The prevalence and patterns of exposure to interpersonal violence among men and women in Estonia

Abstract

Background To understand better the total burden of interpersonal violence on society, it is useful to assess the prevalence of interpersonal violence among both, men and women. Exposure to multiple forms of interpersonal violence, referred to as polyvictimization, has been associated with more severe health consequences than exposure to any form separately. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of emotional, physical and sexual interpersonal violence in childhood, adulthood and at both childhood and adulthood among men and women in Estonia, analyze the patterns of interpersonal violence and socio-demographic correlates of polyvictimization in adulthood by gender. Methods The analysis was based on two population-based, cross-sectional, self-administered surveys carried out among men and women in Estonia in 2014. In both surveys, the NorVold Abuse questionnaire was used to measure exposure to interpersonal violence. Men and women aged 18–44 were included to the analysis. Results Among men 66.6% and among women 54.2% had been exposed to at least one form of interpersonal violence during lifetime. Men had been more often exposed to isolated physical interpersonal violence, among women the distribution of different forms of interpersonal violence was more even and exposure to sexual violence was more common. The prevalence of polyvictimization in adulthood was two times higher among women compared to men and more socio-demographic correlates, were associated with it. Exposure to violence in childhood was associated with polyvictimization in adulthood across gender. Conclusions The prevalence of interpersonal violence in Estonia is high among men and women. The most prevalent forms and patterns of interpersonal violence, however, differ by gender, as do the socio-demographic correlates. Screening for interpersonal violence, in childhood and adulthood, and gender-specific interventions are needed, especially for high-risk groups identified in this study. Primary prevention of childhood violence should be a priority, as it was associated with higher risk for exposure to violence later in life across gender.

Early Life Adversity and Neuropsychiatric Disease: Differential Outcomes and Translational Relevance of Rodent Models

“…A comprehensive understanding of how ELA affects the brain and behavior requires consideration of potential sex differences. In humans, there are gender differences in the prevalence of exposure to adversity (e.g., girls are more likely than boys to be exposed to sexual abuse; boys are more likely than girls to be exposed to non-sexual physical abuse, Tourigny et al, 2008 ; Lippus et al, 2020 ), as well as in diagnoses of neuropsychiatric disorders linked to ELA (e.g., women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder; men are more likely to be diagnosed with substance use disorder, Altemus et al, 2014 ; NIDA, 2021 ), and societal influences are difficult to rule out. ELA studies in experimental animals have traditionally included only male rodents, but a growing number of studies have considered both sexes with a view toward identifying potential sex differences ( Bath, 2020 ).…”

Violencia familiar y victimización fuera del hogar en adolescentes. Diferencias de género en relación con la polivictimización

“…No obstante, la polivictimización puede ser mejor conceptualizada como una condición que como un número concreto de eventos (Kline, 2019). Esta condición se caracteriza por una mayor exposición a la posibilidad de experiencias traumáticas (Finkelhor et al 2011) y por la ausencia de un espacio en el que la persona pueda sentirse segura (Lippus et al 2020). En consecuencia, puede asu-mirse que la polivictimización es un indicador de la existencia de una vulnerabilidad más profunda y generalizada (Larraín & Fuentealba, 2021).…”

“…Este resultado confirma lo importante que puede resultar el identificar a este grupo de víctimas y prevenir que la victimización aislada se convierta en crónica. Como se ha insistido ya, la polivictimización es un indicador de una vulnerabilidad más profunda (Larraín & Fuentealba, 2021) en adolescentes que posiblemente no cuentan con un espacio o refugio de seguridad (Lippus et al 2020).…”

Reasons for Victimization and Help-Seeking Behavior of HIV-Positive Men Affected by Intimate Partner Violence in Birnin Kudu, Northern Nigeria

“…In recent times, there has been further appreciation of the nature of IPV within relationships and the changing gender roles [3,4]. Thus, it may be inappropriate to say perpetration of IPV is male gender specific since women are also now known to perpetrate partner violence against other women as well as men within an intimate relationship [5][6][7][8].…”