Trends and risk factors associated with the perpetration of physical intimate partner violence by women in Haiti, 2000-2012

ABSTRACT

Trends in the proportion of women reporting ever having perpetrated physical intimate partner violence (IPV) and factors associated with such IPV in Haiti between 2000 and 2012 were analyzed. We used datasets from Haitian couples in the 2000, 2005, and 2012 Demographic and Health Surveys. Physical IPV was assessed by the Conflict Tactics Scale. Trends were tested with the Cochrane–Armitage test. Women’s and spouses’ factors associated with physical IPV perpetration by women were estimated using binomial multivariable regressions. In 2000, 2005 and 2012, 3.5%, 3.4% and 3.2% women, respectively, reported perpetrating physical IPV (p for trend = 0.732). Factors associated with physical IPV by women included exposure to any IPV [Adjusted prevalence ratio (APR): 9.37; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.05–17.38], living with a male partner who had a genital ulcer in the year preceding the survey [APR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.11–7.65], living with a male partner who drank alcohol [APR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.42–4.69], and having witnessed her father beating her mother during childhood [APR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.14–3.81]. Exposure to IPV and history of genital ulcer in husbands/partners were the important factors associated with perpetration of physical IPV by women in Haiti over a 10-year period.     

Intimate partner violence: prevalence and perceptions of married men in Ibadan, Nigeria

In sub-Saharan Africa rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) are high. Thus, identifying reasons for abuse is crucial in ensuring women's health. Hence, mens perception of IPV was assessed, and prevalence of abuse determined. Survey of 820 married men from six urban communities in Ibadan was done using interviewer administered questionnaire. Four focus group discussions were conducted. Lifetime prevalence of perpetration of physical abuse was 25.1%, while psychological violence was 44.4%. Two hundred and forty (29.3%) had ever perpetrated sexual violence and 23.2% economic violence. At least one of these forms of violence had been perpetrated by 44.1% of the respondents. "Being rude" (66.4%) and "insufficient care of the children" (54.3%) were common justifications for IPV. Motive of the abuse were "to make partner responsible" (60.3%) and "to obtain respect" (59.9%). Predictors of perpetrating violence were being in polygamous unions (OR 1.83, 95% CI: 1.11-3.03), consuming alcohol (AOR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.10-2.53), and being Moslem (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.21-2.910). Men with inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes had greater likelihood of perpetrating IPV (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.37-3.26 and AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33-3.27). IPV was also associated with young age. Premarital counseling on how to resolve conflict without resulting to violence and early education of boys on violence to women is recommended.     

Sexual Agreements and Intimate Partner Violence Among Male Couples in the U.S.: An Analysis of Dyadic Data

Prior research with male couples has focused on how sexual agreements can influence relationship dynamics, sexual risk taking, and health promoting behaviors. Little is known about the association between sexual agreements and the experience or perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) in this population. Our study sought to evaluate these associations using dyadic data from a sample of 386 male couples residing in the U.S. Both partners independently reported on their relationship characteristics, sexual agreements, and specific acts reflecting physical, emotional, controlling, and monitoring IPV in separate surveys. Participants were more likely to have experienced IPV in the past year if they were in a relationship for?≥?3 years versus?<?3 years (aOR?=?1.62, 95% CI?=?1.03–2.53). Among 278 couples who had formulated sexual agreements, men who concurred with their partners on being in an “open” relationship were less likely to have experienced IPV versus those in a “closed” relationship (aOR?=?0.47, 95% CI?=?0.25–0.89). However, participants were more likely to have experienced IPV if their partners believed they had previously broken their sexual agreement (aOR?=?2.79, 95% CI?=?1.03–7.52). The verbal explicitness and duration of sexual agreements were not associated with either experiencing or perpetrating IPV in the past year. However, increasing levels of depressive symptomatology were associated with a greater likelihood of both experiencing and perpetrating IPV. Our findings highlight the need to prioritize dyadic interventions for male couples that focus on skills building around enhancing mutual communication and negotiating sexual agreements to reduce IPV.

     

Perpetration of intimate partner violence by young adult males: The association with alcohol outlet density and drinking behavior

ObjectiveThis study examined the association between alcohol outlet density and male to female intimate partner violence (IPV).MethodData were analyzed from a national probability sample of males who reported a current heterosexual relationship (N=3194). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the likelihood of having perpetrated IPV.ResultsHigh alcohol outlet density was associated with having perpetrated physical only IPV (odds ratio [OR]=2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–5.20). Outlet density was not associated with greater odds of sexual IPV perpetration.ConclusionsAlcohol outlet density was found to be associated with perpetration of physical IPV. Developing environmental strategies with respect to alcohol outlets could potentially reduce perpetration of male-to-female physical IPV.     

Peer network influence on intimate partner violence perpetration among urban Tanzanian men

Male perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in Tanzania is widespread. Theory and empirical evidence suggest peer networks may play an important role in shaping IPV perpetration, although research on this topic in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. Grounded in social learning theory, social influence theory, and the theory of gender and power, the purpose of this study was to examine whether and how peer networks influence men’s perpetration of IPV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews (n = 40) with a sub-sample of 20 men enrolled in the control condition of an ongoing cluster-randomised controlled trial. We purposively sampled participants who previously reported perpetrating physical IPV. To analyse the data, we generated narrative summaries and conducted thematic and interpretative coding. We saw no evidence that men self-selected into peer networks with certain values or behaviours. Rather, men described several mechanisms through which their peers influenced the perpetration of IPV, including: (1) the internalisation of peer network norms, (2) pressure to conform to peer network norms and (3) the direct involvement of peers in shaping couple power dynamics. Our findings suggest that peer networks influence men’s perpetration of IPV and should be targeted in future programmes and interventions.     

Evaluation of the Responsible,Engaged, and Loving (REAL) Fathers Initiative on Physical Child Punishment and Intimate Partner Violence in Northern Uganda

Violence against women and violence against children in Uganda are recognized as significant public health concerns. Exposure to violence at home as a child can increase the likelihood of perpetrating or experiencing violence later in life. These two forms of violence share similar risk factors and often, but not always, co-occur at the household level. Parenting programs have shown promise in reducing physical child punishment. Targeting men has also been proven effective in transforming attitudes related to gender roles and expectations and intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. The REAL Fathers Initiative is a 12-session father mentoring program implemented by volunteers that is designed to reduce child exposure to violence at home, breaking the cycle of intergenerational violence. Evaluation results comparing survey data among men exposed to the intervention and those unexposed demonstrate significant reductions in IPV at end line (aOR 0.48, CI 0.31, 0.76, p?<?0.001) and over the longer term follow-up (aOR 0.47, CI 0.31, 0.77, p?<?0.001) and significant reductions in physical child punishment at long-term follow-up (aOR 0.52, CI 0.32, 0.82, p?<?0.001).     

Associations of intimate partner violence with unintended pregnancy and pre-pregnancy contraceptive use in South Asia

ObjectiveTo assess associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) with pregnancy intendedness and pre-pregnancy contraceptive use among pregnant women in South Asia.Study designCross-sectional analyses were conducted using the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys from Bangladesh, India and Nepal for married, pregnant women aged 15–49 years who responded to IPV assessments specific to current marriage (N= 4738). Adjusted logistic and multinomial regression analyses were conducted with pooled data to assess associations of IPV ever (sexual only, physical only, sexual plus physical or none) with the outcomes of pregnancy intendedness (wanted, mistimed or unwanted) and pre-pregnancy contraceptive use (no, traditional or modern) for the current pregnancy.ResultsIPV was not associated with a mistimed or unwanted pregnancy. Sexual IPV was associated with pre-pregnancy modern contraceptive use (aOR=2.32, 95% CI=1.24, 4.36); sexual plus physical IPV was associated with pre-pregnancy traditional contraceptive use (aOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.12, 3.07). Post hoc analysis of reasons for pre-pregnancy contraceptive discontinuation revealed that women with a history of IPV, particularly sexual IPV, had higher prevalence of contraceptive failure (sexual only, 37.3%; sexual plus physical, 30.9%; physical only, 22.6%; no IPV, 13.6%).ConclusionPregnant women who experienced sexual IPV from husbands were more likely to use contraceptives pre-pregnancy but had no reduced risk unintended pregnancy, possibly due to higher rates of pre-pregnancy contraceptive failure among those with this history. These findings suggest that victims of sexual IPV are able to acquire and use family planning services but require more support to sustain effective contraceptive use.ImplicationsFamily planning services are reaching women affected by sexual IPV, and programs should be sensitive to this concern and the heightened vulnerability to contraceptive failure these women face. Long-acting reversible contraception could be beneficial by allowing women to have greater reproductive control in situations of compromised sexual autonomy.     

