Dual intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Zambia and Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Previous research explored the risk factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) in the sub-Saharan region, there is a notable paucity of studies addressing cases in which an individual reported experiencing multiple IPV incidents.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors of dual IPV among women in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Setting: Zimbabwe and Zambia in 2015 and 2018, respectively.
Methods: Data for this study were obtained from demographic and health surveys. The study included 11 779 (weighted) women aged 15 to 54 years who were selected for questions on domestic violence. Multinomial regression was used to estimate the relative risk of experiencing physical abuse, emotional abuse or both types of violence compared to experiencing none.
Results: While 12% and 9.7% of the respondents reported experiencing only physical and emotional IPV, respectively, almost a quarter (21.7%) were subject to both forms of IPV in the same period. The probability of experiencing both forms of IPV was highest among those whose partners showed controlling behaviour, consumed alcohol, had lower levels of education and had been employed in the past year. The risk of experiencing IPV increased with lower educational attainment among participants, longer relationship duration, number of co-wives, and was higher among those employed.
Conclusion: The study recommends counselling interventions, improved access to education and coordinated responses involving key stakeholders. Addressing IPV requires context-specific strategies, the establishment of safe houses and enhanced data systems to monitor its prevalence and trends.
Contribution: The study emphasises on the mental healthcare for women who experience IPV.