Pattern of Intimate Partner Violence among married women of Awassa Town
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the socioeconomic status of women and intimate partner violence in Awassa town. In addition it was aimed to find other risk factors for intimate partner violence.
The research was conducted by qualitative as well as quantitative methodology. Qualitative data was used as supplementary to the quantitative data and gathered by focus group discussion in Awassa town from April 30 to May 7. The data for quantitative study was gathered by in depth interview from March 20, 2007 to April 20, 2007. The collected data was analyzed by using a software SPSS. Descriptive statistics, chi square, logistic regression and cross tabulation were utilized from SPSS to analyze data.
Three hundred eighty four women were interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 33.7. The minimum age of the respondents was 17 and the maximum was 48 years old. The reported life time prevalence of sexual violence is 39.8% and it was 38.3% in the last twelve months. The life time prevalence of physical violence was 56.3%, and it was 51.3% in the last twelve months.
The findings of this study confirm that physical and sexual violence against women is also a problem in Awassa town. It also illustrates that women’s socioeconomic characteristics such as age, monthly income, property ownership, decision making power, the number and type of marriage influence the likelihood of physical and sexual violence. There was no significant association between the educational level of the women and intimate partner violence that are sexual and physical violence.
In addition, the finding reveals that socio demographic characteristics of the husband such as alcohol, khat and hostile behaviours have strong association with sexual and physical violence. These are the risk factors for physical and sexual violence.
More over, this study suggested that empowering women, dissemination of information regarding laws related with intimate partner violence and appropriate service for the victims of intimate partner violence are necessary to tackle the problems related with intimate partner violence
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Gender Studies