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

authors:

avatar A Bakhtiari 1 , * , avatar N Omidbakhsh 1

Iran
Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: Vol.7, issue 4; e81276
published online: March 19, 2004
article type: Research Article
received: November 10, 2003
accepted: March 10, 2004

how to cite: Bakhtiari A, Omidbakhsh N. Backgrounds & effects of domestic violence against women referred to law-medicine center of Babol, Iran. J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci. 2004;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.

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