WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Rasha Abdullah Mohammed*, Hind Walid Khudir and Batul Essa Omran

ABSTRACT

Background: Violence against women (VAW) is a widespread yet unrecognised human rights violation worldwide. Physical, sexual, or psychological violence can occur in families, communities, or by the state. Research indicates that violence against women can have severe psychological and physical implications. Objective: this study was carried out to explore the main patterns & risk factors & consequences of VAW in Baghdad. Method: The study comprised 203 women from Medical City and Al-Dhubat Primary Health Care Centres, with data collected between January and May 2012. An open questionnaire with three parts was used to interview each participant. The first part includes sociodemographic data. The second aspect asks about direct experiences of violence against women. The Iraqi version of the general health questionnaire 28 was the third element. Results: 86.2% of the sample experienced various sorts of VAW, with 88.5% of ever-violated women reporting abuse by their spouses. Out of all women who have become pregnant, 71% have experienced violence throughout their pregnancy. 83.7% of participants reported public harassment, while 42.4% experienced unwanted sexual contact. The rate of VAW was significantly impacted by socio-demographic factors such as poor education, low income, early marriage, and big age gap between married couples. Women who are violated experience both physical and psychological health impacts, with a considerably higher mean GHQ-28 score compared to non-violated women. Conclusion: Our study revealed a high prevalence of violence against women (VAW) in Baghdad, with many facing domestic violence from husbands and family members, especially those with low educational and socioeconomic levels. Young age at marriage, significant age differences between spouses, and unemployment were key factors. VAW has significant health, social, and psychological impacts, with alcoholism and substance abuse common among abusers.