Some aspects of the magnitude and consequences of domestic violence against women. A pilot study [Algunos aspectos sobre la magnitud y trascendencia de la violencia domestica contra la mujer: Un estudio piloto]

Abstract

There are different terms concerning domestic violence against women. We understand domestic violence against women as a wide variety of behaviors perpetrated by women's partners, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and those activities targeting women's properties and close women's relatives in order to keep the relationship under control. There are different methodological approaches and particular techniques for studying the frequency and distribution of this problem, which contributes to a wide range of violence. Many studies focus on the analysis of centers for women. There is some research that has considered a base line population in the study design. Mexico has published only two studies of these characteristics, however, the results are not completely comparable. Despite these obstacles, the frequency with which women are abused by their partners in different countries is between 11% in Canada, to 67% in New Guinea. The objective of this communication is to present a pilot study on the findings of domestic violence against women, conducted in three socioeconomic groups in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara. The questionnaire has four sections. a) Socioeconomic characteristics; b) Reproductive health features; c) Women abuse and its consequences; and d) Services required by women in a relationship of abuse. Some ethic concerns, specifically those related to women's safety and training are discussed by the field work group, Forty six percent of the women recognized themselves as abused women. The main perpetrator was their partner, one third of the women were emotionally abused; one fifth physically abused and, 12% sexually abused. A temporal pattern of violent relationship was not identified. The consequences for women involved in such violent relations and some women's responses to abuse are discussed.