Towards a feminist understanding of intersecting violence against women and children in the family

Abstract

While intimate partner violence (IPV) against women and violence against children (VAC) have emerged as distinct fields of research and programming, a growing number of studies demonstrate the extent to which these forms of violence overlap in the same households. However, existing knowledge of how and why such co-occurrence takes place is limited, particularly in the Global South. The current study aims to advance empirical and conceptual understanding of intersecting IPV and VAC within families in order to inform potential programming. We explore shared perceptions and experiences of IPV and VAC using qualitative data collected in December 2015 from adults and children in Kampala, Uganda (n = 106). We find that the patriarchal family structure creates an environment that normalizes many forms of violence, simultaneously infantilizing women and reinforcing their subordination (alongside children). Based on participant experiences, we identify four potential patterns that suggest how IPV and VAC not only co-occur, but more profoundly intersect within the family, triggering cycles of emotional and physical abuse: bystander trauma, negative role modeling, protection and further victimization, and displaced aggression. The discussion is situated within a feminist analysis, including careful consideration of maternal violence and an emphasis on the ways in which gender and power dynamics can coalesce and contribute to intra-family violence.

Multivariate analyses of the global acceptability rates of male intimate partner violence (IPV) against women based on World Values Survey data

“…This study claimed that empirical evidence suggests that sexist individuals are more accepting violence in social relationships than nonsexist individuals. While we found too that both sexism and acceptability of general violence in social relationships were positively related to acceptability of IPV, our results included dimensions and variables hitherto not yet debated in the public health debate on the subject, namely, the disrespect of property rights and family values (see literature ; Martín‐Fernandez et al, 2018).…”

Domestic Violence Incidence Impacting Socio-Economic Development of Rural Areas in Rwanda

“…Domestic violence against women and violence against children have emerged as distinct fields of research with a growing number of studies demonstrating the extent to which the two overlap in the same household (Namy et., al 2017). They strongly confirm that both acts co-occur in the same households and that women's use violence against children is considered as an acceptable way to control behaviour in line with parents' role to enforce discipline as a normative and important function.…”

Effects of Gender-Based Violence Towards Young Females: The Case of Vhufuli Village in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province-South Africa

“…Women's lack of resources also makes them susceptible because what they do, wish to do, plan to do and their reasoning capacity is restricted. Violence towards women in the family also happens to those women who may also have social standing and high income within family contexts (Namy, Carlson, O'Hara, Nakuti, Bukuluki, Lwanyaaga & Michau, 2017). Lobaka (2017) also indicated that men with limited or no limited wealth and resources may resort to physical force or violence more quickly.…”