Violencia física, psicológica y sexual en mujeres residentes de un distrito de Lima

Physical, psychological, and sexual violence in women residing in a district of Lima

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of violence and its associated factors among women residents of the San Juan de Lurigancho district. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 2019. The sample consisted of 250 women obtained by non-probability sampling for convenience. Psychological, physical, and sexual violence was considered. Results: Of the total participants, 50.8% (n=127) and 68.4% (n=171) of women were victims of physical violence and psychological violence respectively, at least once in their lifetime. Of the sample, 8.8% (n=22) were victims of sexual violence at some time in their lives. Physical violence was reported mainly in older women (p=0.015), and in women with primary education (p<0.015). While psychological violence was reported mainly in separated or divorced women (p=0.005), and in those who have an independent job (p=0.006). Women belonging to a single-parent family, with impaired family functionality and low self-esteem, showed a significant association with both physical and psychological violence (p<0.05). The deterioration of family functionality had a significant association with the occurrence of sexual violence (p=0.001). Conclusions: There is a high frequency of psychological and physical violence among women. The factors associated with some type of violence against women were “mature age”, primary education, being divorced or separated, having an independent job, single-parent family, impaired family functionality, and low self-esteem of women. It requires reinforcing preventive measures to protect women's health.