Prevalence and determinants of physical violence among ever-partnered women in South Africa : a multilevel analysis

Abstract

Background: IPV is a vital public health concern; globally women have been exposed to physical violence. As a result, it has also been related to femicide, particularly in South Africa. The micro (individual), mezzo (family), and macro (community) level factors all play a significant effect in IPV exposure on a multilayer basis. The main aim of this study is to determine the determinants of physical violence among ever-partnered women in South Africa. Methods: The study used data obtained from the SADHS collected in 2016. Data analysis was done in three stages – univariate, bivariate, and multivariate. At the bivariate analysis level, a chi-square test was utilized to explore the association between physical violence and selected background characteristics. At the multivariate level, the study used logistic regression to analyse the association between experiencing physical violence and the selected background characteristics. Results: Women with primary education attainment had the highest prevalence of physical violence, with 30.8%, compared to women who had secondary+ education. Again, women who were employed had a higher prevalence of physical violence compared to those who were unemployed. Moreover, women who had witnessed inter-parental violence had a 41.2% prevalence of being physically abused compared to those who had never witnessed inter-parental violence. Furthermore, women whose partners drink and are often drunk had the highest prevalence of physical violence, more than those whose partners do not drink. Women from households with poor wealth status had the highest prevalence of experiencing physical violence compared to those from rich households. Those who were better educated than their partners had the highest prevalence of experiencing physical violence than respondents who were as equally educated as their partners. Women who resided in Eastern Cape were more likely to experience physical violence as compared to women who resided in Gauteng. Conclusion: Physical violence is a problem in South Africa that needs to be addressed. Women should be urged to join social clubs that will advance their knowledge and sense of empowerment, since this might be a powerful instrument in lessening the impact of IPV on our society. Women who have ever witnessed inter-parental violence should be offered support through counselling. Partners who are often drunk are most often perpetrators of physical violence, therefore they should be taken to rehabilitation centres.