Does experiencing a traumatic life event increase the risk of intimate partner violence for young women? A cross-sectional analysis and structural equation model of data from the <i>Stepping Stones and Creating Futures</i> intervention in South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate associations and potential pathways between women's lifetime exposure to traumatic events and their recent experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Setting

South African informal settlements near Durban.

Participants

677 women, living in informal settlements, aged 18-30 years, currently out of school or formal employment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Self-reported experiences of IPV in the past 12 months and exposure to traumatic neighbourhood events (including witnessing murder, being robbed or kidnapped, witnessing and experiencing rape).

Results

Exposure to traumatic events was common among the 677 women surveyed. Over 70% had experienced at least one in their lifetime; one quarter (24%) had experienced 3 or

SUBMITTER: Mannell J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9058688 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature