of violence. We included 14 studies, which satisfied the inclusion criteria in this review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol was used to assess the studies. The prevalence of any form of violence against women, as reported in the studies, ranged from 15% to 59.3%. The major risk factors identified were husband's alcohol abuse, women justifying the violence inflicted on then, low educational levels of both women and men, dowry issues, age difference between the spouses and termination of a previous pregnancy. It is evident from the review that urban slum women experience persistent violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Jungari
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Bal Govind Chauhan
- Population Research Centre, Gokhle Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, India
| | - Priyanka Bomble
- Department of Public Health & Mortality Studies, International Institute of Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Ashish Pardhi
- School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India
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