Histories of intimate partner violence among women in short-stay shelter homes: Implications for psychosocial interventions

Abstract

Introduction: Among all kinds of violence that is experienced by women, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has been found to be the most common type. This can take the form of physical, sexual, financial, and emotional violence. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the histories of IPV among women in short-stay shelter homes. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 30 married women from three shelter homes in Bengaluru (mean age = 32.43 years). A socio-demographic data sheet (SDS), a semi-structured interview schedule and three visual analog scales (VAS) were used to obtain data related to IPV. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data obtained on the SDS and VAS. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data obtained. Results: Results indicated that 96.70% of the women experienced a combination of emotional and physical violence from their spouses. Financial violence was reported by 70% and sexual violence by 36.60%. On the VASs, the severity of IPV was rated as 8.5, perceived danger from the spouse was rated as 7.5, and perceived social support was rated as 3.9. Conclusions: Results revealed a high prevalence of IPV, severe degree of IPV, and the women perceived significant danger from their spouses and poor social support from significant others. This indicates the need for adequate psychosocial intervention to address IPV and its consequences.

Keywords

• intimate partner violence
• shelter homes
• trauma-informed care
• women