Men's use of violence against intimate partners : a study of working men in Cape Town

Abstract

Violence against women is a universal problem and is widely recognised as a fundamental barrier to women's health and gender equality. Working with men to change their behaviour is increasingly acknowledged as a critical part of the solution to the problem. Data on risk factors that explain men's use of violence have been limited. Such data is required before interventions can be developed. The aims of this study was to describe the prevalence of different types of violence men use against their partners, as well as the risk factors for men's use of such violence. The study was based among men working at three municipalities in Cape Town. A random sample of 1800 names was chosen, from among which 1414 interviews were held. Prevalence estimates and risk factor analyses for use of violence against an intimate partner were done.