Domestic violence among married women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe: a cross sectional study (original) (raw)
Related papers
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread problem affecting all cultures and socioeconomic groups. This study explored the trends in prevalence and risk factors associated with IPV among Zimbabwean women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from 2005-2015. Methods: Data from the 2005/2006, 2010/2011 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) on 13,409 women (survey year: 2005/2006; n=4,081), (survey year: 2010/2011; n=4,411) and (survey year: 2015; n=4,917) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regressions and hierarchical modelling techniques were applied to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, media exposure and IPV against women. We further estimated the prevalence of IPV over time. Results: The prevalence of IPV decreased from 45.2% in 2005 to 40.9% in 2010, and then increased to 43.1% in 2015. Some of the risk factors associated with IPV were younger age, low economic status, cohabitation and rural residence. ...
2020
Cases of domestic violence are on the increase in Zimbabwe regardless the existence of anti domestic violence laws. Not much has been done to establish why the existing laws in Zimbabwe are failing to reduce or stop Domestic Violence. Some of the factors for increased cases of Domestic Violence in Zimbabwe include amongst others, total disregard of the African Traditional culture and practises, poverty and economic hardships, increase in awareness of the law, non coverage of remote areas during anti domestic violence campaigns, limitations in the enforcement of the law, natural characteristics of perpetrators, challenges faced by organisations who deal with domestic violence cases, corruption, alcohol and drug abuse and infidelity. A qualitative research was conducted in Highlands, Dema and Chitungwiza Suburbs. What boggles the researcher’s mind is the non intervention in domestic violence by members of the society. Domestic violence is manmade and so why does it continue unstopped ...
2011
Background: HIV/AIDS and domestic violence are two of the major health problems affecting the lives of millions of people worldwide. Many people have fallen victim to these two pandemics especially in sub-Saharan Africa and much of the developing countries. Aim: In the present paper, we investigate factors associated with domestic violence amongst four couple groups namely: concordant negative, concordant positive, discordant male positive and discordant female positive. Methods: Data from the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey (2005-2006) was used to run a Chi-square test to compare couples on demographic factors, economic factors and decision making. A logistic regression model which helps to control for confounding was fitted to identify factors associated with domestic violence for the different couple groupings. Results: Domestic violence prevalence ranges from 39.4% to 53.5% for the four couple groupings, which is quite high requiring corrective measures. Concordant positive c...
Global Health Action
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women continues to be a public health burden globally. Objectives: To assess prevalence and factors associated with women's experiences of past 12 months physical/sexual IPV Methods: A two-stage cluster-based national cross-sectional survey in which women were randomly selected for participation was conducted among 5295 women aged 15-49 years. IPV in the last 12 months was assessed using the WHO interviewer-administered questionnaire for measuring violence against women. Participants' wife beating attitudes, partner controlling behaviours, household decision-making, STI history, HIV status and demographic characteristics were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess factors associated with IPV. Results: Of the 5292 women interviewed, mean age was 31.5 years and 84.7% were married. Over one-fifth of the women (20.2: 95%CI 19.1-21.3) were physically/sexually abused in the last 12 months. IPV was associated with gender inequitable norms and practices which include lacking household decision-making power (aOR 2.05, 1.71-2.47), experiencing low (aOR 2.05; 1.71-2.47) or high (aOR 4.5; 3.62-5.60) partner controlling behaviours (vs none) and endorsing low (aOR 1.29) or high (aOR 1.36) wife beating attitudes (vs none), having sexual self-efficacy (aOR 1.19; 1.10-1.41), experiencing emotional abuse (aOR 4.50; 3.62-5.60) and having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (aOR 1.36, 1.04-1.77). IPV was also associated with women's empowerment factors including possessing household assets (aOR 1.26, 1.03-1.54) and reporting current media usage (aOR 1.29; 1.04-1.61). Demographic factors associated with IPV were age and number of children. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that IPV is a significant public health and societal problem as one in five women were abused in the past year. Younger women, less empowered women, women in inequitable intimate relationships and women endorsing traditional gender norms were at increased risk of abuse. IPV prevention programmes must prioritise transforming traditional gender norms and women's economic empowerment.
In Zimbabwe, levels of spousal Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remain a health, human rights and development concern. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between spousal GBV and women's empowerment among women aged 15-49 who were currently in union or living with a man. The analysis utilised the 2010-11 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data. Spousal violence was measured by different forms of GBV i.e. physical, emotional, sexual violence and overall GBV. Overall, 48% of women of reproductive age who are in a union experience some type of GBV. More specifically, 27% report physical violence, 26% sexual violence and 25% emotional violence. The analysis showed that women who did not participate in decision-making at household level were more likely to experience GBV than those who do. Women who have control over their spouses' earnings were less likely to suffer from GBV. However, ownership of property (land and/or house) was not associated with spousal GBV. Women who were in polygamous unions, whose spouses drank alcohol, earned less than their spouses and had a history of non-spousal physical violence were more likely to experience GBV than all other women. Younger women (aged 15-19 years) were more likely to experience spousal emotional, physical and sexual violence than the older age groups. Recommendations are to improve women's participation in decision making, mainstreaming GBV in development, and improve the economic and social emancipation of women and girls.
Partner Violence against Women in Zimbabwe: Prevalence, Forms, and Implications for Legislations
Deleted Journal, 2024
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of partner violence against women (PVAW) in Zimbabwe, with a specific focus on the districts of Zvimba and Karoi. The research utilized a mixed-method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data. Questionnaires were used to collect information, while focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) provided valuable insights from participants. The findings revealed that the overall prevalence rate of PVAW was 63.5%. More specifically, sexual, economic, physical, and emotional partner violence against women were prevalent at rates of 18.5%, 37.1%, 43.3%, and 46.1% respectively. The results highlight the significant violation of human rights that PVAW represents and emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks to address this issue. Although laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and the ongoing consideration of the Women's Anti-Discrimination Bill exist to address PVAW, their implementation and enforcement are hindered by various challenges. This study underscores the importance of strengthened coordination among different institutions and emphasizes the necessity of education awareness, transparency, and accountability in the implementation and enforcement of these laws. Efforts should be made to strengthen legislation that criminalizes all forms of partner violence and ensures the protection of survivors.
Domestic Violence in Urban Areas in Zimbabwe: a Case Study of Glen Norah (Harare)
This study revealed that domestic violence is highly prevalent in Glen Norah and that it has sexual, emotional, psychological, economic, political and social dimensions. The main perpetrators of domestic violence are men; women and children are the main victims. The study also revealed that legislation is not widely adhered to and that most cases of domestic violence are not reported. Awareness and sensitisation programmes done by the state and non state actors are useful but cultural and economic factors hamper their usefulness. The main recommendations are that domestic violence should be criminalised, legislation should be tightened and victims should be supported and protected. Domestic violence is a threat to all forms of human development. Therefore it is everyone's duty to eliminate domestic violence.
Cogent Social Sciences, 2022
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an urgent public health priority. It is a neglected issue in women's health, especially in urban slums in Nepal and globally. This study was designed to better understand the IPV experienced by young pregnant women in urban slums of the Kathmandu Valley, as well as to identify their coping strategies, care and support seeking behaviours. Womens' views on ways to prevent IPV were also addressed. Methods: 20 young pregnant women from 13 urban slums in the Kathmandu valley were recruited purposively for this qualitative study, based on pre-defined criteria. In-depth interviews were conducted and transcribed, with qualitative content analysis used to analyse the transcripts. Results: 14 respondents were survivors of violence in urban slums. Their intimate partner(s) committed most of the violent acts. These young pregnant women were more likely to experience different forms of violence (psychological, physical and sexual) if they refused to have sex, gave birth to a girl, or if their husband had alcohol use disorder. The identification of foetal gender also increased the experience of physical violence at the prenatal stage. Interference from in-laws prevented further escalation of physical abuse. The most common coping strategy adopted to avoid violence among these women was to tolerate and accept the husbands' abuse because of economic dependence. Violence survivors sought informal support from their close family members. Women suggested multiple short and long term actions to reduce intimate partner violence such as female education, economic independence of young women, banning identification of foetal gender during pregnancy and establishing separate institutions within their community to handle violence against young pregnant women. Conclusions: Diversity in the design and implementation of culturally and socially acceptable interventions might be effective in addressing violence against young pregnant women in humanitarian settings such as urban slums. These include, but are not limited to, treatment of alcohol use disorder, raising men's awareness about pregnancy, addressing young women's economic vulnerability, emphasising the role of health care professionals in preventing adverse consequences resulting from gender selection technologies and working with family members of violence survivors.
2014
In Zimbabwe, levels of spousal Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remain a health, human rights and development concern. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between spousal GBV and women’s empowerment among women aged 15-49 who were currently in union or living with a man. The analysis utilised the 2010-11 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data. Spousal violence was measured by different forms of GBV i.e. physical, emotional, sexual violence and overall GBV. Overall, 48% of women of reproductive age who are in a union experience some type of GBV. More specifically, 27% report physical violence, 26% sexual violence and 25% emotional violence. The analysis showed that women who did not participate in decision-making at household level were more likely to experience GBV than those who do. Women who have control over their spouses’ earnings were less likely to suffer from GBV. However, ownership of property (land and/or house) was not associated with...