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. 2017 Apr;51(2):170-178.
doi: 10.1007/s12160-016-9836-2.

Childhood Sexual Abuse and Sociodemographic Factors Prospectively Associated with Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among South African Heterosexual Men

Anne M Teitelman  1   2 , Scarlett L Bellamy  3 , John B Jemmott 3rd  4   5 , Larry Icard  6 , Ann O'Leary  7 , Samira Ali  8 , Zolani Ngwane  9 , Monde Makiwane  10
Affiliations

Childhood Sexual Abuse and Sociodemographic Factors Prospectively Associated with Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among South African Heterosexual Men

Anne M Teitelman et al. Ann Behav Med. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence directed at women by men continues to be a global concern. However, little is known about the factors associated with perpetrating intimate partner violence among heterosexual men.

Purpose: History of childhood sexual abuse and other sociodemographic variables were examined as potential factors associated with severe intimate partner violence perpetration toward women in a sample of heterosexual men in South Africa.

Methods: Longitudinal logistic generalized estimating equations examined associations of childhood sexual abuse and sociodemographic variables at baseline with intimate partner violence perpetration at subsequent time points.

Results: Among participants with a steady female partner, 21.81 % (190/ 871) reported perpetrating intimate partner violence in the past year at baseline. Having a history of childhood sexual abuse (p < .001), binge drinking (p = .002), being employed (p = .050), and more difficulty controlling sexual impulses in order to use a condom (p = .006) at baseline were associated with self-reported intimate partner violence perpetration in the past year at subsequent time points.

Conclusions: With high levels of recent severe physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence perpetration in South Africa, comprehensive interventions are urgently needed. To more fully address gender-based violence, it is important to address associated factors, including exposure to childhood sexual abuse that could impact behavior later in life and that have long-lasting and deleterious effects on men and their female partners.

Keywords: Africa; Men; Partner abuse; Risk factors; Sexual abuse.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Association (odds ratios) of baseline factors on intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in the past year (at both the 6- and 12-month time points). Note that this figure is a graphical representation of the previous table
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