Health Risks Related to Domestic Violence against Roma Women

The Imperative Need for Criminological Research on the European Roma: A Narrative Review

Except for the knowledge that the Roma people endure harsh conditions and are victims of discrimination, scarce criminological research has given detailed attention to further victimisation or offending among the Romanies. Identifying articles in the browsers Web of Science, Google Scholar and Google, we reviewed European publications (1997-2020) in English, French, Romanian or Spanish that addressed the Roma's victimisation or offending. The 44 studies that matched our criteria suggested that (1) Roma people are victims of hate crimes with devastating consequences; (2) Roma children and women are victims of domestic violence to a greater degree than other groups, although the Roma tend to oppose violence against women; (3) forced early marriages exist among some Romanies and may cause serious problems in adulthood; (4) youth delinquency among the Roma does not differ from that of the non-Roma, although Roma adolescents face more deprivation; (5) Roma men and women are overrepresented in prison and face many difficulties in re-entering society once they are released and (6) there are organised criminal activities in some Roma groups that are supported by their community. Further rigorous post-positivist research, particularly quantitative, is needed to generalise the findings and replicate former studies. Areas of special interest are the causes of anti-Roma discrimination other than ethnicity, the victimisation of children, the Roma's lack of institutional trust and the relation between victimisation and offending. Conducting comparisons with the general population is essential, and we propose that victims' surveys and self-reported delinquency studies include questions on ethnicity.

Development and evaluation of an intervention to promote the use of eyeglasses among Romani families in Bulgaria

Objective

Uncorrected refractive error (i.e., lack of eyeglasses for the treatment of refractive error) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in Eastern Europe. Limited information is available on how to promote the use of eyeglasses among Romani families in Bulgaria. In step 1, the objective was to obtain suggestions by Romani mothers on how to promote the use of eyeglasses among children. In step 2, the objective was to evaluate an intervention to promote the use of eyeglasses based on suggestions received during step 1.

Methods

During step 1, 5 focus groups with Romani mothers took place in one neighborhood in Bulgaria. During step 2, the intervention used a one-group pre-test, post-test design. Families received eye examinations. Those who needed eyeglasses chose attractive eyeglasses. Parents received education on how to encourage their children to wear eyeglasses.

Results

During step 1, 54 mothers participated. Mothers suggested that the whole family should receive eye examinations and eyeglasses. During step 2, of 33 family members, 14 did not have refractive errors and 19 did. Of the 19 family members with refractive error, none had eyeglasses at pre-test. Approximately 6 months following the end of the intervention, 11 of the 19 family members (57.9%) wore eyeglasses and the remaining 8 (42.1%) did not.

Conclusion

Romani family members needed eyeglasses but did not have any at pre-test of the intervention. Future interventions that offer education on the importance of eye examinations may increase receipt of eye examinations and adherence to wearing eyeglasses.

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women in the Poor Neighborhoods of Hamadan, Iran

Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs in all settings, especially in poor neighborhoods. It is considered to be a serious public health concern with serious consequences in the short and long term for abused women because of distinct barriers in obtaining support sources. Therefore this cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence and the determinants of IPV among pregnant women residents in poor neighborhoods. Overall, 63.8% experienced at least one type of IPV. Also, educational status, family's monthly income, husband's employment status, and having a smoker husband were found to be important predictors of IPV against pregnant women. A better understanding of social determinants of violence can help decision-makers in developing effective policies. It is crucial to prioritize the poor neighborhoods for future interventions to reduce IPV imposed during pregnancy.

Condições que interferem no cuidado às mulheres em situação de violência conjugal

Resumo Objetivo conhecer as condições que interferem no cuidado às mulheres em situação de violência conjugal. Métodos estudo qualitativo ancorado na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Foram realizadas entrevistas, entre fevereiro e dezembro de 2019, com 31 profissionais de saúde atuantes em Unidades de Saúde da Família de um município do Nordeste brasileiro, as quais integraram um dos dois grupos amostrais (profissionais da Estratégia de Saúde da Família e Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família). Resultados os elementos que interferem no cuidado à mulher em situação de violência conjugal foram representados nas categorias: Entendendo a importância da atuação profissional organizada; Reconhecendo a necessidade de preparo profissional para enfrentamento da violência conjugal; Percebendo a essencialidade do fluxo de atendimento intersetorial. Considerações finais e impactos para a prática o estudo revelou que o cuidado à mulher em situação de violência conjugal perpassa pelo preparo profissional, pela organização dos serviços de saúde e um fluxo de atendimento articulado e intersetorial. Nesse sentido, oferece subsídios que podem orientar gestores para a elaboração ações de identificação e enfrentamento da violência conjugal contra a mulher, pautadas na coparticipação e corresponsabilização das trabalhadoras da Estratégia de Saúde da Família, com fins em melhorias na assistência ofertada.