Intimate partner violence in southernouthern Tunisia: A retrospective study of the sociodemographic and medicolegal clinical profile

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine Pub Date : 2025-04-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102855

Nihel Feki, Rakia Soiniya, Marwa Ouni, Hela Siala, Narjes Karray, Sami Bardaa, Zouhair Hammami, Wiem Ben Amar, Malek Zribi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue that severely affects women's health and well-being in Tunisia. Understanding the socio-epidemiological profiles of IPV victims and perpetrators, along with the medico-legal implications, is essential for developing effective prevention measures.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study that analyzed victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Governorate of Sfax, Tunisia, from June 2022 to June 2023. Participants were interviewed face-to-face, and data were collected from medico-legal reports and police records based on the victims' complaints.

Results

Our study included 374 suspected IPV victims, 96 % of whom were women with a mean age of 36. Most alleged perpetrators were male, with a significant proportion having a history of alcohol abuse and criminal activity. Physical assault combined with verbal abuse was the predominant form of IPV, often triggered by financial difficulties. The average duration of temporary total disability was 6 days, with 6.9 % of victims at risk for partial permanent disability.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the socio-epidemiological profiles of IPV victims and perpetrators in southern Tunisia. While the findings may underestimate the true prevalence due to underreporting, the adoption of domestic violence legislation represents a significant step forward. By understanding these dynamics, we can develop effective strategies to mitigate the risk of IPV and promote healthier relationships.

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突尼斯南部的亲密伴侣暴力：对社会人口和医学法律临床概况的回顾性研究

最终伴侣暴力（IPV）是一个严重影响突尼斯妇女健康和福祉的重大公共卫生问题。了解IPV受害者和施暴者的社会流行病学概况以及所涉医学法律问题，对于制定有效的预防措施至关重要。方法这是一项横断面、回顾性研究，分析了突尼斯斯法克斯省2022年6月至2023年6月的亲密伴侣暴力（IPV）受害者。对参与者进行了面对面访谈，并根据受害者的申诉从法医报告和警方记录中收集数据。结果本研究纳入374例IPV疑似患者，其中96%为女性，平均年龄36岁。大多数被指控的肇事者是男性，其中很大一部分人有酗酒和犯罪活动的历史。身体攻击和言语虐待是IPV的主要形式，通常由经济困难引发。暂时完全残疾的平均持续时间为6天，6.9%的受害者有部分永久残疾的风险。结论本研究为了解突尼斯南部IPV受害者和肇事者的社会流行病学概况提供了见解。虽然调查结果可能因漏报而低估了真实的普遍程度，但通过家庭暴力立法是向前迈出的重要一步。通过了解这些动态，我们可以制定有效的策略来减轻IPV的风险并促进更健康的关系。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of forensic and legal medicine MEDICINE, LEGAL-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

106

审稿时长

57 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine publishes topical articles on aspects of forensic and legal medicine. Specifically the Journal supports research that explores the medical principles of care and forensic assessment of individuals, whether adult or child, in contact with the judicial system. It is a fully peer-review hybrid journal with a broad international perspective. The Journal accepts submissions of original research, review articles, and pertinent case studies, editorials, and commentaries in relevant areas of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Context of Practice, and Education and Training. The Journal adheres to strict publication ethical guidelines, and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication.