The Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in North Cyprus and Related Risk Factors and Psychological Symptoms

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common type of violence applied to women and it causes significant health problems. The aim of this study is to show the prevalence of IPV against women in North Cyprus (NC), and to investigate related risk factors and psychological symptoms with the ultimate objective of forming data for future preventative studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 497 female participants from North Cyprus who were all older than 18 years of age. The Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) was used to assess intimate partner violence against women and the Symptom Checklist Revised form (SCL-90-R) was used to assess the psychological symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of IPV was found to be 14.3%. Women who were younger than 35, who were separated or divorced, who had secondary education or literate, and who were employed, were exposed to IPV more frequently. However, partners’ age and educational level did not demonstrate significant associations with the women’s IPV scores. Women exposed to IPV had significantly higher scores for all subscales of SCL-90-R, except for somatization. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the extent of IPV against women in the TRNC and its negative consequences on women’s health. Prevention programs should be planned to increase public awareness and to implement precautionary measures.