Toward an integrated approach in research on interpersonal violence : Conceptual and methodological challenges

Abstract

Background: There is a growing understanding that different kinds of interpersonal violence are interrelated. Many victims report experiences of cumulative violence, i.e., being subjected to more than one kind of violent behaviour (sexual, physical, emotional) and/or violence from more than one kind of perpetrator (family members, partners, acquaintances/strangers). To gain a more comprehensive understanding of what violence entails for victims, how victims can be helped and how violence can be prevented, there is a need to learn more about the co-occurrence of violence. Also, despite strong associations repeatedly being found between exposure to violence and the reporting of different kinds of ill-health, only a minority of victims have told health care professionals about their victimization. Less is known about the process of disclosing victimization to health care professionals for men than for women.

Preconception health and care (PHC)—a strategy for improved maternal and child health

“…Recently published Swedish research shows that violence victimization is associated with mental as well as physical ill health. The association may be even stronger when the perpetrator is a partner and when the victim has been subjected to more than one form of violence, which usually characterizes violence against women in an intimate relationship (11,12). …”