The impact of mind-body therapies on the mental health of women victims of violence: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Violence against women is a common public health problem and causes negative mental health outcomes. Mind-body therapies aim to positively affect a person's mental health by focusing on the interaction between mind, body, and behavior. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of mind-body therapies on women's mental health. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials published in the last 20 years comparing mind-body therapies with active control or waiting lists in women victims of violence were included. Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases were searched until August 2023. The random effects model and fixed effects model were used for data analysis. The heterogeneity of the study was assessed using the I2 index, and publication bias was assessed using Egger's test and funnel plot. RESULTS: Twelve eligible studies with a sample size of 440 women victims of violence were selected. Mind-body therapies led to a statistically significant reduction in anxiety scores (SMD: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.89), depression scores (SMD: 1.68, 95% CI: 0.83, 2.52) and posttraumatic stress scores (SMD: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.73, 1.18). There was a high level of heterogeneity in the outcome for anxiety (I2 = 85.18), a high level of heterogeneity for depression (I2 = 88.82), and a low level of heterogeneity for PTSD (I2 = 19.61). Results of subgroup analysis based on the number of sessions showed that eight or fewer sessions reduced anxiety (SMD: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.37, 4.83) and depression scores (SMD: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.68), while PTSD scores did not change. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that mind-body therapies may reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD in women victims of violence.

Integrated domestic violence and reproductive health interventions in India: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence is a leading cause of poor health outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Therefore, there is a need for integrated domestic violence interventions in reproductive health care settings. India has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates. This review aimed to identify characteristics of existing evidence-based integrated domestic violence and reproductive healthcare interventions in India to identify gaps and components of interventions that demonstrate effectiveness for addressing domestic violence. METHODS: A systematic review of intervention studies was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Three research team members performed independent screening of title, abstracts and full-texts. RESULTS: The search resulted in 633 articles, of which 13 articles met inclusion criteria for full text screening and analysis. Common components of integrated violence and reproductive health interventions that were effective in addressing domestic violence included: psychoeducation/education (n = 5), skill building (n = 5), counseling (n = 5), engaging stakeholders with use of trained lay peer facilitators (n = 3), and engaging male spouses (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions in India for domestic violence that are integrated with reproductive health care remain few, and there are fewer with effective outcomes for domestic violence. Of those with effective outcomes, all of the interventions utilized psychoeducation/education, skill building, and counseling as part of the intervention.

Domestic violence is a leading cause of poor health outcomes during pregnancy and the time after pregnancy. Thus, there is a need for integrated domestic violence interventions in reproductive healthcare settings. India has one of the highest maternal and child death rates. This review aimed to identify features of existing evidence-based integrated domestic violence and reproductive healthcare interventions in India to identify gaps and components of interventions that demonstrate effectiveness for addressing the problem of domestic violence among women in reproductive healthcare settings. A systematic review of intervention studies was conducted. The search resulted in 633 articles, of which 13 articles met the criteria to be included in this review. Common components of effective integrated domestic violence and reproductive health interventions included: psychoeducation/education (n = 5), skill building (n = 5), counseling (n = 5), engaging stakeholders with use of trained lay peer facilitators (n = 3), and engaging male spouses (n = 3). The key takeaways are that interventions in India for domestic violence that are integrated with reproductive healthcare remain few, and there are fewer with effective outcomes for domestic violence. Psychoeducation/education, skill building, and counseling were commonly used strategies in interventions that were effective in addressing domestic violence.

Protective factors for the risk of suffering intimate partner violence in help-seeking women survivors from a social organization in Chile.