Intimate partner violence in late adolescence and young adulthood and subsequent cardiovascular risk in adulthood

BackgroundChildhood maltreatment has been linked to adulthood cardiovascular disease (CVD). Little is known about the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) in late adolescence and young adulthood and CVD risk later in adulthood.PurposeTo examine whether IPV perpetration and victimization experienced in late adolescence and young adulthood are associated with CVD risk among adults in the United States and whether this relationship differs by sex.MethodsData include 9976 participants (50% female) in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Physical and sexual IPV were measured at wave 3 (2001/02) with items from the revised Conflict Tactics Scales. Participants'30-year risk of CVD was calculated at wave 4 (2008/09) using a Framingham prediction model. Linear regression models adjusted for confounders and IPV by sex interaction terms were tested to examine the relationship.ResultsThe mean CVD risk score was 13.18% (95% CI: 12.71, 13.64). Aone-standard deviation increase in the victimization score was associated with a 0.28% (95% CI: 0.03, 0.54) increase in CVD risk. Perpetration was similarly positively associated with CVD risk (beta: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.62). When measured as a composite, all violence types were associated with increased CVD risk but only prior exposure to both victimization and perpetration reached statistical significance (0.62%, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.22). No differences by sex were detected.ConclusionsEffect sizes are not large, but early detection of increased CVD risk in this relatively young population is notable and worthy of further study to inform the clinical response.     

Disability status and violence against women in the home in North Kivu,Democratic Republic of Congo

ABSTRACT

Few studies have investigated how women’s disability status may influence violence against women within conflict settings. A mixed-methods analysis of formative qualitative research and cross-sectional baseline pilot data from a violence prevention program in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was used to examine violence against disabled adult women within the home. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the relationship between past-month physical/sexual intimate partner violence, disability status, and older age (N?=?98 women). Deductive thematic analysis of focus groups and individual interviews (N?=?57 men, 59 women) was used to identify community norms and perceptions of violence against women with disabilities in the home. Women who reported mild disability reported higher experiences of past-month physical and/or sexual IPV (85.0%) compared to those who reported severe or no disability (76.5% vs. 70.8%, respectively). Older women with mild disability were more likely to report physical IPV compared to their younger counterparts as well (OR?=?1.23, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.49, p?<?0.039). Qualitative findings suggested family members may be deterred from perpetrating abuse against older women. These findings highlight a complex relationship between women’s disability status and violence perpetration, underscoring the importance of having inclusive, contextual violence against women prevention and response programming in conflict settings.     

Physical partner violence and medicaid utilization and expenditures

OBJECTIVES: Little research has addressed differences in health care expenditures among women who are currently experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) compared with those who are not. The purpose of this work is to provide estimates of direct medical expenditure for physician, drug, and hospital utilization among Medicaid-eligible women who screened as currently experiencing IPV compared with those who are not currently experiencing IPV. METHODS: In this family practice-based cross-sectional study, women were screened for current IPV using a 15-item Index of Spouse Abuse-Physical (ISA-P) between 1997 and 1998. Consents were obtained from study subjects to review Medicaid expenditure and utilization data for the same time period. RESULTS: Mean physician, hospital, and total expenditures were higher for those women with higher IPV scores compared with those who scored as not currently experiencing IPV, after adjusting for confounders. Higher IPV scores were associated with a three-fold increased risk of having a total expenditure over $5,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 8.4). The mean total expenditure difference between the high IPV and no IPV groups was $1,064 (95% CI $623, $1506). The adjusted risk ratio for high IPV score and the log of total Medicaid expenditures was 2.3 (95% CI 1.2, 4.4). CONCLUSIONS: Women screened as experiencing higher IPV scores had higher Medicaid expenditures compared with women not currently experiencing IPV. Early IPV assessment partnered with effective clinic or community-based interventions may help to identify IPV earlier and reduce the health impact and cost of IPV.     

