Hidden voices: prevalence and risk factors for violence against women with disabilities in Nepal

Abstract

BackgroundThere is an increasing body of evidence on the extent and predictors of violence against women in Nepal. However, much of the published research does not yet take into account additional features of marginalization and vulnerability suffered by some women – for example, women socially excluded on account of their disability. Critical gaps exist in empirical data on the extent, risk factors, access to care, socio-economic and health consequences of violence among women with disabilities in Nepal. This paper addresses some these gaps and aims to promote evidence-informed policy and programme responses in Nepal.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 475 women with disability aged 16 years and above in three districts in Nepal. In-depth interviews with 12 women who reported violence in the survey were also carried out. Using multivariate statistical methods we estimated the prevalence and risk factors for violence experienced both over the past 12 months and lifetime.ResultsOver the lifetime, 57.7% of women reported they had ever experienced violence, including emotional violence (55.2%); physical violence (34%); and sexual violence (21.5%). Over the preceding 12 months, 42% of women reported that they had experienced violence. Multivariate analysis showed that women with disabilities who were young, working in paid employment, and those who required permission from husbands/family to go to health centres or participate in community organizations were at increased risk of violence. Women experienced a range of negative outcomes from violence – including physical and emotional trauma. However, a majority of women did not seek care or redress from the health, justice or other sectors.ConclusionsWomen in Nepal are at high risk of violence, often from members of their immediate family or local community. Rates of violence are higher in women with disability than among women in the general population. Tackling violence requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of women’s unequal position in society, and builds upon principles of equity and justice to ensure that all women are able to realize their rights to a life free from violence.

Disability status, intimate partner violence and perceived social support among married women in three districts of the Terai region of Nepal

“…A 2015 study with 475 Nepalese women living with a disability found that 57.7% reported experiencing lifetime emotional, physical or sexual violence, of whom 39% reported violence perpetrated by husbands. 8 In this sample, women living with disabilities who were younger, without children, employed and lacking autonomy in reproductive healthcare decisions experienced more violence. In another smaller scale report, 15 out of 20 blind women in Kathmandu reported experiencing some form of sexual abuse perpetrated by friends, family members or teachers.…”

Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana

“…Factors associated with domestic violence that have previously been documented were mostly from countries in Asia and Latin America with varying political, economic and cultural differences and very little focus on sub-Saharan Africa [ 5 , 9 , 12 , 19 – 21 ]. These factors reported in other countries may not necessarily lead to an increase in the likelihood of a Ghanaian woman’s risk of domestic violence.…”

“…Even in schools, research has shown that 14 and 52 % of girls are victims of sexual abuse and gender-based violence respectively [ 8 ]. These estimates may be far less than what actually persists, as violence against women and girls remain a largely hidden problem (sensitive issue) that only few females have the courage to openly confess [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Interpersonal violence and suicidality among former child soldiers and war-exposed civilian children in Nepal

“…In rural Vietnam, Vung et al ( 2009 ) found that women who experienced IPV do not seek care unless they are suffering from severe physical injuries; the authors attribute this, in part, to the belief that IPV is a domestic matter that should not be shared with health workers or other public institutions. Similarly, in Nepal, cultural attitudes proscribe disclosure of IPV experiences, and the majority of women do not seek care or support (Puri et al 2015 ). In a study of behavioral scenario responses to IPV among former child soldiers in Nepal, only 31% of young women endorsed seeking family support, and 23% suggested reporting IPV to the police (Kohrt & Bourey, 2016 ).…”