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem in Latin America. The present study investigates the protective factors that contribute to minimizing the risk of exposure to IPV analyzing different variables in a sample of Chilean women victims of IPV. Methods: We used data from the Cicatrices Foundation, a nonprofit Chilean organization providing psychological support to IPV victims. Relevant variables for IPV prevention were identified analyzing a database containing all the information reported by victims during a structured interview. A final sample of 444 women suffering IPV was used in the present study. Results: Logistic regression analysis was calculated in order to make predictions related to IPV protective factors, showing that having a support network (OR = 2.85), treatment compliance (OR = 2.05) and being younger (OR = 0.95) increased the probability of not living with the aggressor. Another logistic regression analysis was calculated in order to predict IPV victims´ health taking medication intake as an indicator. A significant association was observed between this variable and working outside (p = 0.002) and between mediation intake and age (p < 0.001), with an OR of 1.987 and 0.93, respectively. Working outside and being younger were identified as protective factors against consuming medication. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies conducted in Chile on the prevention of IPV in a sample of victims seeking for help. Our results will contribute to guide policy makers, researchers and other women in the prevention of potential risks for IPV.

Advisory groups of children in research on gender-based violence.

Involving children in research is not only advisable but mandatory from both a child rights and an academic perspective. Indeed, recent research has shown that children's participation enriches knowledge and contributes to an in-depth understanding of complex issues, even in sensitive questions such as gender-based violence, leading to improved policy and practice interventions. This article analyses the participation of children both as experts and informants in a research project aimed at creating an early detection model of gender violence applicable in schools. The aims of the study are as follows: i) to analyse the participation strategies used in the research conducted with children in the field of gender-based violence from an ethical and methodological point of view, focusing on strengths and weaknesses, and to identify improvements to be implemented; ii) to collect the experiences of children in this regard. Six expert groups were created specifically for this research project in different locations around Catalonia (Spain). A total of 45 children aged 10-16 participated in all stages of the research, including instrument design (children's questionnaire), discussion of results, building outcomes (model) and dissemination activities (final conference). The questionnaire was answered by a representative sample of 3664 schoolchildren attending 106 schools in Catalonia. This article discusses methodological questions, analysing the benefits and obstacles encountered in working with children, including power relationships, children's voices, engagement, protection, recognitions of capacities and remuneration.

A scoping review on the nature and impact of gender based violence on women primary producers.

BACKGROUND: Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are primary producers of subsistence food and significant contributors to the agricultural economy. Gender Based Violence (GBV) adversely impacts their capacity to contribute and sustain their families and undermines social, economic, and human capital. Addressing GBV, therefore, is critical to creating safe and inclusive environments for women as primary producers to participate fully in rural communities. The aim of this scoping review is to explore the existing evidence on GBV in the context of women primary producers in LMICs to inform research gaps and priorities. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Ebscohost and Google Scholar using keywords related to GBV and women producers in LMICs. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between January 2012 and June 2022 were included in the review. Duplicates were removed, titles and abstracts were screened, and characteristics and main results of included studies were recorded in a data charting form. A total of 579 records were identified, of which 49 studies were eligible for inclusion in this study. RESULTS: Five major themes were identified from our analysis: (1) extent and nature of GBV, (2) the impact of GBV on agricultural/primary production livelihood activities, (3) sociocultural beliefs, practices, and attitudes, (4) aggravating or protective factors, and (5) GBV interventions. Addressing GBV in agriculture requires inclusive research approaches and targeted interventions to empower women producers, promote gender equality, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to broader societal development. Despite attempts by researchers to delve into this issue, the pervasive under-reporting of GBV remains a challenge. The true extent and nature of GBV perpetrated against women is far from fully understood in this context. CONCLUSION: Despite the significant challenges posed by GBV to the health, economy and livelihoods of women primary producers in LMICs, there is a paucity in the current state of knowledge. To make meaningful progress, more research is required to understand the relationship between GBV and agricultural settings, and to gain nuanced insight into the nature and impact of GBV on women primary producers in different regions and contexts.

