BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive problem in Uganda that has been associated with numerous negative outcomes for women, such as physical and psychological health problems, financial insecurity, and social isolation. In fact, the Ugandan Ministry of Health estimates that about one-third of married women in Uganda experience some form of IPV. This statistic is alarming given that nearly two-thirds of all marriages in the country are considered polygamous [1-4].
To better understand the nature and causes of IPV among ever-married men and women in Uganda, it is important to consider the contextual factors associated with this issue. Empowerment of women, partner behaviors, and other environmental influences may all play a role in influencing individuals’ likelihood to perpetrate or experience IPV. Research on this topic is still scarce, but there are some studies that provide valuable insight into how these variables interact with one another to affect IPV outcomes [5, 6].

RESEARCH METHOD

Secondary data analyses from the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys was done to identify the key determinants of IPV among ever-married men and women in Uganda [1, 2]. In addition, school-based survey was conducted [7]. Finally, primary data was collected from young fisher-folk from Lake Victoria landing sites in Mukono and Namayingo districts [4]. Regressions were used to determine the risk factors for IPV [8, 9].

KEY FINDINGS

One study looked at Ugandan ever-married women and discovered a link between women’s empowerment and intimate partner physical violence (IPPV). Women who had witnessed parental violence were more likely to report IPPV than those who had not. Wealthier women were also less likely to witness or experience IPPPV. When examining IPPV in married women, the results highlighted the significance of power imbalances in marriages [3].
Peer and adult violence against children are a global public health issue, including in Uganda. One in every three Ugandan elementary school pupils reported experiencing physical or emotional violence at the hands of their peers, implying that even young people can be affected by IPV or witness it growing up, normalizing violent behaviour during childhood and increasing the likelihood of becoming survivors of it later in life [7].
Several studies have looked at how empowering women can help prevent domestic violence and how skilled birth attendants (SBA) can help rural Ugandan women. Women’s empowerment alone did not increase rural Ugandan women’s use of SBA services. However, household wealth, partners’ education, antenatal care attendance, and parity all predicted SBA uptake in this group. This suggests that, rather than focusing solely on female empowerment, improving services for pregnant mothers in Uganda will necessitate addressing multiple risk factors. [9].
Alcohol use has been linked to having multiple sexual partners, working for cash/kind payments, and early marriage in a set of Ugandan youth. This makes alcohol a potential HIV sexual risk factor. However, further research on this same population showed that intimate partner violence was not significantly linked with HIV transmission rates among adolescent or young adult age groups, despite high levels of emotional (36%), physical (20%), and minor (8%) intimate partner physical abuse reported by ever-married men surveyed about their interpersonal relationships during this time frame [4]. Furthermore, there was no evidence that living together as a couple increases the risk of physical violence against women [5].

CONCLUSIONS

Intimate partner violence affects thousands upon thousands of individuals across different facets of life within Ugandan societies, ranging from pre-adolescents to adults alike, making it an urgent matter requiring both immediate attention as well as long term initiatives if we wish to reduce its prevalence throughout future generations.
In addition, men are also survivors of intimate partner violence. This calls for combined efforts to reduce violence against men perpetrated by females by addressing controlling behaviors, frequency of getting drunk with alcohol, and lack of awareness of the issue.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

It would seem then necessary for governments, public health officials, social workers, civil society organisations and members from local communities’ band together so effective interventions strategies can be designed targeting different aspects impacting its occurrence thus preventing new episodes. To accomplish this, enabling policies and capacity building may be required, and existing societal structures may be utilized.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Interventions aimed at raising public awareness are required to improve reporting and case management of violence.
• Improving access to health and social services may reduce some IPVs
• Comprehensive approach involving prevention initiatives, survivor-centered services, criminal justice responses, economic security policies and cultural shifts can help reduce IPV incidents over time.
• It is also critical for communities of all backgrounds to band together in support of those affected by intimate partner violence.
• We can create lasting change through a combination of long-term strategies and immediate interventions tailored to individual needs, so that everyone can live free from fear of violence in their relationships.