Women's Experiences of the Intersections of Work and Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Qualitative Research

Women Refugee's Perceptions, Experiences and Coping Mechanisms in Situations of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): A Metasynthesis

Women represent almost half of the 20 million refugees worldwide, and although they play a key role in their communities, their voices and needs are often missing from research and policies directed to this population. A qualitative systematic review, or metasynthesis, was conducted to examine the experiences, perceptions, coping mechanisms, and psychological discourses of women refugees in situations of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) that occur during the travel, interception, and destination migratory stages. A systematic search was conducted on five multidisciplinary databases and was complemented with a manual search, resulting on a total of 511 articles which were screened for eligibility. Only qualitative, peer-reviewed, and English-written research articles were selected, and they were required to (1) focus on women refugees above 15 years of age and (2) report on their experiences, perceptions, psychological discourses, and/or coping with SGBV during their migration across countries (international migration). Ultimately, a total of 14 qualitative research articles were selected for the review. Using the thematic synthesis approach as a guideline, the results were summarized in the following themes: experiences of SGBV, perception of SGBV, perception of the risk factors creating and perpetuating their vulnerability, coping with SGBV, barriers to help-seeking, and psychological consequences. Despite the broad search, only information about some types of SGBV experiences from Asian and African refugee communities was found. Nonetheless, the available qualitative information on this topic is effectively integrated, knowledge gaps are identified, and future research, interventions, and policies using an integrated and culturally sensitive framework are suggested.

Healthcare Professionals' Own Experiences of Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Systematic Review of Risk Markers and Consequences

Background: Globally, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are increasingly asked to identify and respond to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) among patients. However, their own experiences of DVA have been largely ignored.Aim: To determine the prevalence of current and lifetime DVA victimisation among HCPs globally, and identify risk markers, consequences and support-seeking for DVA.Method: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL ASSIA and ProQuest were searched. Studies about HCPs' personal experience of any type of DVA from any health service/country were included. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were adopted.Results: Fifty-one reports were included. Pooled lifetime prevalence was 31.3% (95% CI [24.7%, 38.7%] p < .001)) and past-year prevalence was 10.4% (95% CI [5.8%, 17.9%] p <.001). Pooled lifetime prevalence significantly differed (Qb=6.96, p < .01) between men (14.8%) and women (41.8%), and between HCPs in low-middle income (64.0%) and high-income countries (20.7%) (Qb = 31.41, p <.001). Risk markers were similar to those in the general population, but aspects of the HCP role posed additional and unique risks/vulnerabilities. Direct and indirect consequences of DVA meant HCP-survivors were less able to work to their best ability. While HCP-survivors were more likely than other HCPs to identify and respond to DVA among patients, doing so could be distressing. HCP-survivors faced unique barriers to seeking support. Being unable to access support - which is crucial for leaving or ending relationships with abusive people - leaves HCP-survivors entrapped.Conclusion: Specialised DVA interventions for HCPs are urgently needed, with adaptations for different groups and country settings. Future research should focus on developing interventions with HCP-survivors.

Corporate Responses to Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is among society's most pernicious and impactful social issues, causing substantial harm to health and wellbeing, and impacting women's employability, work performance, and career opportunity. Organizations play a vital role in addressing IPV, yet, in contrast to other employee- and gender-related social issues, very little is known regarding corporate responses to IPV. IPV responsiveness is a specific demonstration of corporate social responsibility and is central to advancing gender equity in organizations. In this paper, we draw upon unique data on the IPV policies and practices of 191 Australian listed corporations between 2016 and 2019, that collectively employ around 1.5 M employees. Providing the first large-scale empirical analysis of corporate IPV policies and practices, we theorise that listed corporations' IPV responsiveness reflects institutional and stakeholder pressures which are multifaceted and central to corporate social responsibility. Our findings identify greater IPV responsiveness among larger corporations, as well as those corporations with higher proportions of women middle managers, greater financial resources, and more advanced employee consultation on gender issues. This paper concludes that there is a need for further research on corporate IPV responsiveness, to further illuminate corporate motivations, organizational support processes, and employee experiences.

Financial Abuse in a Banking Context: Why and How Financial Institutions can Respond

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global social problem that includes using coercive control strategies, including financial abuse, to manage and entrap an intimate partner. Financial abuse restricts or removes another person's access to financial resources and their participation in financial decisions, forcing their financial dependence, or alternatively exploits their money and economic resources for the abuser's gain. Banks have some stake in the prevention of and response to IPV, given their unique role in household finances and growing recognition an equitable society is one inclusive of consumers with vulnerabilities. Institutional practices may unwittingly enable abusive partners' financial control as seemingly benign regulatory policy and tools of household money management exacerbate unequal power dynamics. To date, business ethicists have tended to take a broader view of banker professional responsibility, especially post-Global Financial Crisis. Little scholarship examines if, when and how a bank should respond to societal issues, such as IPV, traditionally outside their 'remit' of banking services. I extend existing understandings of 'systemic harm' to conceptualise the bank's role in addressing economic harm in the context of IPV, viewing IPV and financial abuse through a consumer vulnerability lens to translate theory into practice. Two in-depth stories of financial abuse further illustrate the active role banks can and should take in combating financial abuse.

Associations between work-related variables and workplace violence among Chinese medical staff: A comparison between physical and verbal violence

Background

Workplace violence (WPV) against medical staff has been an important public health and societal problem worldwide. Although numerous studies have implied the differences between physical violence (PV) and verbal violence (VV) against medical staff, few studies were conducted to analyze the different associations between work-related variables, PV, and VV, especially in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Chinese medical staff in public hospitals, and 3,426 medical staff were interviewed and analyzed. WPV, including PV and VV, were evaluated by the self-report of the medical staff. Work-related variables, physical disease, depression, and social-demographic variables were also measured. The work-related variables included types of medical staff, professional titles, hospital levels, managers, working years, job changing, working hours/week, night duty times/week, monthly income, self-reported working environment, and social position. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the factors associated with PV and VV.

Results

A total of 489 medical staff (23.0%) reported the experience of PV and 1,744 (50.9%) reported the experience of VV. Several work-related variables were associated with PV and VV, including nurse (OR = 0.56 for PV, p < 0.01; OR = 0.76 for VV, p < 0.05), manager (OR = 1.86 for PV, p < 0.01; OR = 1.56 for VV, p < 0.001), night duty frequency/week (OR = 1.06 for PV, p < 0.01; OR = 1.03 for VV, p < 0.01), bad working environment (OR = 2.73 for PV, p < 0.001; OR = 3.52 for VV, p < 0.001), averaged working environment (OR = 1.51 for PV, p < 0.05; OR = 1.55 for VV, p < 0.001), and bad social position (OR = 4.21 for PV, p < 0.001; OR = 3.32 for VV, p < 0.001). Working years (OR = 1.02, p < 0.05), job changing (OR = 1.33, p < 0.05), and L2 income level (OR = 1.33, p < 0.01) were positively associated with VV, but the associations were not supported for PV (all p>0.05). The other associated factors were male gender (OR = 1.97 for PV, p < 0.001; OR = 1.28 for VV, p < 0.05) and depression (OR = 1.05 for PV, p < 0.001; OR = 1.04 for VV, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both PV and VV were positively associated with work-related variables, such as doctor, manager, more night duty frequency, perceived bad working environment, or social position. Some variables were only associated with VV, such as working years, job changing, and monthly income. Some special strategies for the work-related variables should be applied for controlling PV and VV.

Work Harassment and Resource Loss Among (Ex)partner Stalking Victims

Prior research suggests that economic abuse and work sabotage are common tactics for abusers and (ex)partner stalkers. This study examines the context and timing (i.e., during the relationship or during separation) of work harassment among women stalked by abusive (ex)partners among victims who did (n=271) and who did not (n=302) experience work losses (significant problems at work or loss of work due to the abuse/stalking) and whether work losses and non-work related resource losses were associated with current mental health symptoms. Results showed that almost half of the women in the study reported they experienced work losses because of their abusive (ex)partner. Women with work losses experienced more work harassment particularly during periods of separation. Women who experienced work losses also experienced more work harassment, separation attempts, economic control, coercive control, physical and sexual abuse, higher fear levels, and a higher number of non-work related resource losses compared to women who did not report experiencing work losses. Women with work losses experienced more symptoms of current depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Further, in the multivariate analysis, non-work related resource losses were significantly and uniquely associated with current mental health symptoms. In conclusion, women being stalked by abusive (ex)partners are at significant risk of resource losses, and those losses have long term impacts on mental health suggesting that safety planning for stalking victims should include plans to protect resources as well as physical safety.

The Effects of Workplace Support on Workplace Disruptions: Differences Between White and Black Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Abuser-initiated workplace disruptions are experienced by women who are in abusive intimate relationships. However, workplace disruptions may be prevented with targeted workplace supports. Using pilot data, this study examined relationships between workplace disruptions and workplace supports. Crosstabulation and Fisher's exact test results were stratified by race to understand potential racial discrimination of survivors. Findings revealed supports are associated with infrequent workplace disruptions for Black women, but White women were extended a wider variety of supports, even with frequent disruptions. Discussion of results is applied to workplaces and policy makers seeking to better support employees experiencing partner violence.

Gender Differences for the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Workplace Violence Among Healthcare Professionals in Shandong, China

Background

Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare professionals (HPs) has been recognized as important occupational health and societal problem in the world. Many studies were also conducted to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and adverse outcomes of WPV against HPs. Although the gender differences in the prevalence and risk factors of WPV against HPs have been implied in many studies, fewer studies were conducted to explore the gender differences for WPV against HPs, especially in China. In this study, we aim to analyze the gender differences in the prevalence and risk factors of WPV against HPs in Shandong, China.

Methods

This study was conducted among HPs with a cross-sectional design. WPV, social-demographic variables, occupational characteristics, physical disease, social support, and depression were evaluated for the participated HPs. The prevalence and risk factors of WPV among male healthcare professionals (MHPs) and female healthcare professionals (FHPs) were analyzed in this study. Student's t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regressions were performed to test the associated factors of WPV among MHPs and FHPs.

Results

The prevalence of WPV among MHPs and FHPs was 61.4 and 48.8%, respectively. Being silent was the most common method of response to WPV among MHPs (52.3%) and FHPs (59.2%). For MHPs, the associated factors of WPV were master's degree (odds ratio (OR) =2.20, P < 0.05), bachelor's degree (OR = 2.49, P < 0.001), lower income level (OR = 1.81, P < 0.05), manager (OR = 1.81, P < 0.05), and depression (OR = 1.05, P < 0.001). For FHPs, the associated factors of WPV were a master's degree (OR = 1.58, P < 0.05), more working hours per week (OR = 1.02, P < 0.001), and depression (OR = 1.05, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of WPV among MHPs was higher than FHPs, and the associated factors for WPV against HPs were also different among MHPs and FHPs. The findings remind us that some gender-specific interventions are needed to control WPV against HPs.

Intimate Partner Violence and Depression of Mothers and Their Adolescent Children: The Roles of Housing Insecurity and System Contacts

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is a prominent risk factor for depression among mothers. Less is known about the long-term relationship between IPV and maternal depression, impacts of IPV exposure on children, and mechanisms linking IPV with long-term mental health problems. IPV threatens stable housing for survivors, which increases likelihood of surveillance and sanctioning by formal systems - in particular, child welfare and criminal justice. The present study investigates whether housing insecurity and system contacts mediate the relationship between maternal IPV victimization and depression among both mothers and children 10 years later. Data comes from the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study, a longitudinal survey of at-risk families with children. Structural equation modeling investigates pathways from IPV victimization of mothers to maternal and child depression via housing insecurity and contact with the child welfare and criminal justice systems. Results show IPV victimization is directly associated with housing insecurity, child welfare contact, and adolescent depression. Further, housing insecurity leading to both types of system contact mediates the link from IPV to maternal depression; in contrast, housing insecurity alone mediates the link from IPV to depression among children when they are 15 years old. Findings suggest IPV toward mothers has enduring, multigenerational effects on mental health that unfold over a long period following victimization. Complex pathways suggest housing insecurity and contact with punitive social systems that disproportionately impact low-income families explain in part the link from IPV to depression. Lack of housing options may deter survivors from leaving violent relationships, and housing insecurity in the wake of victimization may contribute to interactions with punitive social systems. Efforts to address housing, stigma, and psychological needs of IPV survivors are crucial to stabilize families.