"Nenhuma Pessoa Idosa Merece Passar por Isso": Compreensão da Violência para Mulheres Gerontes / "Ninguna Persona Adulta Mayor Merece Pasar Por Esto": Comprensión de la Violencia para las Mujeres Adultas Mayores / "No Elderly Person Deserves to Go Through This": Understanding Violence Towards Elderly Women

Resumo Introdução: A violência contra idosos é um fenômeno crescente, ocasionando prejuízos à saúde, com diferentes desfechos e consequências às vítimas. A chance de idosas sofrerem-na no âmbito familiar supera a dos homens, sendo o gênero um fator de risco considerável. Objetivo: Analisar a compreensão da violência contra pessoas idosas segundo mulheres gerontes. Metodologia: Pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa desenvolvida com 22 idosas de uma comunidade no estado da Paraíba, Brasil, escolhidas por conveniência. Utilizou-se para coleta de dados entrevistas semiestruturadas, processadas pelo software Iramuteq, com posterior Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: Foram evidenciadas cinco classes: ciclo de violência; rede de apoio ao idoso vítima de violência; Vivência de situações violentas; violência financeira; e simbologia da violência na sociedade, as quais denotam compreensão da violência envolvendo os diferentes tipos. Apoiam-se nos fatores da vivência familiar, cultura e outros, consubstanciando o profissional de saúde como fundamental para o desfecho. O gênero influenciou no que concerne ao olhar lançado sobre a violência física e psicológica, bem como na relevância dada às equipes de saúde para identificação de ocorrências e prevenção de possíveis danos. Conclusão: Os diversos tipos de violência contra a pessoa idosa foram reconhecidos, incluindo fatores individuais, comunitários e sociais no ciclo violento. Além disso, associaram o envelhecimento a maior suscetibilidade para sofrer violência, independente da tipologia. Destaca-se a potencialidade do serviço de saúde na assistência à pessoa idosa vítima de violência, elucidando casos e atuando precocemente para interrupção dos ciclos perpetrados, exigindo a necessidade constante de atualização profissional para lidar com situações detectadas.

Resumen Introducción: La violencia contra las personas adultas mayores es un fenómeno creciente, que causa daños a la salud, con diferentes desenlaces y consecuencias para las víctimas. La posibilidad de que las mujeres adultas mayores la sufran en el ámbito familiar supera la de los hombres, siendo el género un factor de riesgo considerable. Objetivo: Analizar la comprensión de la violencia contra las personas mayores según las mujeres adultas mayores. Metodología: Investigación descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo desarrollada con 22 mujeres adultas mayores de una comunidad en el estado de Paraíba, Brasil, elegidas por conveniencia. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, procesadas por el software Iramuteq, con posterior análisis de contenido. Resultados: Se evidenciaron cinco tipos de violencia: ciclo de la violencia, red de apoyo población adulta mayor víctima de violencia, experimentar situaciones violentas, violencia financiera y simbología de la violencia en la sociedad, que denotan la comprensión de la violencia de diferentes tipos. Estas ideas están respaldadas en los factores de la experiencia familiar, la cultura y otros, donde la persona profesional de la salud se identifica como fundamental para el cuidado y apoyo. El género influyó en la mirada lanzada sobre la violencia física y psicológica, así como en la relevancia dada a los equipos de salud para la identificación de sucesos y la prevención de posibles daños. Conclusión: Se han reconocido los diversos tipos de violencia contra las personas mayores, incluidos los factores individuales, comunitarios y sociales en el ciclo de violencia. Además, asociaron el envejecimiento con una mayor susceptibilidad a sufrir violencia, independientemente de la tipología. Destaca la potencialidad del servicio de salud en la asistencia a la persona mayor víctima de violencia, mediante la identificación de casos y la actuación temprana para la interrupción de los ciclos perpetrados. De manera que, se evidencia la necesidad constante de actualización profesional para hacer frente a situaciones detectadas.

Abstract Introduction: Violence against the elderly is a growing phenomenon, causing damage to health, with different outcomes and consequences to the victims. The possibility of elderly women suffering it in the family context surpasses that of men, with gender being a considerable risk factor. Objective: To analyze the understanding of violence against the elderly according to elderly women. Method: Descriptive research with a qualitative approach developed with 22 elderly women from a community in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, chosen for convenience. The data collection was based on semi-structured interviews, processed by the Iramuteq software, with subsequent Content Analysis. Results: Five classes of violence against the elderly were evidenced: cycle of violence; support network for the elderly victims of violence; experience of violent situations; financial violence; and symbolism of violence in society, which denote an understanding of violence involving the different types. They are based on the factors of family experience, culture, and others, placing the health professional as a fundamental element for care and support. Gender influenced the perspective on physical and psychological violence, as well as the relevance given to health teams for the identification of occurrences and the prevention of possible damage. Conclusion: The various types of violence against the elderly have been recognized, including individual, community, and social factors in the violent cycle. In addition, they associated aging with greater susceptibility to suffering violence, regardless of the typology. It highlights the potential of the health service in assisting the elderly victim of violence, elucidating cases, and acting early to interrupt the cycles perpetrated, requiring the constant need for professional updating to deal with detected situations.

[Impact of gender violence on girls and adolescents]. / Impacto de la violencia de género en las niñas y las adolescentes.

Gender is an important determinant of health. Its relationship with inequality and violence allows us to consider being a woman as a risk factor for health. Girls and teenager girls are not exempt from this circumstance, which conditions their lives from before birth and can determine their health status throughout life. It can vary according to social contexts, as various factors intersect with gender, adding risk and vulnerability to being a woman. Gender-based violence is often identified as a problem for adult women; however, the experience of discriminatory gender-based violence is constructed throughout women's lives, producing serious individual and social consequences from childhood. Accepting this violence as a «private or domestic matter¼ often prevents seeing the true dimension of the problem, its consequences, and the need to address it as a global issue.

"Do it for Your Kid": Resilience and Mothering in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Ontario.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) includes multiple forms of harm inflicted on an intimate partner. Experiences of IPV impact mental and physical health, social relationships, and parenting and resilience may play an important role in how women overcome these detrimental effects. There is little research on how resilience relates to mothers' experience of IPV. We explored the role of resilience in the context of mothers who have experienced IPV in rural settings via semi-structured interviews with six women and 12 service providers. The relationship between resilience and motherhood was a common theme across all narratives. From this theme emerged three subthemes: 1) breaking the cycle of abuse; 2) giving children the "best life"; and 3) to stay or to leave: deciding "for the kids". Findings underscore the importance of supporting rural women who experience violence in cultivating their resilience and consideration of policy changes which support trauma- and violence-informed care.

A Latent Class Analysis of Reproductive Coercion Experiences Based on Victim-Survivors' Acknowledgment and Disclosure Patterns.

Reproductive coercion (RC) is a form of violence involving behavior that interferes with an individual's contraceptive and reproductive decisions. Like other forms of violence perpetrated by intimate partners, victims of RC do not necessarily identify it as such. Similarly, victim-survivors do not readily disclose their experiences or seek support and treatment. This study identifies patterns of acknowledgment and formal and informal disclosure of RC experiences in a community sample of 317 participants. Latent classes are then compared with respect to characteristics of victims/survivors, RC consequences, and associated contexts. Participants completed measures to assess experiences of RC and violence perpetuated by intimate partners as well as social support, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and consequences for psychological and sexual health. Latent class analysis was performed to identify acknowledgment and disclosure patterns. An optimal three-class solution was selected: High unacknowledgment with ambivalence, High disclosure (41%); High acknowledgment, High disclosure (30%); and Hesitant acknowledgment, No disclosure (29%). Classes were identified according to the presence of social support, living with a disability, victimization experiences, and mental and sexual health consequences. Future studies should explore the relationship between RC acknowledgment and disclosure, which can influence victims' search trajectories for support and services.

Gender-based violence and its health risks on women in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects women. In Cameroon, as well as other countries worldwide, GBV has immediate effects on women's health, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, affecting their physical and reproductive health. The objective of this study was to determine the health risks associated with GBV among women in Yaoundé. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Yaoundé (Cameroon), from August to October 2022. Adverse health outcome included mental disorders, physical trauma, gynaecological trauma, behavioral disorders, and any other disorder. Tests of associations were used to establish relationships between qualitative variables. Associations were further quantified using crude odds ratio (OR) for univariate analysis and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for multivariate analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI). Independent variables included: Physical violence, Sexual violence, Economic violence, Emotional violence, Age, Number of children, and Marital status. Variables with p-value˂0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 404 women aged 17 to 67 years were interviewed. Emotional violence was the most commonly reported violence (78.8%), followed by economic violence (56.9%), physical violence (45.8%) and sexual violence (33.7%). The main reasons for violence were jealousy (25.7%), insolence (19.3%) and the refusal to have sexual intercourse (16.3%). The prevalences of adverse health outcomes were physical trauma (90.9%), followed by mental disorders (70,5%), gynaecological trauma (38.4%), behavioral disorders (29.7%), and other (5.5%). Most victims reported at least one of the above-mentioned conditions (80.2%). Women who were victims of any kind of violence had a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse health outcomes: physical violence [OR = 34.9, CI(10.8-112.9), p < 0.001]; sexual violence [OR = 1.5, CI(0.9-2.7), p = 0.11]; economic violence [OR = 2.4, CI(1.4-3.9), p = 0.001]; and emotional violence [OR = 2.9, CI(1.7-4.9), p < 0.001]. Using multiple binary logistic regression, only physical violence [aOR = 15.4, CI(6.7-22.5), p = 0.001] remained highly associated with an increased likelihood of having adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address GBV, including improved reporting and documentation of cases, increased awareness among healthcare providers, the establishment of support networks for victims, primary and secondary prevention of GBV. It is essential that the Government of Cameroon, through the Ministries in charge of Health and Women's Empowerment, minimizes the health effects of GBV through early identification, monitoring, and treatment of GBV survivors by providing them with high-quality health care services.

Fear, "Discomfort," Anger, and Shame in the Night-Time Economy: Women's Responses to Unwanted Sexual Intrusions.

Despite a surge of attention to gender-based violence (GBV), research about the night-time economy (NTE) as a site of gendered violence is limited. Even less research examines women's emotional responses to "unwanted sexual intrusions" (USI) in the NTE. Analyzing women's emotional responses can generate deeper understanding of social phenomena, power and its operation, and is in keeping with feminist theorizing that uses a victim-survivor-centered approach. Analysis of qualitative data, from a survey we conducted in the United Kingdom, reveals women experience USI in the NTE as a frightening, shameful injustice. The article discusses these emotions in light of the changing "emotional climate" about GBV.

Canadian Gender-Based Violence Prevention Programs: Gaps and Opportunities.

Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention programs have long played an important part in both teaching the realities of GBV and training people in techniques to avert, mitigate, and respond to violence. This article examines the current state of GBV prevention training in Canada through an analysis of 81 GBV education programs provided by antiviolence organizations and universities. We identified notable gaps in topics relating to technology-facilitated violence and abuse in programs targeting men and in the provision of bystander intervention training. Each of these areas represents important, but as yet unrealized, opportunities in violence prevention.

Intimate Partner Violence, prevalence and its consequences: a community-based study in Gambella, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Intimate partner violence is defined as any behavior by a current or past male intimate partner during marriage, cohabitation, or any other formal or informal union that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Men are the most common perpetrators of this against women. It affects almost one-third of all women worldwide. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, consequences, and factors associated with intimate partner violence among partnered women in Gambella town. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression method was used to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered significantly associated with intimate partner violence. Results: The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence in the lifetime and the last 12 months was 58.8, 95% CI (54.0, 63.6), and 51.8, 95% CI (46.7, 56.8), respectively. More than half (53.3%) of the violence resulted in physical injury, while 32.9% were separated from their partners whereas, mother's history of exposure to IPV [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI (1.03-3.27), p < 0.05], respondent's age [AOR: 3.4, 95% CI (1.8, 6.5), p < 0.001], substance use [AOR:2.5, 95% CI (1.5-4.1), p < 0.001], disagreement on sexual intercourse [AOR:3.2, 95% CI (1.8-5.7), p < 0.01], monthly family income [AOR:0.32, 95% CI: (0.16-0.63), p < 0.01] and family size [AOR:2.8, 95% CI: (1.6-4.8), p < 0.01] were significantly associated with IPV. Conclusion: The study indicated that the prevalence of intimate partner violence was very high. Age of the woman, family size, substance use, economic status, were among factors significantly associated with intimate partner violence. Therefore, responsible stakeholders should respond to the deep-rooted and highly complicated gender inequality by implementing preventive measures.

