Prevalence of Violence against Women: Distress, Coping and Psychological Well-Being. Surviving the Fire?

Abstract

The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of violence in a sample of women in the North West Province of South Africa, and to determine whether a higher frequency of experiences of violence are associated with more distress and differences in coping strategies and levels of psychological well-being. A stratified, random population-based sample of 387 participants completed several questionnaires in a cross-sectional survey design with the aid of trained fieldworkers who conducted the survey in the mother tongue of the participants. Questionnaires measured the frequency and kinds of violence experienced, distress symptoms, coping strategies, psychological well-being and quality of life experienced. Data on the relevant variables were also gathered in four in-depth individual interviews and a focus group discussion. The results indicated that 62% of women in the sample had experienced some form of violence in relationships and 42% experienced violence on a regular basis. This study adds data on the epidemiology of various types of violence against women in South Africa. Women who had experienced violence, and more so, women who had experienced a higher frequency of violence, showed more distress symptoms, lower levels of psychological well-being and a lower quality of life in several domains of life, than women who had no or less experience of violence. However, even those women who experienced high levels of violence managed to maintain some strengths and constructive coping strategies that might have helped them to survive. It is indicated that identifying and building psychological strengths in women from a positive psychology perspective may add value to current interventions and preventative efforts.

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