Abstract:
Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common issue in any society and the reported cases are just the tip of an iceberg as most
of the victims are reluctant to come to the criminal justice system. Forensic experts are often encountering the victims who chose to seek
justice. Evaluation of the nature, consequences, and underlying factors are needed in planning preventive measures. Objectives: To
describe the patterns and associated factors of IPV among victims who reported to Office of the Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo North
Teaching Hospital and to specifically describe the patterns prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective descriptive
study based on 471 medicolegal records of the victims who had undergone medicolegal examination following IPV during last two years
(March 2019 to February 2021). Results: Out of 471, 206 cases were reported prepandemic and 265 reported postpandemic periods. Even
though majority were females there were 21 males. Types of abuse were complex and often interrelated. There were 463 who had
experienced physical injuries while there were 20 who had been subjected to sexual violence. Face was the commonest target of assault
(63%). Substance abuse was identified as the commonest predisposing factor (56%). Even though repeated abuse was common, 42.5% of
the victims had never made any complaints to the police. Despite multiple complains, 39.7% had experienced repeated violence. Conclusion: Victims of IPV are silently suffering for many long years. Failure in the response from authorities was identified. COVID-19
pandemic has become an additional risk factor for IPV. Strengthening of legal and social responses is the need of the hour.