"I have to listen to them or they might harm me" and other narratives of why women endure obstetric violence in Bihar, India.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that obstetric violence has been prevalent globally and is finally getting some attention through research. This human rights violation takes several forms and is best understood through the narratives of embodied experiences of disrespect and abuse from women and other people who give birth, which is of utmost importance to make efforts in implementing respectful maternity care for a positive birthing experience. This study focused on the drivers of obstetric violence during labor and birth in Bihar, India. METHODS: Participatory qualitative visual arts-based method of data collection-body mapping-assisted interviews (adapted as birth mapping)-was conducted to understand women's perception of why they are denied respectful maternity care and what makes them vulnerable to obstetric violence during labor and childbirth. This study is embedded in feminist and critical theories that ensure women's narratives are at the center, which was further ensured by the feminist relational discourse analysis. Eight women participated from urban slums and rural villages in Bihar, for 2-4 interactions each, within a week. The data included transcripts, audio files, body maps, birthing stories, and body key, which were analyzed with the help of NVivo 12. FINDINGS: Women's narratives suggested drivers that determine how they will be treated during labor and birth, or any form of sexual, reproductive, and maternal healthcare seeking presented through the four themes: (1) "I am admitted under your care, so, I will have to do what you say"-Influence of power on care during childbirth; (2) "I was blindfolded … because there were men"-Influence of gender on care during childbirth; (3) "The more money we give the more convenience we get"-Influence of structure on care during childbirth; and (4) "How could I ask him, how it will come out?"-Influence of culture on care during childbirth. How women will be treated in the society and in the obstetric environment is determined by their identity at the intersections of age, class, caste, marital status, religion, education, and many other sociodemographic factors. The issues related to each of these are intertwined and cross-cutting, which made it difficult to draw clear categorizations because the four themes influenced and overlapped with each other. Son preference, for example, is a gender-based issue that is part of certain cultures in a patriarchal structure as a result of power-based imbalance, which makes the women vulnerable to disrespect and abuse when their baby is assigned female at birth. DISCUSSION: Sensitive unique feminist methods are important to explore and understand women's embodied experiences of trauma and are essential to understand their perspectives of what drives obstetric violence during childbirth. Sensitive methods of research are crucial for the health systems to learn from and embed women's wants, to address this structural challenge with urgency, and to ensure a positive experience of care.

Misperception of Norms About Intimate Partner Violence as a Driver of Personal IPV Attitudes and Perpetration: A Population-Based Study of Men in Rural Uganda.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global public health problem. Conceptual frameworks suggest misperceived norms around IPV might drive perpetration of violence against women in southern and eastern Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey of all men residing in a rural parish in southwest Uganda, eliciting their endorsement of IPV in five hypothetical scenarios and their reported frequency of perpetration of violence against their wife/main partner. They also reported their perceptions about the extent to which most other men in their villages endorsed and/or perpetrated IPV, which we compared against the population data to measure the primary explanatory variable of interest: whether individuals misperceived norms around IPV. We fitted multivariable Poisson regression models specifying personal IPV endorsement and IPV perpetration as the outcomes. Overall, 765 men participated in the study (90% response rate): 182 (24%) personally endorsed IPV, and 78 of 456 partnered men (17%) reported perpetrating one or more acts of IPV at least once per month. Although most men neither endorsed nor reported perpetrating IPV, 342 (45%) men mistakenly thought that most other men in their villages endorsed IPV and 365 (48%) men mistakenly thought that most other men perpetrate IPV at least monthly. In multivariable regression models, men who misperceived most men to endorse IPV were more likely to endorse IPV themselves (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.44; 95% CI [1.66, 3.59]; p < .001). Among partnered men, those who misperceived IPV perpetration to be normative were more likely to perpetrate IPV themselves (aRR = 4.38; [2.53, 7.59]; p < .001). Interventions to correct misperceived norms about IPV may be a promising method for reducing violence against women in rural Uganda.

