Partner violence against women, childhood trauma, depression and quality of life: A population based-study

Objective: In this study our aim was to investigate the frequency of spousal violence, its relationship with childhood traumas, depression and sociodemographic factors and its effects on affected women’s life quality. Methods: Data of 410 randomly chosen people who live in the city center and nearby villages were evaluated. The sociodemographic data survey, Short Form 36 (SF-36), Family Violence Survey (FVS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Childhood Trauma Scale (CTS) were applied. Results: Of the participants, 366 (89.3%) had experienced violence at least once in their lifetime. Three hundred and nine (75.4%) of them were emotional, 306 (74.6%) of them were sexual, 285 (69.5%) of them were verbal, 222 (54.1%) of them were physical, 321 (78.3%) of them were economical violence. BDI, CTS, husband’s educational level, disparity in age and education level between spouses were important for exposure to violence. Depression was an important effect on life quality of the affected women. Conclusion: Familial violence is frequent. BDS, CTS are the main predictors for spousal violence and life quality. Diagnosis and treatment of depression may help to prevent spousal violence and increase life quality. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2015; 16(5.000): 314-322]