Prevalence of intimate partner violence victimization and its association with mental disorders in the Korean general population

Archives of Women's Mental Health - This study assessed the association between experiencing physical or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health among women in the general...     

Intimate partner violence and sexual coercion among pregnant women in India: relationship with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in most parts of the world. It is also prevalent during pregnancy. METHODS: This study assessed the prevalence of IPV during pregnancy and evaluated its relationship with mental health outcomes, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pregnant women (n=203) attending an antenatal clinic in a public hospital in Bangalore were assessed for presence of IPV as well as depressive, somatic, PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction. RESULTS: Self-reported physical violence in the last year was reported by 14% of women, psychological abuse by 15%, and sexual coercion by 9%. One-half of these women reported ongoing abuse during pregnancy. Depression, somatic, and PTSD symptoms were higher in those with a history of abuse or sexual coercion, and life satisfaction was poorer in those with any form of violence. Among those reporting a history of sexual coercion, severity of violence was related to increased psychiatric morbidity. Alcohol abuse in the spouse was a predictor of the presence and severity of abuse. LIMITATIONS: The study was conducted in a single clinic in southern India which is a large country with very diversified populations. CONCLUSION: The experience of intimate partner violence and its mental health consequences are quite prevalent in India which is a culture where gender disparities are normative and pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period.     

Intimate partner violence and health: self-assessed health, chronic health, and somatic symptoms among Mexican American women

OBJECTIVE: In medical settings intimate partner violence (IPV) has been linked to a variety of health problems. However, few population-based studies have assessed the health of abused women, particularly women from low socioeconomic groups such as Mexican Americans. This study examined the association between recent physical or sexual IPV and self-rated health, chronic health conditions, and somatic symptoms among Mexican American women. METHODS: Participants were women (N = 1155) with current male partners enrolled in a household survey of 3012 Mexican-origin adults, ages 18 to 59 years, living in urban, town, and rural areas of Fresno County, California. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for four self-assessed health measures, seven chronic diseases, and 32 somatic symptoms. RESULTS: In multivariate analyses, women reporting previous-year physical or sexual IPV were more likely to report 1) fair/poor overall health (OR, 1.9; confidence interval [CI], 1.0-3.7), physical health (OR, 2.1; CI, 1.2-3.9), and mental health (OR, 3.4; CI, 1.9-6.1), as well as worse comparative health (OR, 4.4; CI, 2.3-8.3); 2) a history of heart problems (OR, 17.0; CI, 4.3-66.7); 3) persistent health problems (OR, 3.3; CI, 1.5-7.0); and 4) numerous somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Physical or sexual IPV was associated with poorer self-assessed health and many health symptoms among this culturally distinctive Mexican American population.     

Posttraumatic stress disorder among low-income women exposed to perinatal intimate partner violence

Women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and other forms of lifetime trauma may be at risk for negative mental health outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to examine potential predictors of PTSD among low-income women exposed to perinatal IPV. This study analyzed baseline cross-sectional data from 239 low-income pregnant women in the USA who participated in a nurse home visitation intervention between 2006 and 2012 after reporting recent IPV. PTSD was assessed with the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) in which participants answer questions about the most disturbing traumatic event (MDTE) in their lifetime that affected them the week before the interview. In total, 40 % of the women were identified as having PTSD (DTS ≥40). PTSD prevalence significantly increased with age to nearly 80 % of women ages 30 and older (n?=?23). Age was also the strongest predictor of PTSD (p?<?0.001). Most participants (65 %) identified non-IPV-related traumas as their MDTEs. Psychological (94 %), physical (82 %), and sexual (44 %) violence were not significantly associated with PTSD status. Despite recent exposure to IPV, most participants identified other traumatic events as more disturbing than IPV-related trauma. Further, the risk for PTSD increased with age, suggesting that the cumulative effect of trauma, which may include IPV, increases the risk for PTSD over a lifetime. Implementing comprehensive screening for trauma during prenatal care may lead to the early identification and treatment of PTSD during pregnancy in a community setting.     

Coping variables that mediate the relation between intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes among low-income, African American women

Coping variables that mediate the relation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes among African American women were investigated. The study sample included 143 economically disadvantaged African American women ranging in age from 21 to 64 years old who were receiving services at an urban public health system. Sixty-five had experienced IPV within the past year and 78 had never experienced IPV. Results indicated that (a) the IPV status-depressive symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support; (b) the IPV status-anxiety symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, social support, and ability to access resources; and (c) the IPV status-parenting stress link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support. Implications of these findings for clinical practice with abused women are discussed.     