A positive yet complicated case of gender-based violence coordination: a qualitative study of Lebanon's protracted humanitarian emergency, 2012-22.

Gender-based violence (GBV), a global health and human rights concern, often intensifies during emergencies. This paper explores the evolution of GBV coordination in Lebanon's protracted Syrian refugee crisis from 2012-22. Utilising 38 in-depth interviews and a document review, the findings were analysed using the framework for effective GBV coordination. Lebanon provides a positive yet complicated example of GBV coordination. Initially established to address the refugee crisis, it matured into a collaborative national coordination mechanism, fostering trust and advancing localisation amidst sectarian complexities. However, the volatile, restrictive policy context hindered government co-leadership and engagement with refugee-led organisations. While essential GBV response services were expanded nationwide, lack of an interagency strategy on GBV risk mitigation and prevention compromised lasting change. The paper emphasises the importance of dedicated GBV coordinators, multi-year funding, and increased attention to GBV prevention. The findings underscore the transformative potential of humanitarian responses and advocate for enhanced engagement with national stakeholders to promote sustainability in protracted crises.

Sex differences in trauma exposure and PTSD symptomatology among refugees, internally displaced people, and asylum seekers: A systematic literature review.

This systematic review aimed to explore sex differences in exposure to traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology among refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and asylum seekers. A comprehensive search was conducted across three databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, and Embase), which yielded 2,255 studies. A total of 15 studies were included for trauma exposure assessment, and 8 studies for PTSD symptomatology assessment. The review revealed significant sex differences in trauma exposure, with women experiencing higher rates of sexual violence, while men faced greater risks of imprisonment and torture. In terms of PTSD symptomatology, our findings showed that women tend to exhibit greater symptoms of arousal and specific symptoms of avoidance such as loss of interest and avoidance of activities reminding of trauma, while men were more likely to experience estrangement and detachment. Findings regarding symptoms of reexperiencing were not entirely consistent. This review emphasizes the importance of considering sex-specific symptoms in trauma assessment among displaced populations and advocates for further research into targeted interventions, especially regarding sexual violence.

Experiences of gender based violence and help seeking trends among women with disabilities: an analysis of the demographic and health surveys.

Women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence than women without disabilities and there is a critical gap in research regarding this topic. This study uses Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data to analyse the association between disability and experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) and help-seeking behaviour among women in Haiti, Pakistan, Timor Leste, and Uganda. These countries were chosen because they are representative of the regions where the DHS is conducted and include questions about GBV and disability. The data was analysed based on recommendations from the Washington Group using a disability severity indicator. Logistic regression was the primary method of analysis. Generally, we found women with disabilities had the same or greater odds of experiencing GBV and had the same or lower odds of help-seeking. Given women with disabilities are at least at equal risk of experiencing GBV, it is imperative that programs be developed that are accessible to all women regardless of functional limitations. Also, additional research is needed to determine if there are differences by disability type, if intersectionality is relevant, and to include more unmarried women.

The magnitude of gender-based violence, health consequences, and associated factors among women living in post-war woredas of North Shewa zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022.

