How Can We Increase Neighbors' Intention to Report Intimate Partner Violence Against Women During the Pandemic?

Violence Against Women. 2022 Aug;28(10):2377-2397. doi: 10.1177/10778012211034203. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Abstract

During the pandemic, neighbors can be potential allies to prevent intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). Based on the reasoned action approach, we identified the predictors and the most relevant beliefs behind neighbors' intention to report to authorities that a woman is being victimized by IPVAW. A total of 352 Spanish participants completed a questionnaire. The regression analysis showed that perceived control and subjective norm were the best predictors of the intention (33% explained variance). Social media campaigns should target perceived inhibitors such as citizens' guilt for reporting ambiguous cases and close referents (friends and family) as prescribers of the helping behavior.

Keywords: bystander behavior; intimate partner violence against women; media campaigns; neighbors; reasoned action approach.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Intimate Partner Violence*
  • Pandemics
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners