The Psychosocial Impacts of Intimate Partner Violence against Women in LMIC Contexts: Toward a Holistic Approach

Abstract

Work on the mental health impacts of intimate partner violence in low-and middle-income countries has focused primarily on clinical disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse. This paper analyzes how non-clinical, psychosocial impacts from everyday stressors, particularly economic hardships and concern over one’s children, cause extensive suffering and damage women survivors’ well-being, influencing the development and expression of clinical disorders. Using a social ecological framework, the paper analyzes how psychosocial impacts arise at multiple levels, including societal levels where social norms often devalue women and privilege men, and how the stressor accumulation increases the harm caused by intimate partner violence (IPV) against women (IPVAW). Drawing on survivors’ narratives and studies from diverse low and middle income country (LMIC) settings, including armed conflict and natural disaster settings, the paper underscores the importance of understanding both clinical impacts and the non-clinical, psychosocial impacts, which interact with and complement one another. Recognizing the interplay also between IPVAW and other forms of violence against girls and women, the paper calls for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the impacts of IPVAW. Recognizing the enormous variety within and across countries that are considered to be LMIC settings, the paper cautions against universalized approaches to understanding the effects of IPVAW and helping to support survivors.

Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health: Deepening Our Understanding of Associations, Pathways, and Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…This Special Issue also widens the lens on the ways in which we think about the impacts of IPV on wellbeing. The studies included employ traditional measures of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide ideation [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], but also examine broader psychosocial impacts such as alcohol and drug use, capacity to cope, and resilience [ 18 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

The Real Truth Behind Domestic Violence in Pakistan

“…Fear of retaliation was the most frequently cited cause for not reporting the violence, followed by fear of social stigma, fear of divorce, and fear of future instability. This highlighted how domestic violence victims were frequently trapped in abusive relationships due to a variety of concerns and constraints, many of which are supported by societal norms and expectations [8][9] .…”

Domestic Violence Experienced by Women: Construction and Validation of a Measurement Method

“…The severity of its effects varies depending on the geographic area and the socio-economic situation of the victim. Essentially, research indicates that the majority of women at risk of experiencing domestic violence and its effects are found in Asia and Africa [60]. In Africa, particularly, it is sometimes considered as a means of resolving conflicts and educating the partner [55].…”