Global Prevalence and Mental Health Outcomes of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the magnitude of the association between types of intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes and shed light on the large variation in IPV prevalence rates between low- to middle-income countries and high-income countries. The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The following databases were searched for this study: Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts. The inclusion criteria for this study are as follows: quantitative studies published from 2012 to 2020 on IPV exposure in women aged 16+, using validated measures. Random effects meta-analyses and subgroup analysis exploring heterogeneity across population groups in different economic contexts are used in this study. In all, 201 studies were included with 250,599 women, primarily from high-income countries. Higher prevalence rates were reported for women’s lifetime IPV than past year IPV. Lifetime psychological violence was the most prevalent form of IPV. Women in the community reported the highest prevalence for physical, psychological, and sexual violence in the past year compared to clinical groups. Perinatal women were most likely to have experienced lifetime physical IPV. Prevalence rates differed significantly ( p = .037 to <.001) for “any IPV” and all subtypes by income country level. Meta-analysis suggested increased odds for all mental health outcomes associated with IPV including depression (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04–3.14), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (OR = 2.15–2.66), and suicidality (OR = 2.17–5.52). Clinical and community populations were exposed to high prevalence of IPV and increased likelihood of depression, PTSD, and suicidality. Future research should seek to understand women’s perspectives on service/support responses to IPV to address their mental health needs. Work with IPV survivors should be carried out to develop bespoke services to reduce IPV in groups most at risk such as pregnant and/or help-seeking women.

DHEERA reaching the young, a novel approach addressing gender‐based violence in India

“…Curriculum (Box 1) was developed based on extensive literature review 11–22 to ensure that modules were age‐appropriate, relevant and in line with the thinking of the younger generation, who today are so in tune with social media and its nuances. The 2½‐hour curriculum included case studies, videos, and a dedicated time for questions and answers.…”

“…Curriculum (Box 1) was developed based on extensive literature review [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] to ensure that modules were age-appropriate, relevant and in line with the thinking of the younger generation, who today are so in tune with social media and its nuances.…”

The Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Women’s Support Workers Improves Knowledge of Intimate Partner Violence-Caused Brain Injury

“…3 Women who survive IPV are at high risk of experiencing a brain injury (BI) resulting from blows to the head, face, neck, and/or strangulation, although it is difficult to accurately estimate the prevalence. 4 Given the high incidence of repeated violence or abuse, 5 IPV survivors often suffer multiple BIs. 6 - 8 …”

“…3 Women who survive IPV are at high risk of experiencing a brain injury (BI) resulting from blows to the head, face, neck, and/or strangulation, although it is difficult to accurately estimate the prevalence. 4 Given the high incidence of repeated violence or abuse, 5 IPV survivors often suffer multiple BIs. [6][7][8] Unfortunately, research shows staff at women's shelters have little knowledge of IPV-caused BIs, are unprepared to identify signs and symptoms, and, as a result, rarely screen their clients for such injury.…”

‘It's so beneficial to be able to stop the cycle’: Perceptions of intergenerational transmission of violence and parenting practices among pregnant women and their abusive partners

“…Alongside numerous negative physical health impacts, people who experience DVA are at risk of developing a range of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance use problems and suicide attempts (Bailey et al, 2019; J. G. Beeble et al, 2009;Mantovani et al, 2023;Oram et al, 2022;Trevillion et al, 2012). Additionally, when experienced during pregnancy, DVA is associated with antenatal and postnatal depression (Howard et al, 2013) and poor obstetric outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth (Hill et al, 2016).…”