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Are there IPV services in Uganda? Yes, there are and we’ve included them in this article. Domestic violence committed by a current or former spouse or partner against the other spouse or your partner( often women) in an intimate relationship is known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
Abuse that is physical, verbal, emotional, financial, or sexual is just one example of IPV. In this article, we break down all that there is to know about IPV.
The prevalence of psychological, physical, and emotional IPV among Ugandan women of reproductive age (15-49 years) is vital, at 29.3%, 22.5%, and 16.6%, respectively, while perinatal IPV affects 10.6% of women.
The term “intimate partner violence” is also used to refer to a pattern of abusive and coercive behavior, which may involve physical harm, psychological abuse, sexual assault, gradual seclusion, stalking, deprivation, intimidation, and reproductive coercion.
- Such actions are taken by someone who is, was, or wishes to be in an intimate or romantic relationship with an adult or teenager, and they are intended to establish one partner’s dominance over the other.
- Regardless of age, economic level, nationality, faith, race, sexual orientation, or educational background, it can happen in heterosexual or same-sex relationships and affect both men and women in every society.
- People who experience IPV may suffer from mental trauma, physical disability that lasts a lifetime, chronic health issues, and some death.
Intimate Partner Violence Trends
Sexual violence, psychological abuse, physical abuse, and reproductive coercion are all included in the category of “intimate partner violence.”
- Throwing things, yelling, kicking, biting, slapping, strangling, striking, beating, threatening with a weapon of any kind, or using a weapon are all examples of physical abuse.
- A woman’s and even a man’s sense of self-worth is damaged by psychological abuse, which can take the form of seclusion, stalking, threats, and verbal abuse such as blaming, shaming, and name-calling. The abuser frequently gradually distances the victim from her loved ones and friends while also denying her access to food, money, transportation, and medical care.
- Forced kissing, touching, or fondling; sexual coercion; and rape all fall under the category of sexual violence.
- In the absence of physical or sexual abuse, reproductive coercion refers to behavior in a relationship that has to do with reproductive health. In such cases, a partner may undermine attempts at contraception, forbid sterilization, refuse to engage in safe sex, or purposefully expose a partner to an STI or HIV. They may also control the outcome of a pregnancy (by compelling the woman to carry the child to term, have an abortion, or harm her in a way to causes a miscarriage). It also includes restriction or access to other reproductive health services.
- A lot of women usually report pregnancy coercion and birth control sabotage.
- Additionally, there are dangers particular to partner reporting of an STI. More often than not, women who experience physical or sexual IPV are scared to tell their spouses they have an STI.
Aftereffects of Intimate Partner Violence
- Traumatic injuries to the head, face, breasts, abdomen, genitalia, or reproductive system can occur in certain IPV victims’ female partners.
- Many report persistent symptoms of abuse such as chronic headaches, sleep and appetite changes, palpitations, chronic pelvic discomfort, frequent or urgent urination, irritable bowel syndrome, sexual dysfunction, stomach complaints, and persistent vaginal infections. The trauma of these non-acute symptoms, or internalized stress, is a common clinical manifestation of this stress. This stress can result in posttraumatic stress disorder, which is frequently linked to depression, anxiety disorders, substance addiction, and suicide.
- IPV has been linked to several pregnancy-related issues, including poor weight gain, infection, anemia, tobacco usage, stillbirth, pelvic fracture, placental abruption, fetal damage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight, though further research is required.
- According to reports, homicide has been identified as a major factor in maternal death, with an intimate partner most often being the perpetrator.
- Every year, IPV causes around a quarter of a million hospital admissions.
- It has also led to loss of financial stability or a lack of means for independent living caused by the breakdown of the family unit. This has increased the number of people (especially women) and children who are homeless.
How to Help Someone Experiencing IPV
The ups and downs of having good and terrible times with the partner might cause feelings of weariness while in an abusive relationship. The sufferer may be confused at this point and unsure of whether to stay in the violent relationship or leave.
Whatever the case, it is vital for you to always put the victim’s best interests and safety first as a supporter. Once you have it in mind, you can do the following;
- Offer to listen to their situation and speak less.
This can be accomplished by paying close attention to the person and letting them speak about whatever details of their circumstance they feel comfortable revealing. It demonstrates your presence and willingness to listen when you encourage the victim to talk about their relationship without coercing them.
- Consider your reactions
Being present for someone who is experiencing abuse requires being mindful of any emotions, ideas, or past trauma that may affect how you view or discuss the violence. Agitation, restlessness, impatience, and tension in your muscles might make it difficult for you to be present for them.
- Don’t pass judgment on someone or say, “If I were you…”
Judging someone who is the victim can leave them with a sense of helplessness and anxiety, which many partners in an abusive relationship tend to instill. A person’s perspective on their circumstances can be changed by making them feel in charge, deserving, strong, and capable of overcoming anything.
- Request their permission before offering advice and remind them that they have the option to decline
The victim could feel invasive, intimidated, and ultimately under control if you offer them unsolicited counsel. It is advisable to first determine whether your loved one is open to hearing your suggestions. Asking for permission will give the victim control over what they hear and don’t hear. They may feel more in control as a result.
Available Help Services for IPV Survivors
There are numerous support options available for IPV survivors such as;
- Forensic examination and documentation ( this includes Police Form 3).
- HIV diagnostic testing and treatment.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administration.
- Pregnancy testing.
- Abortion counseling and information, and post-abortion care are just a few of the services offered.
In addition to providing continuous support and reviewing available preventive and referral options, doctors should screen all women for IPV at regular intervals, including during obstetric care (at the first prenatal appointment, at least once per trimester, and at the postpartum exam).
Several initiatives also strive to change people’s perceptions of socially or ethically acceptable duties and expectations to decrease violence.
Portals from which to get IPV help services
In many places, resources are available to help women who face IPV like the ones below.
Conclusion
Given all of this information about IPV services and everything else you need to know about IPV, IPV must be handled as an important societal issue as well as a problem involving human rights and public health. For IPV prevention and intervention programs to be effectively argued for, strong proof demonstrating the scale of these negative effects of IPV is necessary.
Targeting community leaders may be an effective way to modify behavior because research indicates that they have a significant impact on how others see things.
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