Intimate Partner Violence in Urban Marginal Communities in Northern Peru

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is an insidious global health problem and a major violation of human rights. In Peru, globalization and sociodemographic trends have led to increased migration to coastal cities and resettlement in poverty stricken urban marginal communities (pueblos jóvenes) where women may be at high risk for IPV.

This study examined perceptions of IPV and available help for victims in pueblos jóvenes in Northern Peru. A questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 210 women (ages 25-44 ), majority married (52%), low family income (76% under $160 monthly; 51% unemployed).

Respondents perceived IPV occurred often (77% at least monthly). Many (48%) self-reported victimization and 78% had witnessed it; 38% believed victims could go to the police or family (25%) for help. Most (70%) were unaware of agencies helping victims. The majority (78%) would participate in activities to end IPV.

Results suggest high presence of IPV and little knowledge of formal sources for help. They call attention to women's precarious socioeconomic realities and isolation (only 8% had telephones), which may increase risk for victimization and severely curtail chances for survival. Usually, a woman can only hope that a neighbor would hear her cries for help and intervene to stop the abuse at least momentarily.

Women in this study overwhelmingly expressed desire to take action to end the violence. Bringing to light this major violation of a human being's most basic rights could mobilize policymakers, advocates, and global networks to address IPV against women in pueblos jóvenes.