Extant research has indicated that women and children all over the world are susceptible to various forms of violence against them (Levinson, 1989). The effects of violence on women and children are lasting and profound with physical health and emotional problems being the most prevalent. This study analyzed the perceptions of violence against women and children in Europe using the 1999 Eurobarometer Public Opinion Survey.
The sample (16, 169 participants) were from 15 countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. The results suggest that people’s perceptions of violence differ depending of country of residence. It seems that in some countries, violence against women is perceived as occurring more frequently (e.g. Spain, Austria) than in others (e.g. Denmark, Finland). The findings regarding the seriousness of different forms of violence against women indicate that 66 % of Europeans consider psychological violence very serious, 85 % of them consider physical violence as being very serious, and 89 % affirmed that sexual violence is a very serious form of domestic violence. The biggest precursors of violence against women were alcoholism (96%), drug addiction (94.8%), unemployment (80.1%), poverty/social exclusion (75.8%), and having oneself been victim of some form of domestic violence (73.7%). The results also indicated that a high percentage of participants considered violence against women unacceptable but not always punishable.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the prevalence of violence against women and children in Europe which might help in finding effective solutions to address these global health concerns. 2. Develop an awareness of the effects of psychological violence on women’ health beyond the other more commonly understood forms of violence -physical and sexual 3. Develop violence prevention programs that may be targeted directly to women who might be in violent relationships.
Keywords: Violence, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.