Repercussões na saúde física e comportamentos de risco em mulheres vítimas de violência conjugal

Abstract

The present paper aimed to evaluate physical health repercussions, in particular self-reported physical complaints and somatization, and the occurrence of risk behaviours concerning health of women involved in IPV. The sample consists of 65 women involved in intimate partner violence relationship, who addressed to Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima (APAV) – Braga’s office. The participants filled the Portuguese version of the following instruments: Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2), Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL), and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), besides, a socio-demographic inquiry and some questions concerning risk behaviours where also filled. The results demonstrate that different types of abuse are associated with different consequences concerning health and risk behaviours. Thus, women victims of physical abuse without injury present more physical complaints and somatization, those who experience physical abuse with injury exhibit increased tobacco consumption, and those who experience increased psychological aggression report increased drug abuse. In this regard, as a mean to prevent the occurrence of intimate partner violence emphasis should be given to the development of programs that promote quality in intimate relationships, programs that promote resolution of intimate conflict, as well as programs that improve victim’s health, such programs should aim minimization and prevention of negative health consequences and risk behaviours.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Eleonora C. V. Costa (Supervisor) & Carla Alexandra Paiva (Co-Supervisor)