Youth Violence and Connectedness in Adolescence: What Are the Implications for Later Sexually Transmitted Infections?

PurposeTo examine associations between (1) youth violence victimization and perpetration and later sexually transmitted infections (STI) and (2) parent–family and school connectedness and later STI, and to explore the moderating role of connectedness on the associations between youth violence victimization and perpetration and later STI.MethodsWe used data from Waves I and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which provided a baseline weighted sample of 14,800 respondents. We used logistic regression to examine associations between youth violence and connectedness with self-reported ever STI diagnosis, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts or human papillomavirus, or human immunodeficiency virus. If participants reported having an STI at Wave I they were excluded from the analysis.ResultsControlling for biological sex, race/ethnicity, age, parent's highest education level, and parent's marital status, both youth violence victimization and perpetration were associated with an increased risk of later STI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.52; and AOR, 1.21, 95% CI, 1.04–1.41, respectively). Parent–family and school connectedness in adolescence were associated with a decreased risk for later STI (AOR, .96, 95% CI, .95–.98; and AOR, .97, 95% CI, .95–.99, respectively); however, connectedness did not moderate the associations between nonsexual violence involvement and later STI.ConclusionsThese results indicate that youth violence victimization and perpetration may be risk factors for STI later in life. Conversely, parent–family and school connectedness in adolescence appear to protect against subsequent STI. The findings suggest that provider efforts to address youth violence and connectedness in adolescence can promote positive sexual health outcomes in adulthood.     

Interpersonal and structural contexts of intimate partner violence among female sex workers in conflict-affected northern Uganda

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most prevalent form of violence against women, yet remains under-researched among sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored the interpersonal and structural determinants of recent IPV among female sex workers in northern Uganda. This analysis drew on data from a community-based cross-sectional study (conducted May 2011–January 2012), involving 379 female sex workers in Gulu, northern Uganda. Using logistic regression and multivariable modeling, we examined the correlates of recent male-perpetrated physical or sexual IPV. Of 379 women with noncommercial partners, 59 percent reported having experienced recent moderate/severe physical or sexual IPV. Reporting recent client violence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.67; 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 2.31–5.83), doing what their partner wanted (AOR: 2.46; 95 percent CI: 1.46–4.13), and forced sexual debut (AOR: 1.92; 95 percent CI: 1.20–3.05) were independently associated with moderate/severe IPV; recent police arrest and/or incarceration were/was marginally significantly associated with IPV (AOR: 2.25; 95 percent CI: 0.86–5.88, p = 0.097). Greater odds of IPV among sex workers were associated with recent workplace violence, forced sexual debut, and gendered power dynamics favoring male partner control. Programs and policies promoting the safety and health of marginalized women and addressing gender dynamics and violence are needed.     

Intimate partner violence and cervical neoplasia

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with a range of adverse physical health outcomes, including chronic and infectious diseases. An emerging literature suggests that partner violence and specifically sexual violence may be associated with an increased risk of cervical neoplasia. To assess the risk of preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer in a cross-sectional study of women screened for IPV by type, frequency and duration, 1152 women ages 18-65 were recruited from family practice clinics in 1997-1998. They were screened for IPV during a brief in-clinic interview, and health history and current status were assessed in a follow-up interview. Of 1152 women surveyed, 14 (1.2%) reported cervical cancer, and 20. 3% (n = 234) reported treatment for cervical neoplasia. Ever experiencing IPV was associated with an increased risk of invasive cervical cancer (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 4.28; 95% CI 1.94, 18.39) and with preinvasive cervical neoplasia (aRR = 1.47; 95% CI 1. 16, 1.82). This association was stronger for women experiencing physical or sexual IPV than for women experiencing psychological IPV. Women with cervical cancer reported being in violent relationships longer and experiencing more frequent physical and sexual assaults and more IPV-associated injuries than did controls. This exploratory study suggests that IPV may increase a woman's risk of cervical neoplasia. The mechanism by which IPV effects cervical neoplasia may be indirect through psychosocial stress or negative coping behaviors or direct through sexual assaults and transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV).     

