A study of injury patterns and socio-demographic profiles of victims of intimate partner violence in Sri Lanka

Abstract EN

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common global health problem.

The injury pattern and socio-demographic profile of IPV in Sri Lanka may show variations to that seen in a western society due to socio-cultural differences.

The objective of this study was to identify the injury pattern and the socio-demographic aspects of IPV in a Sri Lankan context.

All the victims of IPV presented to the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka from 2006 to 2011 were included in this study.

There were 226 cases of IPV of which 96% were female.

The majority were married and living together.

They were less than 30 years of age, unemployed, with more than 2 children, had a poor education and were in the early phase of marriage.

Seventy-two percent experienced physical violence resulting in contusions (72%) and abrasions (42%).

A significant proportion (11%) did not have any visible injuries.

The commonest area of injury was upper limbs (63%) with the head and face being involved in 54% of the cases.

The majority (84%) were non grievous injuries inflicted by bare hands (58%) and feet (13%).

Profiling of such victims would enable social and community workers to identify this vulnerable group for early intervention and prevention of such occurrences.