Disclosure of Spousal Violence

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify reasons behind not disclosing spousal violence and examine relationships between these reasons and women’s demographic profile including the experience of spousal violence. Jordanian women ( N = 709) aged 16 to 66 years ( M = 32.6, SD = 8.7) attending health care centers were recruited. Results indicated that women’s intentions to maintain the family unit and use of patience with abuser represented the top two reasons for not disclosing violence. Non-significant relationships were, generally, identified between not disclosing spousal violence and women’s demographic profile. Women’s justification of spousal violence and witnessing parental violence were the proposed reasons for women’s lack of disclosure of violence. Implications for this study include health professionals’ use of evidence-based knowledge and skills to deal with victims of violence. Researchers’ roles include creating physical and emotional environment that urges disclosure of violence. Furthermore, they can contribute with health professionals in the implementation of health education programs directing victims and perpetrators in the places where they can be located. Proper collaboration between health professionals, researchers, and policy makers may significantly limit suffering of victims of violence.