Abstract

Research on women's perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its predictors in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa is limited, requiring further investigation. This study examined the occurrence, chronicity and predictors of inflicted IPV among women in Maputo, Mozambique. Questionnaire data from 1442 women visiting the forensic department at the Central Hospital in Maputo were analysed using bivariate and multivariate methods. The overall occurrence across all forms of inflicted IPV was 69.4% (mean/SD chronicity level of 44.865.8), with significant proportions of women reporting inflicted psychological (64%, mean/SD chronicity 23.132.4), physical (38.2%, mean/SD chronicity 10.324.6) and sexual (39.1%, mean/SD chronicity 7.216.2) abuse, and injuries (22.6%, mean/SD chronicity 4.212.4). Control, in particular over partner, perpetration in general and to some extent victimisation were more important factors in explained each and every form of inflicted violence than demographics/socio-economics, lifestyle and abuse as a child. The present findings may be useful for the development of strategies for IPV prevention in Mozambique. Finally, further investigation on women's perpetration of IPV and in particular its relationship to control is warranted in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa.