Intimate partner violence and self-esteem

Abstract

Introduction The impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) can be devastating on women’s psychology. Moreover, IPV may destroy women’s self-esteem and self-identity. Objectives To identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with IPV and to assess self-esteem among women victims of IPV. Methods It was a descriptive and analytical study over a period of 03 months from June 1st to August 31st, 2018 including all cases IPV female victims in forensic department at Habib BOURGUIBA University Hospital, Sfax. In addition to epidemiological data, Rosenberg scale were used to assess the victim’s self-esteem. Results Among 142 female IPV victims, only 60 (22.3%) agreed to answer our questionnaire. Their median age was 33.5 years (27-41 years). Victims did not pass high school in 61.7% of cases and they were unemployed in 53.3% of cases. Most women got married at 23 years-old (20-26). The average length of marriage was 7 years (3-14 years). Bruises and abrasions were the most frequent lesions (58.3% and 56.7% of cases). Rosenberg Scale score’s mean was 28.3 ± 4.3. Self-esteem was low or very low among 70% of victims. Conclusions Female victims of IPV do not have a specific profile and low self-esteem is quite common among them. Additional research is needed to better understand the extent of the problem and to develop more effective reporting methods. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• self-esteem
• women
• assault
• Intimate partner violence