Mothers’ Resilience: Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Survivors at Work

Mothers who experience intimate partner violence can be resilient in maintaining employment during periods of abuse. The current qualitative study examines mothers’ experiences of abusive workplace disruptions as well as helpful responses from workplaces. Two main research questions are addressed: 1. What ways do abusive partners use issues related to children to disrupt mothers’ employment? 2. How do workplaces respond to mothers experiencing IPV? How do mothers show resilience? Mothers (n = 18) receiving services for abuse explained that abusive partners disrupted their work through compromising or withholding childcare, manipulating them through children, and jeopardizing child safety during work hours. However, mothers showed resilience when coworkers extend housing, childcare, and genuine concern for their situations. Implications for researchers, practitioners, and employers of survivors are discussed.

Association between intimate partner psychological violence and psychological distress among nurses: The role of personality traits and social support

AIM

This study proposes investigating the risk and protective factors of intimate partner (IP) psychological violence and psychological distress to better promote psychological wellbeing for nurses and health outcomes for patients.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study was carried out chiefly in Guangdong, Hunan, and Shaanxi provinces, in the east, central, and west of the Chinese economic areas, respectively. It was conducted in October 2021 using convenience sampling. A total of 843 nurses were eligible for the final analysis. Single-factor linear regression models were used to identify potential factors associated with IP psychological violence and psychological distress. In addition, the structural equation model was used to explore the role of personality traits and social support in the association between IP psychological violence and psychological distress.

RESULTS

The predictors for the score of IP psychological violence among nurses were participants' married status, contact frequency with a partner, perceived past-year psychological and physical violence experience, the alcohol consumption of partners, and personality traits and social support of partners. Moreover, the alcohol consumption of participants, the past-year experience of IP psychological violence, the score of psychological violence, personality traits, social support, and the personality traits of partners were associated factors affecting the psychological distress of nurses. In the structural model, the personality trait of partners had a direct pathway to psychological violence and social support. The results demonstrated that psychological violence significantly increased psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Personality traits and social support are essential factors influencing the relationship between IP psychological violence and psychological distress.

IMPACT

The findings of this study emphasize the possibility and importance of identification and intervention for reducing IP psychological violence based on personality traits and social support.

Knowledge discovery in research on domestic violence: an overview of the last fifty years

Purpose

The database of the Web of Science (WoS) was searched for publications from January 1945–May 7, 2020 on the topic of domestic violence in titles, abstracts and keywords. The references were analyzed using the R bibliometrix package, and abstracts were analyzed using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) with collapsed Gibbs sampling to obtain topics related to domestic violence.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of the study is to explore and provide an overview of research carried out on domestic violence, in its various aspects, over the past fifty years.

Findings

As a result of the research, the authors can assert that in the last fifty years, 32,298 authors have produced 19,495 documents on the theme of policing strategy and related subjects in 111 countries. Scientific production in this area grows at a rate of 12.81 per year. The United States of America is the leading country in publications with 48.14%, followed by the United Kingdom with 7.57% and Australia with 6.05%. Regarding universities, the highlight is the University of California with 664 publications, followed by the University of London with 515 and the University of North Carolina with 484. As for journals, the highlight is the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Journal of Family Violence and Violence Against Women, which account for more than 14.32% of all indexed literature. Regarding the authors, the highlight is Campbell J.C and Feder G. Probabilistic topic modeling revealed that 18% of the topics concentrate 90% of all tokens. Topic 1 accounts for 27.9% of the sample and conducts research related to intimate partner violence.

Practical implications

As a practical implication of using the LDA in the bibliographic review, we infer that its capacity to explore large masses of data allows the researcher to explore an infinitely greater amount than the traditional methods of systematic literature review.

Originality/value

The value of these studies is summarized in the presentation of an overview on the theme in the last fifty years, offering the opportunity for other researchers to use this research as a starting point for other analyses.