Socioeconomic disparities in intimate partner violence against Native American women: a cross-sectional study

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global public health problem, yet data on IPV against Native American women are extremely limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study of Native American women to determine prevalence of lifetime and past-year IPV and partner injury; examine IPV in relation to pregnancy; and assess demographic and socioeconomic correlates of past-year IPV.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a tribally-operated clinic serving low-income pregnant and childbearing women in southwest Oklahoma. A self-administered survey was completed by 312 Native American women (96% response rate) attending the clinic from June through August 1997. Lifetime and past-year IPV were measured using modified 18-item Conflict Tactics Scales. A socioeconomic index was created based on partner's education, public assistance receipt, and poverty level.

Results

More than half (58.7%) of participants reported lifetime physical and/or sexual IPV; 39.1% experienced severe physical IPV; 12.2% reported partner-forced sexual activity; and 40.1% reported lifetime partner-perpetrated injuries. A total of 273 women had a spouse or boyfriend during the previous 12 months (although all participants were Native American, 59.0% of partners were non-Native). Among these women, past-year prevalence was 30.1% for physical and/or sexual IPV; 15.8% for severe physical IPV; 3.3% for forced partner-perpetrated sexual activity; and 16.4% for intimate partner injury. Reported IPV prevalence during pregnancy was 9.3%. Pregnancy was not associated with past-year IPV (odds ratio = 0.9). Past-year IPV prevalence was 42.8% among women scoring low on the socioeconomic index, compared with 10.1% among the reference group. After adjusting for age, relationship status, and household size, low socioeconomic index remained strongly associated with past-year IPV (odds ratio = 5.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.4, 10.7).

Conclusions

Native American women in our sample experienced exceptionally high rates of lifetime and past-year IPV. Additionally, within this low-income sample, there was strong evidence of socioeconomic variability in IPV. Further research should determine prevalence of IPV against Native American women from diverse tribes and regions, and examine pathways through which socioeconomic disadvantage may increase their IPV risk.

     

Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Effects: A Population-Based Study among Married Women in Karachi, Pakistan

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is recognized all over the world for its association with mental health problems in women. In Pakistan, such violence occurs commonly, but detailed information on mental health effects is scarce. The purpose of this study is to focused on married couples in urban Karachi to investigate mental health effects associated with physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated by husbands towards wives. Disclosure rates and health care-seeking behaviour were also investigated.

Method

This cross-sectional study involved 759 women between the ages of 25 and 60 years, selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. The women were interviewed by trained community midwives using a structured questionnaire.

Results

In the total population of women, mental symptoms were prevalent. Women subjected to any form of violence reported, however, considerably poorer mental health than unexposed women. A statistically significant difference for almost all of the studied health parameters persisted even after controlling for socio-demographic factors. The strongest associations were found for suicidal thoughts and physical violence (OR 4.41; 3.18–6.12), sexual abuse (OR 4.39; 3.17–6.07) and psychological abuse (OR 5.17; 3.28–8.15). The interviews revealed that only 27% of the women subjected to violence had disclosed this to anyone, in most cases to their parents.

Conclusion

The findings in this study highlight that the violence women have to face contributes to the development of multiple forms of psychological stress and serious mental health problems. Women’s restrictive life circumstances seriously hamper women’s empowerment. Reliable health surveillance system and health care services are needed to serve abused women. Policy initiatives focused on IPV and gender inequality in Pakistan should be initiated.     

Patterns of partners' abusive behaviors as reported by Latina and non‐Latina survivors

