An Inferential Study of the Impact of Gender on Intimate Partner Violence among Undergraduates (With references to University of Kelaniya)

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.