Associations Between Perceptions and Involvement in Neighborhood Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Urban,African American Men

Violence disproportionately affects African American men and their communities. Research is needed to inform programming efforts to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in violence exposure, involvement, and victimization. The current study examined involvement in and perceptions of neighborhood violence and relation to perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of urban, African American men. Participants of this cross-sectional study were sexually active African American men (n = 703) between the ages of 18 and 65 years, recruited from urban community health centers. Age-adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess associations between neighborhood violence variables and perpetration of IPV. In age-adjusted logistic regression models, involvement with street violence in the previous 6 months (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.9–4.6), ever being involved with gangs (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3–3.2), and perceptions/beliefs that violence occurs in one’s neighborhood (ORs = 2.0–3.1) were found to be significantly associated with IPV perpetration. Findings demonstrate that involvement in neighborhood violence as well as perceptions/beliefs that violence occurs in one’s neighborhood are associated with increased likelihood of IPV perpetration among urban, African American men. While socioeconomics and substance use contribute to high rates of these forms of violence, the relation between these forms of violence and perpetration of IPV was significant beyond the influences of these factors. Findings suggest that future violence prevention and treatment efforts will be most successful by addressing multiple forms of violence.     

The relationship between intimate partner violence and probable depression among adolescent girls and young women in Lilongwe,Malawi

ABSTRACT

This analysis estimates prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its association with probable depression among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Lilongwe, Malawi, and whether partner’s controlling behaviour modifies this relationship. Baseline data was utilised from the Girl Power-Malawi study of 1000 15–24-year-old AGYW in Lilongwe. Emotional, physical, and sexual IPV experiences with a current or recent partner were measured using the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. Probable depression was measured by scoring ≥10 on the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Short Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Generalised linear models with log-link and binomial distribution estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between IPV types and probable depression. Partner’s controlling behaviour was examined as an effect modifier. Participants’ mean age was 19.2 years, with 70% never-married. IPV prevalence varied for emotional (59%), physical (36%), sexual (46%), and all forms (20%). Prevalence of probable depression was 47%. AGYW who experienced each IPV type had a higher prevalence of probable depression: physical (PR:1.54, CI:1.28–1.86), sexual (1.46, CI:1.21–1.75), emotional (1.37, CI:1.14–1.64), all forms (1.72, CI:1.41–2.09). IPV and probable depression were prevalent and strongly associated, especially among AGYW reporting controlling behaviour. Interventions addressing IPV and controlling behaviour may positively impact depression among AGYW.     

Differences in Adolescent Relationship Abuse Perpetration and Gender-Inequitable Attitudes by Sport Among Male High School Athletes

PurposeSchool-based athletic programs remain an important context for violence prevention efforts although a better understanding of how gender attitudes and abuse perpetration differ among athletes is needed.MethodsWe analyzed baseline survey data from the “Coaching Boys into Men” study—a school-based cluster-randomized trial in 16 high schools in Northern California. We describe relationships among gender-inequitable attitudes, sport type, and recent adolescent relationship abuse perpetration among a sample of male athletes (n = 1,648).ResultsGender-inequitable attitudes (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.56, 4.15), participation in both high school football and basketball (AOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.37, 3.18), and participation in football only (AOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.02, 2.22) emerged as independently associated with recent ARA perpetration.ConclusionsFindings warrant targeted violence prevention efforts among male high school athletes that incorporate discussions of gender attitudes and healthy relationships, especially among sports teams at greater risk of adolescent relationship abuse perpetration.     

Childhood physical and sexual abuse experiences associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among pregnant women

PurposeWe sought to evaluate the extent to which childhood physical and/or sexual abuse history is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during early pregnancy and to explore the extent to which the childhood abuse-PTSD association is mediated through, or modified by, adult experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV).MethodsIn-person interviews collected information regarding history of childhood abuse and IPV from 2,928 women aged 18-49 years old prior to 16 weeks of gestation. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsCompared to women with no childhood abuse, the odds of PTSD were increased 4.31-fold for those who reported physical abuse only (95% CI, 2.18–8.49), 5.33-fold for sexual abuse only (95% CI, 2.38–11.98), and 8.03-fold for those who reported physical and sexual abuse (95% CI, 4.10–15.74). Mediation analysis showed 13% of the childhood abuse-PTSD association was mediated by IPV. Furthermore, high odds of PTSD were noted among women with histories of childhood abuse and IPV compared with women who were not exposed to either (OR = 20.20; 95% CI, 8.18–49.85).ConclusionsChildhood abuse is associated with increased odds of PTSD during early pregnancy. The odds of PTSD were particularly elevated among women with a history of childhood abuse and IPV. Efforts should be made to prevent childhood abuse and mitigate its effects on women's mental health.     