This study builds on the existing knowledge of risk factors for lethal intimate partner violence (IPV) and typologies of IPV abusers by exploring patterns of abusive partners' behaviors among known risk factors for intimate partner femicide (i.e., murder of women) and determines if groups of survivors with similar patterns of abusive behaviors exist. The common patterns are then examined for differences among Latina and non‐Latina survivors. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with adult English‐ and Spanish‐speaking survivors of past‐year physical and/or sexual IPV using a validated risk assessment instrument, the Danger Assessment (DA) Questionnaire. Two‐hundred nine IPV survivors participated, 55% Latina. Unique patterns of abusive behaviors perpetrated by an intimate partner or ex‐partner across known risk factors for lethal violence were reported. The patterns clustered into five distinct groups: extreme abuser, physical and sexual violence/controlling abuser, forced sex/controlling abuser, threat/controlling abuser, and low‐level tactics abuser. Latina and non‐Latina survivors reported mean DA scores (13.0 vs. 18.5, respectively) that place them within the “increased danger” and “extreme danger” level, respectively, for lethal violence by an abusive partner. Although both groups were in extreme danger on average, the patterns of abusive behaviors differed. Latina women were more likely to characterize their partner as using forced sex to control the relationship, whereas non‐Latina women were more likely to characterize the use of all types of abusive behaviors (i.e., extreme abuser) or threats to kill them (i.e., threat/controlling abuser) to control the relationship. The findings of this study can be used to develop effective individualized safety plans that include culturally and linguistically competent strategies to reduce violence‐related morbidity and mortality. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Women reporting intimate partner violence in India: Associations with PTSD and depressive symptoms

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is prevalent worldwide and often has mental health sequelae. The aims of this study were (a) to describe the prevalence and the nature of PTSD symptoms among Indian women reporting IPV, (b) to study the relationship between symptoms of PTSD and depression, and (c) to examine the relationship between sexual coercion and PTSD symptoms. Consecutive women (n = 105) presenting to an adult psychiatry outpatient unit of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in South India were recruited. These women were assessed for IPV, sexual coercion, PTSD symptoms, and depression. Fifty-nine women (56%) reported a history of IPV, of whom 41 (70%) also reported sexual coercion. Among women reporting IPV, seven (14%) exceeded cut-off scores for PTSD and twelve (20%) exceeded cut-off scores for sub-threshold PTSD. The majority of those reporting IPV exceeded cut-off scores for a depressive disorder. Compared to women without a history of IPV, women reporting IPV had higher scores on PTSD and depression. Severity of violence and sexual coercion correlated positively (r = 0.39) with PTSD severity. The findings highlight the importance of screening women for IPV and its sequelae, in mental health settings.     

Psychological and physical sequelae of intimate partner violence among women with limitations in their activities of daily living

Summary Objective: To compare the psychological and physical sequelae of physical/sexual intimate partner violence in women with and without activity limitations. Methods: We analyzed data from the Canadian 1999 General Social Survey. We included women reporting intimate partner violence in the previous 5 years (n = 897). Results: As a result of the violence, women with activity limitations were significantly more likely to feel ashamed/guilty (21.7 vs. 14.5%), depression/anxiety (31.5 vs. 19.8%), fearful (43.0 vs. 33.0%), lowered self-esteem (35.2 vs. 21.1%), increased caution/awareness (20.3 vs. 10.9%), and problems relating to men (16.4 vs. 5.4%). Significantly more women with activity limitations reported physical injury from violence (57.0 vs. 36.6%) and having to take time off from everyday activities (42.1 vs. 30.3%). Women with activity limitations had higher medication use for sleeping problems (OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.36, 5.73), anxiety (OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.75, 6.19) and depression (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.41, 4.90). Conclusion: Results suggest an additive effect between intimate partner violence and activity limitations that adds disproportionately to the burden of health for women with activity limitations.     

Risk factors for intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum

This longitudinal investigation examined potential risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) among women during pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum. A sample of 180 pregnant women was collected in order to investigate (1) whether associations between partner alcohol misuse, partner jealousy, partner suspicion of infidelity, and stress were associated with IPV victimization; (2) the indirect effects of alcohol misuse on these relationships; and (3) factors related to changes in IPV victimization over time. At baseline, partner alcohol misuse was associated with each type of IPV victimization and the combination of partner alcohol misuse, partner jealousy, and partner suspicion of infidelity was most strongly associated with severe physical victimization. Partner alcohol misuse mediated the relationship between partner jealousy and psychological and severe physical victimization. At follow-up, partner jealousy and stress were related to women’s psychological victimization and partner alcohol misuse was related to women’s severe physical victimization. Findings suggest that partner alcohol misuse is a risk factor for women’s IPV victimization during pregnancy and jealousy and that stress may increase risk for some types of IPV. Findings also suggest that intervention should target parents early in pregnancy in order to reduce the risk for future IPV.     

