Intimate Partner Violence and Its Association With Self-Determination Needs and Gender-Power Constructs Among Rural South African Women

Abstract

This study aimed to identify psychosocial correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) by using constructs derived from the self-determination theory (SDT) and gender-power scales. Cross-sectional data ( N = 238) were collected from women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and were used to test a structural equation model (SEM). The majority (87%) of the participants reported having sexual partners in the past 3 months, and in terms of IPV victimization, 36% and 26% of women had ever experienced verbal and physical abuse, respectively. Bivariate correlations showed that autonomy and beliefs about gender equality (BGE) were strongly associated with IPV. This finding was also confirmed in the SEM analysis, which indicated that autonomy had a direct effect on IPV suggesting that women who are in relationships that allow them to make decisions along with their partners possibly experience less IPV. In addition BGE, which was hypothesized to play a mediating role showed a significant direct association with IPV, suggesting that women who are aware of their rights may experience less IPV by choosing partners who do not espouse hegemonic masculinities or strong patriarchal beliefs. Our findings suggest that it would be important to incorporate decision-making skills and human rights awareness in future community-based sexual health and reproductive rights interventions.

Prevalence and Associations, by Age Group, of IPV Among AGYW in Rural South Africa

“…The association between transactional sex and IPV is known (Dunkle et al, 2007), but many research findings on the relationship between drug use and IPV report on drug use by the perpetrator rather than the victim. Among the middle and oldest adolescent age groups (ages 15-16, 17-20; in years), using birth control, ever being pregnant, and low support for gender equity were associated with IPV, as noted in the literature, respectively (Alio, Daley, Nana, Duan, & Salihu, 2009;Decker et al, 2014;Mpondo, Ruiter, van den Borne, & Reddy, 2016). Median sexual debut age is 16 years; therefore, the use of birth control and pregnancy could be reflecting sexual activity as the AGYW enter middle adolescence.…”

Maltreatment in childhood and intimate partner violence: A latent class growth analysis in a South African pregnancy cohort

“…This may be particularly relevant in environments such as South Africa, with high rates of child maltreatment as well as IPV exist. High levels of violence in South Africa generally may facilitate a culture where IPV is normalised, thereby increasing the risk of cumulative or long-term exposure as women remain in problematic relationships ( Mpondo, Ruiter, van den Borne, & Reddy, 2016 ; Zembe et al, 2015 ). The relatively low levels of education and economic power of women in South Africa may further exacerbate the vulnerability of mothers to IPV ( Shamu et al, 2011 ).…”

The Role of Gender Power Imbalances in the Spread of HIV among Women in Intimate Relationships: Guidelines for Social Work Practice

“…The Resource Theory also introduced the concept of positional power, which denotes one's capacity to influence their partner based on their economic resources (Körner & Schütz 2021). Consequently, younger women become intimately involved with older men for material or financial gain, thus exposing themselves to risky sexual behavior (Rosenthal & Levy, 2010:25;Mpondo, Ruiter, van den Borne, and Reddy, 2019), as the extract below bears testimony.…”

“…Women's educational attainment can arguably increase their access to resources and power in their intimate relationships. On the contrary, women with limited educational status and low income tend to be more vulnerable to risky sexual relationships (Mpondo et al, 2019).…”