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global public health concern and a violation of human rights, particularly pronounced in conflict settings where it is often used as a tool of warfare to instill fear and control populations. Objective: Assessment of Magnitude, Associated Factors, and Health Consequences of GBV among women living in war-affected woredas of North Shewa zone, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 845 randomly selected women living in conflict zones. Data on GBV experiences over the previous 3 months were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires developed from literature review. The collected data underwent validation, entry into EPI data, and analysis using SPSS. Findings are summarized using descriptive statistics, AOR and 95% confidence interval. Result: The magnitude of GBV in this study was (490, 58.0%) where, (466, 55.0%) psychological violence, (254, 30.1%) physical violence, and (135, 16.0%) reported sexual violence. A majority of the physical violence, (161, 63.4%), occurred during conflict period, with (143, 56.3%) of these cases involving armed forces, and (161, 63.4%) women experiencing physical violence in their homes. Urban Residence AOR = 2.65, CI, (1.82-3.89), Educational status of Secondary education AOR = 0.33, CI, (0.19-0.57, and ≥College AOR = 0.17, CI, (0.09-0.35), Occupation of Housewife AOR = 1.88, CI, (1.20-2.94), Private employee AOR = 6.95, CI, (3.70-13.04), Gov't employee AOR = 5.80, CI, (2.92-11.50), and others (Students) AOR = 3.46, CI, (1.98-6.01), Ever had sexual intercourse AOR = 0.46, CI, (0.25-0.83), Have heard about SRH AOR = 0.59, CI, (0.40-0.89), Have had previous GBV exposure AOR = 0.24, CI, (0.15-0.38), having a previous history of sexual violence AOR = 0.30, CI, (0.16-0.57), and Number of sexual partner AOR = 1.84, CI, (1.13-2.99) were identified to be associated factors of GBV in our study area. The most commonly reported consequences of GBV were Anxiety, depression, physical injuries, self-blame, women had school dropout, and abortion. Conclusion: The study reveals a higher prevalence of GBV, resulting in profound physical, social, mental, and reproductive health challenges for survivors. To address this, multi-sectoral cooperation is advised to enhance women's empowerment, access to information, and psycho-social support in affected areas. Furthermore, national policymakers are urged to implement preventive measures during conflict and establish legal mechanisms to ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Interpersonal violence against women and maternity care in Migori County, Kenya: evidence from a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Interpersonal violence (IPV) is an issue of major public health concern, with 24% of Kenyan women reporting physical violence perpetrated by a current husband or partner. IPV has profound impacts on physical and mental health outcomes, particularly for pregnant women; it has been found to increase the risk of perinatal mortality, low birth weight, and preterm birth. This study aims to identify variables associated with IPV and assess the effects of IPV experience on prenatal and peripartum maternal healthcare in Migori County, Kenya. Findings build on a previous study that investigated a smaller region of Migori County. Methods: Responses to cross-sectional household surveys conducted in six wards of Migori County, Kenya in 2021 from female respondents aged 18 and older were analyzed. The survey contained validated screening tools for interpersonal violence. Group-wise comparisons, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to describe community prevalence, factors associated with IPV against women, and the effect of IPV exposure on prenatal and peripartum health care. Results: This study finds that 2,306 (36.7%) of the 6,290 respondents had experienced lifetime IPV. IPV experience was associated with the age group 25-49 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.208; 95%CI: [1.045-1.397]; p = 0.011), monogamous marriage [aOR 2.152; 95%CI: (1.426-3.248); p < 0.001], polygamous marriage [aOR 2.924; 95%CI: (1.826-4.683); p < 0.001], being widowed/divorced/separated [aOR 1.745; 95%CI: (1.094-2.786); p < 0.001], feeling an attitude of "sometimes okay" toward wife beating [aOR 2.002 95%CI: (1.651, 2.428); p < 0.001], having been exposed to IPV in girlhood [aOR 2.525; 95%CI: (2.202-2.896); p < 0.001] and feeling safe in the current relationship [aOR 0.722; 95%CI: (0.609, 0.855); p < 0.001]. A depression score of mild [aOR 1.482; 95%CI: (1.269, 1.73); p < 0.001] and severe [aOR 2.403; 95%CI: (1.429, 4.039); p = 0.001] was also associated with IPV experience, and women who experienced emotional abuse were much more likely to have experienced IPV [aOR 10.462; 95% CI: (9.037, 12.112); p < 0.001]. Adjusted analyses showed that having experienced IPV was negatively associated with attending at least four antenatal care visits during the most recent pregnancy (OR 0.849, p = 0.044) and with having a skilled birth attendant (OR 0.638, p = 0.007). Conclusions: IPV is prevalent in Migori County, Kenya, with increased prevalence among women aged 25-49, those residing in West Kanyamkago, those in a monogamous or polygamous marriage, those who have been widowed/divorced/separated, and those with severe depressive symptoms. Further, IPV exposure is associated with lower use of maternal care services and may lead to worse maternal health outcomes. There is need for enhanced effort in addressing social and gender norms that perpetuate IPV, and this study can contribute to guiding policy interventions and community responses towards IPV.