The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence Exposure in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: A Developmental Psychopathology Approach

Despite increased attention on parental intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure, a relative paucity of research has examined the developmental consequences of this traumatic experience within a life span approach. The aim of the present study was to examine how parental IPV exposure may relate to mental health during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Furthermore, we examined whether the impact of parental IPV exposure was unique from more commonly studied maltreatment experiences, specifically neglect and physical abuse. A large, racially and ethnically diverse sample (N_baseline = 1,042; 56% female; M_age = 15.1, SD = 0.79; 31.4% Hispanic, 29.4% White, 27.9% African American, 3.6% Asian, 7.7% biracial or other) of adolescents completed a baseline assessment for parental physical IPV exposure and maltreatment as well as measures for symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress, and substance use, annually for 6 consecutive years. Mixed-level modeling was used to examine how parental IPV exposure was uniquely associated with different patterns of mental health across developmental epochs. Findings demonstrated a multifaceted relation with mental health. For internalizing symptoms, the effect was pronounced during adolescence, and neglect increased the risk for depression symptomatology. Meanwhile, parental-IPV-exposed adolescents were at increasing risk for substance use as they aged into adulthood. Symptom levels and trajectories were independent and distinct from maltreatment experiences. This study helps illuminate parental IPV exposure’s unique influence on well-being during vulnerable developmental periods. It also calls attention to the importance of developing suitable intervention/prevention programs to target this vulnerable population.     

Intimate partner violence perpetration against main female partners among HIV-positive male injection drug users

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a serious public health and social problem and is associated with a host of adverse health outcomes and behaviors, HIV risk behaviors included, among women who are victimized. Historically, research has focused on correlates of IPV victimization among women; thus, there is less information on the role of men in perpetrating IPV, particularly among men at risk for transmitting HIV to their female partners. We assessed the self-reported prevalence and correlates of perpetration and threat of perpetration of physical and/or sexual IPV against a main female partner among 317 HIV-positive men who were current injection drug users (IDUs). More than 40% of men reported perpetrating physical (39%) and/or sexual (4%) violence against their main female partners in the past year. Multivariate analyses revealed that low education, homelessness, psychologic distress, and unprotected sex with main and nonmain HIV-negative female partners were positively associated with IPV perpetration against main female partners. These findings reveal that IPV perpetration is prevalent among HIV-positive male IDUs and associated with sexual HIV transmission risk behaviors. IPV assessment and treatment among HIV-positive men in HIV care is recommended as a way to prevent IPV perpetration and victimization and to reduce potential HIV transmission.     

The effects of expressive writing on pain, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in survivors of intimate partner violence

This study examined the effects of expressive writing on depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain symptoms among women who have survived intimate partner violence (IPV). Forty-seven women completed baseline and four-month follow-up assessments and were randomly assigned to four writing sessions of either expressive writing focused on traumatic life events or writing about a neutral topic. Main effects were not significant for changes in depression, pain or PTSD symptoms. However, among depressed women, those assigned to expressive writing showed a significantly greater drop in depression. For depressed women with IPV histories, expressive writing may lead to reduced depression.     

孕期亲密伴侣暴力和孕晚期就寝-晨起规律与小于胎龄儿的关系

目的:探讨孕期亲密伴侣暴力(IPV)与小于胎龄儿(SGA)的关联,并分析孕晚期就寝-晨起规律在其关联中的作用。方法:从2015年3月-2019年6月在合肥市三家医院的产科门诊招募孕妇4908名,使用WHO多国妇女健康和家庭暴力研究小组总结而来的清单式问卷进行调查,并采用多元logistic回归模型进行分析。结果:孕期精神暴力、躯体暴力、性暴力和总IPV发生率分别为9.1%、1.4%、0.9%和9.7%,SGA发生率为7.1%。回归分析结果显示,孕期IPV与SGA正向关联(OR=1.59);分别按就寝时间和晨起时间分层,7∶00后起床、22∶00-23∶00和23∶00后就寝组的IPV与SGA正向关联(OR=2.85、2.18、1.98);按就寝-晨起规律分层,非早睡早起组的IPV和IPV组的非早睡早起与SGA正向关联(OR=2.15、3.32)。结论:孕期遭受IPV(尤其是精神暴力)会增加SGA的风险,而就寝-晨起规律会使IPV与SGA的关联在不同的规律下增强或减弱。     

Head injury screening and intimate partner violence: A brief report

Objective: Although the importance of traumatic brain injury has gained public attention in recent years, relatively little attention has been paid to head injuries among women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). The present study screened for lifetime exposure to mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) among a sample of women who had experienced recent IPV (median days since target incident = 26). Method: Participants included ethnically diverse women whose IPV experiences were reported to law enforcement. Women (n = 225) were asked about injuries to the head sustained during the target IPV incident as well as over the lifetime, and related symptoms. Results: The vast majority of women (80%) reported a lifetime head injury. More than half (56%) screened positive for mTBI, defined as at least one instance in which they experienced a change in consciousness or a period of being dazed and confused as a result of a head injury. A minority of women (13%) reported injuries to the head during the target IPV incident. Most women who had experienced a lifetime head injury reported frequent and current cognitive difficulties. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of assessing head injuries and related symptoms among women who have experienced IPV, pointing to important implications for policy and practice.     

