Backgrounds & effects of domestic violence against women referred to law-medicine center of Babol, Iran

A Bakhtiari; N  Omidbakhsh

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

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Backgrounds & effects of domestic violence against women referred to law-medicine center of Babol, Iran

Author(s):

A Bakhtiari^1,*,

N Omidbakhsh¹

1Iran

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences:Vol. 7, issue 4; e81276

Published online:Mar 19, 2004

Article type:Research Article

Received:Nov 10, 2003

Accepted:Mar 10, 2004

How to Cite:A BakhtiariN OmidbakhshBackgrounds & effects of domestic violence against women referred to law-medicine center of Babol, Iran.J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci.7(4):e81276.

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Domestic violence(DV) is the most prevalent form of violence against women. It is associated with many socio-economic & psychological complications. This research was conducted to identify the causes and effects of violence against women & also characterization of victims.

Materials & Methods: This cross sectional & prospective study included all referring women to law-medicine center of Babol in one year(Feb- Apr 2001). Women with DV(183) were considered as case group and those who were married & had no history of DV were included in control group (325). Data were collected by questionnaire, interview & physical examination.

Results: Prevalence of DV was 36% in referred cases. Physical injuries were the most. 13% complained of sexual violence. 71% of women had psychosomatic signs and symptoms. Head & neck (22.3%) & the limbs (21.6%) were the most common sites of injury. Most of the violence’s were of the hitting or beating types (54%) but penetrating injuries were also observed (41%). Bruises and superficial wounds were the most common signs of physical trauma. 24% of the referred women had serious physical damages. The most common background for violence were addiction & behavioral disorders.

Discussion: This study showed a high prevalence of domestic violence against women in comparison with studies elsewhere. Most of the violence's were in the age range of 20-40, in marriages less than 10 years of duration and in those with fewer children. Health workers should be able to find women in risk of violence and support them.

Keywords

Domestic violence

women

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