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Family and community driven response to intimate partner violence in post-conflict settings

Author

Listed:
  • Kohli, Anjalee
  • Perrin, Nancy
  • Mpanano, Remy Mitima
  • Banywesize, Luhazi
  • Mirindi, Alfred Bacikenge
  • Banywesize, Jean Heri
  • Mitima, Clovis Murhula
  • Binkurhorhwa, Arsène Kajabika
  • Bufole, Nadine Mwinja
  • Glass, Nancy

Abstract

This study explores risk factors, individual and family consequences and community-driven responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) in post-conflict eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This qualitative study was conducted in 3 rural villages in South Kivu Province of DRC, an area that has experienced prolonged conflict. Participants included 13 female survivors and 5 male perpetrators of IPV as reported during baseline data collection for the parent study, an impact evaluation of the Congolese-led livestock microfinance program, Pigs for Peace. Participants described social and behavioral circumstances that increase risk for IPV; social, health and economic consequences on women and their families; and resources to protect women and their families. Social and behavioral factors reported by survivors and perpetrators indicate that IPV was linked to husband's alcohol consumption, household economic instability, male desire to maintain his position as head of family and perceived disrespect of husband by wife. In addition to well-known health consequences of IPV, women reported negative social consequences, such as stigma, resulting in barriers for the well-being of the family. Survivors and perpetrators described the impact of IPV on their children, specifically the lack of proper parental guidance and lack of safety and stability that could result in the child(ren) misbehaving and using violence in their relationships resulting in further stigma towards the child and family. Strategies employed by survivors to protect themselves and family, include placating male behaviors (e.g., not responding to insults, trying to meet household demands). Perpetrators that tried to reduce the impact of IPV reported a preference for social and financial control of their partner rather than physical violence, believing this to be less severe. Participants described community and family based social support systems including couple's mediation, responsible partner and fatherhood programs and economic activities that can influence behavior, maintain confidentiality, address social stigma and other multi-level outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Kohli, Anjalee & Perrin, Nancy & Mpanano, Remy Mitima & Banywesize, Luhazi & Mirindi, Alfred Bacikenge & Banywesize, Jean Heri & Mitima, Clovis Murhula & Binkurhorhwa, Arsène Kajabika & Bufole, Nadine, 2015. "Family and community driven response to intimate partner violence in post-conflict settings," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 276-284.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:146:y:2015:i:c:p:276-284
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.10.011
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    2. Michael G. Wessells & Kathleen Kostelny, 2022. "The Psychosocial Impacts of Intimate Partner Violence against Women in LMIC Contexts: Toward a Holistic Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-20, November.
    3. LynnMarie Sardinha & Héctor E Nájera Catalán, 2018. "Attitudes towards domestic violence in 49 low- and middle-income countries: A gendered analysis of prevalence and country-level correlates," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(10), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Kelly,Jocelyn TD & Rubin,Amalia Hadas & Ekhator-Mobayode,Uche Eseosa & Arango,Diana Jimena, 2021. "The Risk That Travels with You : Links between Forced Displacement, Conflict and Intimate PartnerViolence in Colombia and Liberia," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9825, The World Bank.
    5. Melissa Meinhart & Ilana Seff & Katrina Troy & Samantha McNelly & Luissa Vahedi & Catherine Poulton & Lindsay Stark, 2021. "Identifying the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence in Humanitarian Settings: Using an Ecological Framework to Review 15 Years of Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-19, June.

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