Vulnerability to intimate partner violence and poor mental health in the first 4-year postpartum among mothers reporting childhood abuse: an Australian pregnancy cohort study

The purpose of this study was to investigate intergenerational patterns of abuse and trauma and the health consequences for women in the early childbearing years. A prospective pregnancy cohort of 1507 nulliparous women (≦24 weeks gestation) were recruited in Melbourne, Australia, 2003–2005. Follow-up was scheduled in late pregnancy, 3-, 6- and 12-month and 4-year postpartum. Childhood abuse was retrospectively reported at 4-year postpartum using the Child Maltreatment History Self Report. Intimate partner violence (IPV) was assessed at 1- and 4-year postpartum with the Composite Abuse Scale. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed in all follow-ups using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between childhood abuse, maternal mental health and IPV. Childhood abuse was reported by 41.1 % of women. In the 4 years after having their first child, 28.2 % of women reported IPV, 25.2 % depression and 31.6 % anxiety. Childhood abuse was associated with odds of depression or anxiety 1.5–2.6 times greater and 1.8–3.2 times greater for IPV. Childhood physical abuse remained significantly associated with depression and anxiety in pregnancy and postpartum after adjusting for IPV and stressful life events, while sexual abuse remained significantly associated only with anxiety. Women who begin childbearing with a history of childhood abuse are more vulnerable to IPV and poor mental health. All health care services and agencies in contact with children, young people and families should have adequate training to identify trauma associated with abuse and IPV and provide first line supportive care and referral.     

Association of home visitors' and mothers' attachment style with family engagement

Family engagement in home visiting (HV) is challenging. This study related attachment security of home visitors (n=48) and mothers (n=328) to family engagement in an HV program to prevent child maltreatment. Attachment security was assessed by using the Attachment Style Questionnaire to measure attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Family engagement was defined as receipt of a high dose of visits and home visitor response to intimate partner violence (IPV) and poor maternal mental health as measured via record review and by maternal report of trust in the home visitor. Home visitors had lower attachment anxiety and avoidance than mothers. Families were likely to receive a high dose of services if either the mother or home visitor was high on attachment anxiety. Home visitors high on attachment anxiety were less likely to respond to IPV and poor maternal mental health; home visitors high on attachment avoidance were more likely to respond to these issues. Mothers with high attachment anxiety were less trusting of highly anxious home visitors and more trusting of avoidant home visitors. HV programs should consider the influence of both home visitor and maternal attachment style on family engagement. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Domestic violence against women as a risk factor for depressive and anxiety disorders: findings from domestic violence household survey in Tehran,Iran

Domestic violence (DV) especially intimate partner violence is a global health problem responsible for significant part of burden of diseases in women. Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are possibly results and resulted in IPV. To investigate correlation between IPV and depression and anxiety among married women, in a household survey of married women in Tehran, Iran, at summer 2011, we recruited 615 samples with cluster sampling method and they are directly asked about experience of 23 different types of physical and non-physical IPV during marital life and last 12 months. Depression and anxiety were assessed by Beck depression inventory II (BDI) and Beck Anxiety inventory (BAI). Multinominal regression model was used to assess the independent relationship of factor on IPV. Mean (±SE) age and duration of marriage were 42.6?±?0.9 and 22?±?0.8, respectively. Non-physical violence and physical violence during marital life reported in 77.2 and 35.1 %. Clinically significant depression and anxiety was reported in 15.3 and 32.7 % of women, respectively. The odds ratio (95 % CI) of clinically significant depression and anxiety in DV victims were 5.8 (2.3–14.6) and 2.6 (1.6–4.3). DV as a social factor is significantly correlated factor with depression and anxiety. Comprehensive view and collaborative work to detect and address social determinants of mental illness like DV is a crucial point in mental health promotion programs.