Occupational Functioning among Intimate Partner Violence Survivors with Disabilities: A Retrospective Analysis

Individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence and face resultant compromised occupational functioning. Yet limited research exists regarding how occupational therapy practitioners can assist this population. This retrospective, cross-sectional study aims to facilitate better understanding of the relationship between intimate partner violence and occupational functioning among survivors with disabilities. Domestic violence shelter resident records covering a six-year service period were reviewed, assessing relationships between several measures of functioning and sample demographics, disability diagnosis, and participant abuse histories. Findings suggest that there may be a relationship between occupational functioning, disability type, and types of intimate partner violence sustained.

The effect of family-based counseling on domestic violence in pregnant women referring to health centers in Sahneh city, Iran, 2018

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence is a term that shows aggressive behavior with different physical, psychological, economic, and social dimensions. This concept is considered as one of the health priorities regarding its significant effects on pregnancy, postpartum, and the outcome of pregnancy. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of family-based counseling on domestic violence against pregnant women.

METHODS

An intervention trial was conducted on 92 pregnant women exposed to domestic violence, selected among 274 pregnant women accessible in Sahneh, Iran. Data collection was performed using the standard questionnaire of domestic violence against women of Mohseni Tabrizi. The pregnant women exposed to violence were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (in two groups of 45 people). In the intervention group, three 45-min individual counseling sessions were held for the pregnant women and their spouses according to Greeting, Ask, Tell, Help, Explain, and Refer (GATHER) principles. Four weeks after the end of the sessions, the two groups again completed the questionnaire.

RESULTS

Family-based counseling intervention reduced the mean score of domestic violence in the intervention group from 68.58 ± 9.21 before the intervention to 49.56 ± 8.83 after intervention. Also, various domains of violence including mental, verbal, financial, physical, sexual, and social violence were significantly declined in the intervention group (P < 0.001); however, there was no significant decrease in emotional violence score (P > 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Family-based counseling plays a significant role in reducing the various types of violence against women through increasing the awareness of couples and by improving the relationship between couples during pregnancy. It will reduce the incidence of violence against a pregnant woman and consequently reduce complications on the mother and pregnancy outcomes. Family-oriented counseling played a significant role in deterring all forms of violence against women by increasing awareness of couples and improving their relationship during pregnancy. Moreover, family-oriented counseling reduced the incidence of violence against pregnant women and thus deterred maternal complications associated with pregnancy.