Analysis of demographic features on domestic violence

TLDR: Li et al. as discussed by the authors explored the demographic features on domestic violence in Hunan and found that individuals in the 30 to 39 age group were most highly represented in both the perpetrator and victim groups (40.3% and 27.1%, respectively).

Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the demographic features on domestic violence in Hunan. MethodsThree hundred households with a history of domestic violence (DV) were randomly selected, and compared to control group of 300 non-DV households matched for family structure. A self-designed DV questionnaire was used.A total of 934 people were interviewed for the present study. Results(1) Individuals in the 30 to 39 age group were most highly represented in both the perpetrator and victim groups (40.3% and 27.1%, respectively). (2) 70.1% of perpetrators were men and 67.0% of victims were women; men were 5 times more likely to be perpetrators than women. (3) The education level of adult perpetrators was significantly higher than that of victims (8.9±4.7 vs. 7.5±5.2 years, P0.01), but significantly lower than that of controls(P0.05). The modal level of education was elementary school for both perpetrator and victim groups (32.2% and 43.1%, respectively). (4) While the differences were not significant between families with and without a history of DV with regard to actual annual income and living condition, self-estimated annual income and self-estimated living condition reported by DV families members were significantly worse than those reported by non-DV families. Income and the proportion contributed to total family income were significantly higher in perpetrators than in victims[477.5±489.1 vs. 709.7±796.4 yuan, P0.01, and (24.1±32.2)% vs (17.3±26.0)%, P0.01], but lower than in control(P0.05 or P0.01).Male,self-estimated lower economic status and lower contributions to the total family income were risk factors for DV. ConclusionIndividuals in the 30 to 39 age group are at higher risk for DV. The perpetrators are more likely to be men, and victims are more likely to be women. Both perpetrators and victims report significantly lower education level and lower income. Individuals who earn a lower proportion of the family total income are more likely to be victims.