Association of intimate partner violence and health-care provider-identified obesity

ABSTRACT

The association of physical and nonphysical intimate partner violence (IPV) with obesity was examined. Women (N = 1,179) were surveyed regarding demographics, obesity, and IPV exposure using humiliate-afraid-rape-kick (HARK), an IPV screening tool. A three-level lifetime IPV exposure variable measured physical, nonphysical or no IPV. Health-care provider-identified obesity was defined if participants were told by a medical provider within the past 5 years that they were obese. Bivariate analyses examined obesity by IPV and demographics. Multivariable logistic regression assessed odds of obesity by IPV type, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, and marital status. Among participants, 44% reported lifetime IPV (25% physical, 19% nonphysical), and 24% reported health-care provider-identified obesity. In unadjusted analyses, obesity was more prevalent among women exposed to physical IPV (30%) and nonphysical IPV (27%), compared to women without IPV (20%, p = .002). In multivariable models, women reporting physical IPV had 1.67 times greater odds of obesity (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20, 2.33), and women reporting nonphysical IPV had 1.46 times greater odds of obesity (95% CI 1.01, 2.10), compared to women reporting no exposure. This study extends prior data by showing, not only an association between physical IPV and obesity, but also an association between obesity and nonphysical IPV.     

Attitudes about Violence and Involvement in Peer Violence among Youth: Findings from a High-Risk Community

Peer violence perpetration and victimization are the most common types of violence among youth. This study determined the associations among violent attitudes toward peers, involvement in peer violence perpetration, and experience with peer violence victimization among boys and girls in a high-risk, urban community. Analyses were based on data from the 2004 Youth Violence Survey, which was administered to over 80% of public school students in grades 7, 9, 11, and 12 (N = 4,131) in a disadvantaged, urban, school district in the USA. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the associations between attitudes in support of violence and involvement in violent behaviors. Results show that among youth, attitudes supporting boys hitting boys significantly increased the odds of peer violence perpetration after controlling for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07, 1.72). However, stratified analyses for boys and girls show that attitudes supporting boys hitting boys increased the odds of peer violence perpetration for girls only after controlling for potential confounders (AOR, 1.49; 95% CI = 1.05, 2.13). The findings demonstrate that there are important differences between boys and girls in terms of their associations with violent attitudes and involvement in actual violent behaviors. However, additional research is needed to determine how attitude modifications can be incorporated into youth violence prevention programs.     

Factors associated with intimate partner violence by a former partner by immigration status and length of residence in Canada

PurposeWe examined intimate partner violence (IPV) by a former partner among Canadian-born and immigrant women by length of residence in Canada.MethodsData from a 2009 national, population-based, telephone survey were used to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with any type of IPV (emotional, financial, physical, and/or sexual) by a former partner with whom there had been contact in the previous 5 years among immigrant women 0 to 19 years in Canada, 20 or more years or longer in Canada, and Canadian-born women (n = 1681).ResultsOf immigrant women in Canada for 0 to 19 years, 41.6% had experienced IPV by a former partner; for immigrant women in Canada for 20 or more years or longer, 60.6%, and Canadian-born women, 61.5% (P = .0423). In a logistic regression model adjusted for age and other sociodemographic characteristics, immigrant women in Canada for 0 to 19 years were less likely than Canadian-born women to experience any IPV (odds ratio, 0.266; 95% confidence interval, 0.130–0.544). There was no difference in the occurrence of any IPV between immigrant women in Canada 20 or more years or longer and Canadian-born women.ConclusionsHigh rates of any IPV by a former partner were found for both Canadian-born and immigrant women. Within immigrant communities, specific prevention campaigns should address the high risk of experiencing IPV at later stages of resettlement.