Socio-Demographic Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence in Mexico

1. Conflict within Intimacy: Men Involved in Violent Relationships Socio-demographic Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence in Mexico Juan Manuel Contreras London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine September 2004

2. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)... • is one of the most common types of violence • is everywhere and transcends socio-economic and culturally different groups (Heise et al., 1999) • emerges as a significant issue because its negative effects could be enormous for the individuals and society

3. Mexico • 11th most populated country in the world (97 483 412) • 75% living in urban areas • 57% of the population between 15-59 years • 60% (15-59) are married or living in-cohabitation

4. In Mexico... Studies have detected that IPV is a serious issue with high prevalence (it is estimated that around 30% of women have ever beaten by their partners) The investigation started recently and there are few studies that help to understand in depth the aspects involved in this problem Studies conclude that IPV is caused mainly by the cultural context characterised by gender inequalities

5. Research Purpose Following a socio-demographic perspective, to explore the determinants and context of intimate partner violence from the male point of view The ultimate purpose is to suggest recommendations to contribute to appropriate intervention strategies to prevent IPV

6. Psychobiological perspective • Cultural of Violence Theory • Social Learning Theory • Resource and Exchange Theories • Systems Theory • Patriarchal/Feminist Theory • Ecological Model Explaining IPV Theoretical Approaches

7. Macrosocial Community of Acceptance of violence Gender Norms current residence Peers Family origin Individual Individual Relationship Man Woman Communication Interaction : Affinity ability Conflict Arena Personal Respect and taking-care Household Personal Neighbours History leaders Religious Negotiation Outcome Economic duties History skills problems Current particular Non-physical Jealousy Current particular Children power Gender features: violence Decision- features: Conceptual Framework for this study Discords making Socio -economic, daily life Socio -economic, Physical Addictions demographic and demographic and violence health characteristics health characteristics Sexual satisfaction No fulfilment Personality Reproductive issues Gender roles Personality Beliefs Unfaithfulness Beliefs Justice system Socio -economic and demographic characteristics -political violent environment Socio

8. Why Men? • To understand IPV it is necessary to include all the social actors involved • Our understanding of the male perspective is particularly limited • It is clear that there is a connection between men and violence • Men on the whole are considered the main aggressors who generate physical violence in the relationships

9. Methodology • Quantitative Analysis of a reproductive health survey (ENSARE) collected by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in 1998. • ‘Screening’ Survey Conducting a survey (n=500) among male factory workers in Mexico City.Two reasons: a) To aid in selecting participants for the qualitative study b) To obtain more specific quantitative information on issues related to IPV • Qualitative 40 in-depth interviews were conducted: 20 ‘violent’ and 20 ‘non-violent’ men

10. Analysing data Quantitative data • Outcome, binary variable: ‘1’ involved in IPV in the last 12 months ‘0’ not involved • Bivariate analysis: crosstabs, chi square test • Multivariate analysis: Logistic regression method Step by step analysis Wald test Log likelihood ratio tests

11. Analysing data Qualitative data • Based on grounded theory • Five steps: • Read data to become familiar • Organise findings according to theoretical framework • Develop analytical categories and to code the data • Examine important categories and make connections • Identify patterns • Nudist software

12. Findings

13. 1. Levels Reproductive Health Survey: • 9.0% involved in IPV in the last 12 months • Of those who have been involved: • 49% More than once • 30% Injuries Screening Survey: • 12.2% involved in IPV in the last 12 months • 33.8% ever

14. Life cycle • Dynamic of the relationship • Norms about the use of violence

15. 2. Life cycle • Less 25 years old • Having 1 child under 12 living with him • Less 5 years in the relationship • First incident less than 1 year into the relationship • Risk of being involved in IPV gets lower as age increases

16. 2. Life cycle (cont…) • Lack of experience in dealing with problems • Emotional intensity and great expectations • Difficulties in settling down with a partner • Societal pressures influence individual’s decisions about marriage

17. 3. Dynamic of the relationship • Fulfilment of gender roles • His roles: economic provider, strong personality, affectionate, faithful • Her roles: household duties, no complaints, sexuality • To control the sexuality of women • Jealousy • Premarital sexual relationships • Interaction with other members of the household

18. 4. The use of violence. Norms • High tolerance to the use of physical violence • Violence against women is socially condemned: A las mujeres no se les toca ni con el petalo de una rosa • When is it allowed? • Defence • Discipline • Experiences in childhood extremely important in shaping these perspectives

19. The End