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Article
Violence Against Women in Sierra Leone: Frequency and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence and Forced Sexual Intercourse
African Journal of Reproductive Health (1998)
  • Ann L. Coker, University of South Carolina - Columbia
  • Donna L. Richter, University of South Carolina - Columbia
Abstract
Violence against women is a significant public health problem which impacts women, men, and children. Little is known about the frequency or correlates of violence against women in Africa. In this cross-sectional study, we found that 66.7% of 144 women surveyed in a study of AIDS knowledge, attitude, and behaviours, report being beaten by an intimate male partner and 50.7% report having ever been forced to have sexual intercourse; 76.6% of women report either forced sex or intimate partner violence. Circumcised women were most likely to report intimate partner violence and forced sexual intercourse. To improve the health of women worldwide, violence against women must be addressed.
Keywords
  • violence against women,
  • female circumcision,
  • rape,
  • sexual assaults,
  • women,
  • Africa,
  • intentional injury
Publication Date
1998
Publisher Statement

Published in an open-access journal, http://www.bioline.org.br/rh.

Citation Information
Ann L. Coker and Donna L. Richter. "Violence Against Women in Sierra Leone: Frequency and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence and Forced Sexual Intercourse" African Journal of Reproductive Health Vol. 2 Iss. 1 (1998)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/anncoker/26/