Abstract:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered a public health problem with physical,
sexual and psychological consequences. The present study examined the prevalence of
various forms of intimate partner violence among undergraduates at University of
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Moreover, this report mainly examined the impact of biological
gender differences on intimate partner violence victimization considering different forms
of intimate partner violence, likewise, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse
and verbal abuse. Present study aims to describe the Gender Impact on prevalence of IPV
among romantic Heterosexual partners studying in Social Sciences Faculty of University
of Kelaniya. A pre-tested self- administered questionnaire on physical, sexual,
psychological, and verbal abuse was given to 30 consenting undergraduates‟ couples,
who are involved in heterosexual romantic relationship with the same partner for at least
06 months. Confidentiality of responses was assured and adequate privacy was provided
for the questionnaires to be completed. Furthermore, the impact of gender on Intimate
Partner Violence was analyzed using independent t-test and prevalence of victimization
was ranked using mean averages. Majority of the 60(100%) participants were reported
some form of violence victimization by their partner. Prevalence of abuse reported was
psychological abuse 29.65%, verbal abuse 24.04%, physical abuse 23.34% and sexual
abuse 22.95%. Although, from the analysis of the study it was shown that there is a high
level of psychological abuse victimization as well as verbal abuse victimization among
women than men which was appropriate in Sri Lankan environment. Conversely, there
was no significant impact between gender and physical abuse or sexual abuse
victimization within the Sri Lankan context. However, there was a significant difference
in the level of IPV between males & female.
Conclusion, Psychological, verbal and minor physical & sexual violence victimization is
common in opposite-sex romantic relationships during early-adulthood. The sex-specific
associations between socio-demographic characteristics like Gender and patterns of
intimate partner violence victimization underscore the importance of pursuing
longitudinal, theory- driven investigations of the characteristics and developmental
histories of both partners in a couple to advance understanding of this public health
problem. And as an advantage it will help undergraduates to improve their self-esteem
and self-growth. Moreover mutual understanding between couples will enhance their
healthy partner relationship bonds.
