II.	Domestic Violence: Frequency and Characteristics in Urban and Rural Environments.

Enrique Díaz-Michel; Javier de la Garza-Aguilar

2003, Number 4

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Gac Med Mex 2003; 139 (4)

II. Domestic Violence: Frequency and Characteristics in Urban and Rural Environments.

Díaz-Michel E, Garza-Aguilar J

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Language: Spanish
References: 19
Page: 356-361
PDF size: 62.54 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Our objective was the study of domestic violence (characteristics and frequency) in urban and rural areas in Mexico, based on the experience of more than a decade in specialized care for family abuse and scarce frequency of cases observed in rural environment. Material and Methods: Analytic study in rural and urban population of the Mexican Federal District (D.F.). A semistructured questionnaire was applied to obtain basic information concerning domestic violence and some family and social variables in 200 homes in selected areas; application was preceded by informative and educational actions, and care for patients. Results: With regard to domestic violence, we can emphasize that rural population who do not know the concept was twice as large as compared with urban population. The rates concerning physical aggression, psychologic aggression, and sexual abuse were similar in both populations; however, regarding aggressors of the first two types of violence/aggression, differences were found: predominance of the husband in urban areas and parents of the couple in rural areas, 50% › 40 years of age in this group and 100% of 39 or less years age in urban, aggression being accomplished under the effects of alcohol and drugs more frequent in rural areas. Conclusions: The findings suggest that domestic violence in rural areas shows similar frequencies in urban areas, but with characteristics apparently different that require more research and therefore, care and prevention programs with appropriate strategies.

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