Prevalence and Factors Associated With Men’s Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence in South Tarawa,Kiribati

Abstract

In the Republic of Kiribati, two-thirds of women report experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime. Less is known about men’s perpetration of IPV, or associated risk factors, in this high-prevalence setting. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 429 currently partnered men aged 15 to 49 in South Tarawa, Kiribati, to estimate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, currently married men’s perpetration of physical and sexual IPV against female partners. Two-thirds (63%) of currently partnered men reported past year physical and/or sexual IPV. Modifiable risk factors associated with men’s perpetration of physical and/or sexual IPV included child physical abuse (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.31), gender inequitable attitudes (aOR: 1.12), and antisocial behaviors, including gang involvement (aOR: 3.36) and involvement in fights with weapons (aOR: 3.54). Intimate partner violence prevention approaches in Kiribati should prioritize efforts to prevent child maltreatment, promote gender equitable norms and practices, and reduce community violence.

Keywords

intimate partner violence Kiribati Pacific region perpetration physical violence sexual violence

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