Exposure to interparental violence and justification of intimate partner violence among women in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure to interparental violence is associated with intimate partner violence justification in a variety of contexts. In this study, we examined the association between exposure to interparental violence and justification of intimate partner violence among women in Papua New Guinea. Methods We used data from the 2016–18 Papua New Guinea Demographic and Health Survey. We included 2839 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in a sexual union (married and cohabiting) in the study. We used a multivariable binary multilevel regression analysis to examine the association between interparental violence and justification of intimate partner violence. We presented the results of the regression analysis using crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Women exposed to interparental violence were 1.26 (95%CI = 1.05, 1.53) times more likely to justify intimate partner violence than those who were not exposed. Women who resided in the Highlands (aOR = 2.50, 95%CI = 1.78, 3.51), Momase (aOR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.40, 2.75), and Islands (aOR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.01, 1.99) were more likely to justify intimate partner violence compared to those in the Southern region. Women who were exposed to one (aOR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.06, 1.82) mass media were more likely to justify intimate partner violence compared to those who had no exposure to mass media. On the other hand, women aged 25–34 years (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.48, 0.91) and 35–49 years (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.44, 0.97) were less likely to justify intimate partner violence compared to those aged 15–24 years. Conclusions Our study has shown that exposure to interparental violence is a predictor of intimate partner violence justification. This study suggests the need for conscious and continuous efforts to identify and assist women who have been exposed to interparental violence to help prevent its transition to later life. Policies and interventions should be developed and implemented to curtail children’s exposure to domestic violence in their households. Also, laws and policies need to condemn any violence and demystify community justification and acceptance of intimate partner violence, taking into consideration the significant sociodemographic characteristics of the women highlighted in the study.

Changes in Attitude toward Intimate Partner Violence in Rapidly Developing Countries: The Case of Indonesia

“…For instance, husbands' drinking habits, which are known to promote IPV (Shaikh 2022;Solanke 2018;Tlapek 2015), were not investigated in the IDHS questionnaire as most Indonesians do not consume alcohol because of their religious beliefs. Exposure to interparent violence during childhood, which has been linked to IPV experiences and attitudes in adulthood (Aboagye et al 2023;Hindin et al 2008;Solanke 2018), was also excluded. Therefore, this aspect was not examined in the present study.…”

“…Julio et al (2023) indicated that maternal exposure to physical violence and controlling behavior by an intimate partner affects children's physical development and cognitive abilities. In addition, if women were exposed to interparental violence in childhood, they are more likely to justify IPV later in life (Aboagye et al 2023) and become victims of violence perpetrated by their intimate partners (Hindin et al 2008;Solanke 2018). Furthermore, several empirical studies have revealed a significant relationship between women's positive attitudes toward male-perpetrated IPV and the likelihood of being a victim of IPV caused by their husbands or partners (Benebo et al 2018;Khawaja et al 2008;Shaikh 2022;Solanke 2018;Tlapek 2015).…”