A medicolegal study of domestic violence in south region of Jordan

Domestic violence is a human rights crime and a costly public health problem all over the world. No country is immune to the grave effects of violence. Every year, it causes over 1.6 million deaths. Most of the victims are women. Violence is one of causes of mortality and disability all over the world for women of age 15 to 44 years (Haddad et al. 2011).

There is no universally accepted definition of family violence; it can be as “a range of abusive behaviors that happen in domestic settings or within relationships based on intimacy, trust or dependency” (Report 2008). Actually, family relationships have been defined by the accused person’s relationship to the victim through blood, marriage, adoption or foster care (Sinha 2012).

The domestic violence term has a broader meaning than family violence. As, it includes violence perpetrated not only against family members but also nonfamily members in cohabitation with the family, such as domestic workers (Kazarian 2015).

Family violence includes physical, psychological, sexual, financial and emotional abuse and encompasses controlling and coercive behavior, female genital mutilation and honor-based violence (Krug et al. 2002; Guy et al. 2014).

Literatures report a significant discrepancy regarding definition of domestic violence among different cultures (Sokoloff & Dupont 2005; Fernandez 2006). In Russia, for example, domestic violence means “home violence”. In Ghana, domestic violence is the beating of children, while in Chile; it means the private violence which is directed primarily towards women and children. Whereas in Japan, domestic violence is referred to filial or (offspring-related) violence; children’s physical/emotional reactions to family members. In addition, domestic violence in Japan could be the treatment of the daughter-in-law by the mother-in-law or vice versa (Fernandez 2006; Kozu 1999).

Domestic violence was ranked first type among various types of violence (Faramarzi et al. 2005). Child maltreatment commonly accompanies domestic violence and the rates of co-occurrence range from 30% to 60% (Kelleher et al. 2006).

The south region of Jordan includes four governorates (Karak, Tafileh, Ma'an and Aqaba), the percentage of population living in this area constitutes 9.4% of all Jordanian population (626, 200 people) although the south region constitutes 50.45% of total surface area of Jordan (Department of Statistics (DOS 2013; Hunaiti et al. 2014).

The Jordanian social culture accepts the use of violence with children or women as a kind of discipline, and this acceptance is supported by cultural and social norms. (Al-Badayneh 2012; Gharaibeh & Al–Ma’aitah 2002) Okour and Hijazi (2009) (Okour & Hijazi 2009) found that university students were significantly influenced by witnessing and exposure to family violence.

There is a widespread underreporting of domestic violence cases internationally. Estimates of violence within the family context are difficult to obtain due to conventional perceptions, that violence within the family context is not considered violence (Yoshihama 2002). Moreover, the social behavior and norms in Eastern societies state that relationships and family ties are highly important even when the costs of these exceed the benefits (Fernandez 2006).

Violence is a problem that exists in Jordan and its actual size is not known due to lack of documentation and underreporting (Gharaibeh et al. 2008). Without good accurate information, prevention programs cannot be developed. So, the aim of the present work is to study the magnitude of the problem of domestic violence in south region of Jordan as regard prevalence and rate of domestic violence, socio-demographic data of the victims, risk factors, date, types and outcome of violence.

The research was a retrospective study. The data was retrieved from the medico-legal reports of domestic violence cases referred to the Directorate of Forensic Medicine in south region of Jordan during a period of six years starting from 1st of January 2010 till the end of December 2015. The total number of cases reported to the police as domestic violence cases during the whole period of study was 170. All of them were alive. Factual cases were 128 while the remaining 42 cases were claims known either by presence of fabricated wounds or by victims confession of these false allegations.

The subjects in the present study were categorized into four groups; first group was preschool children, the second group was children between school age (6 years) and below the mean age of puberty (12 years), the third group was those between the mean age of puberty (12 years) and below legal adulthood age, lastly, the fourth group was the adult age group.

Official approval was obtained from Directorate of Forensic Medicine of south region, Jordan. Complete confidentiality was ensured all through the study procedure. The study protocol was approved by the ethical committee of Alexandria Faculty of Medicine.

In Arab world, domestic violence and abuse is a hidden or masked epidemic. The tragic abuse and neglect of children, spouses, and elderly within the domestic setting is an important cause of long-term problems for families and communities (Kazarian 2015). Domestic violence has inter-generational consequences resulting in repetition of abusive and violent behaviors. Children experienced domestic abuse display increased fear, depression, aggression as well as high levels of antisocial behavior, which can persist into adulthood (Guy et al. 2014).

The total number of cases was 128 along the six years of the present study. So, the average rate of domestic violence per year was 4.08/100,000 population. This is lower than the rate had been recorded about children victims of severe neglect and violence in Amman from 1998 to 2001 which was a rate of 1.2 per 1,000. This was also low if compared to the standard international rate of 4 per 1,000 (Gharaibeh et al. 2007).

This may be explained by the culture of south Jordan that consider notification to authorities is a shameful behavior or may be due to lack of data base, also the use of traditional solving of domestic troubles in Arabian sitting may have a role.

Minimal data is known about violence against females in the Arab society (Btoush & Haj-Yahia 2008) and most literatures on violence against females are confined to the Western societies.

The reluctance of females to report domestic violence and ask for help, can be due to a lot of factors such as lack of available services for victims of violence, the expected harm to the reputation of females and families and the fear from generalized negative stigma attached to the victim of violence and the other family members. In addition to women’s belief that nothing will be changed whatever she did. Asking for help might be considered as a woman revolution against her husband and family, which might cost her a lot of negative familial and social consequences such as divorce (Haj-Yahia 2000; Al-Badayneh 2005).

Since women’s participation in the labor force is minimal, that women’s financial dependence on men, fear of losing their children, a lack of family support, and the social stigma of divorce compels a lot of women to accept and remain in violent relationships (Clark et al. 2012).

Abu Ghazaleh (2008) reported that the main three reasons for hiding the family violence from others are fear of family fragmentation, hazard of having to abandon children in case of divorce, and fear of harming the family’s reputation.

Moreover, the reduced levels of detection of child maltreatment and subsequent reporting may be attributed to inability or reluctance of children to report their victimization due to their small ages and immature stage of development whether physical, mental and cognitive, together with lack of experience and fear of consequences (Kesner et al. 2009).

It is worth noting that none of cases of elderly abuse was recorded in the present work and this indicates the respect of elderly in south region of Jordan.

Regarding to type of violence in relation to age and sex, the distribution of domestic violence cases showed that female to male sex ratio was 3.4: 1 and females outnumbered males in all studied years. There was a statistically significant difference between males and females regarding age (P < 0.05). In consistence, Walker (1999) (Walker 1999) recorded that the single most powerful risk factor for becoming a victim of violence is to be a female.

This finding was consistent with literature on domestic violence in Jordan indicating that females are more likely to be subjected to violence than male members of the family (Araji & Carlson 2001). Similar result was reported in Canada, where 7 in 10 (70%) victims of police-reported family violence were girls or women (Sinha 2012).

Al-Badayneh (2012) (Al-Badayneh 2012) stated that the distribution of power in a Jordanian family is hierarchic, where men are superior while women and children are subordinates. Masculinity in many cultures is associated with power and domination. The father abused everyone, the mother abused her children, then the male children abused the female children. Furthermore, honor crimes, early marriages, gender inequality and deprivation of right to inheritance are all practiced in Jordanian society (Darwazeh 2008).

Studies in developing countries recorded high rates of acceptance of wife beating, reaching up to 69% of Jordanian women (Haj-Yahia 2002; Clark et al. 2009). Khawaja and Hammoury (2008) stated the factors associated with the acceptance of or justifying wife beating include young age, rural residence, agricultural work sector, low job status, low level of education, low household income and previous history of divorce or separation.

Yoshihama and Dabby (2015) stated that in violence against male partner, females commonly weren't the primary aggressors, but rather defending themselves and/or their children, or using revengeful violence.

The subjects in the current study were categorized into four groups; first was preschool group as schools offer a vehicle for social interaction, developing one’s identity, and building their self-esteem and confidence and may provide much needed support and protection (Mullender & Morley 1994). The second group was between school age (6 years) and the mean age of puberty (12 years), the third group was between the mean age of puberty and legal adulthood age to detect if risk of sexual type of abuse increase at adolescence age or not?, and the last group was adult age group.

The present study showed that there was a highly statistically significant difference between males and females regarding age groups (p = 0.000*), where females markedly outnumbered males in age groups from 12–18 years and age group 18 years and above. While the rate of victimization was equal in both sexes in earlier age groups (below 6 years and from 6 years to below 12 years).

Similar results were reported by Sinha (2012) (Sinha 2012) in Canada, where the rates of family violence were similar in boys and girls below three years of age, after that the rates started to diverge and the difference widened. These higher rates of family violence among girls and women, especially as they age, may be attributed to their much higher risk of sexual violence and presence of gender inequality in a patriarchal community.

The present study revealed that 75% of domestic violence victims reside rural houses while 19.5% of cases reside urban houses. The remaining 5.5% of cases live in shelters. This may reflect the importance of education level for a secure livelihood for the family as people live in rural and bedouin areas are mostly low educated or not educated at all (Al-Matalka 2009; Hocagil et al. 2016).

The highest percentage of studied cases (28.1%) occurred during the spring months, then they decreased through winter and summer months (25.8% and 25% respectively), to reach 21.1% % in autumn months.

There may be a relation between spring and aggravation of mood disorders, as manifested by increasing hospital admissions, mood disorder severity, electroconvulsive therapy use, and worsening of depression scores (Goodwin & Jamison 2007; Postolache et al. 2010). This could be explained by bioclimatic theory as seasonal variation in bright light, photoperiod, and environmental temperature, may induce adverse changes in neurotransmitter systems. Seasonal changes in neurotransmitter systems were previously reported by Maes et al. (1995) (Maes et al. 1995) where a precursor of serotonin; called plasma L-tryptophan (a neurotransmitter involved in depression pathophysiology); has a trough during spring months. Alternative biological factors have been proposed as triggers of violence in spring, such as the marked tree pollen peaks in spring that may cause seasonally increased cytokine production in respiratory tract resulting in exacerbation of mood disturbance in spring (Postolache et al. 2005; Guzman et al. 2007).

The current work reported that family and financial problems accounted for the 71.1% of all risk factors of domestic violence, followed by family disintegration (15.5%). This finding is congruent with the study carried out by Al-Matalka (2009) ; as family with low income or non-fixed income are more exposed to violence. Moreover, the study revealed other risk factors which are related to the victim; like studying or educational problems which represented 6.3% and mental problem (5.5%) or servants which accounted for 1.6% of cases. Violence is a highly complex phenomenon resulting from the interaction of many factors like biological, social, cultural, economic and political (Krug et al. 2002).

Unemployment rate accounted for 12.5% according to Jordan’s official department of statistics, but the rate is more than double that among people under 30, who represent nearly 70% of the population. On the other hand, education and literacy rates account for 90% of population which is considered high compared with other countries with similar incomes, but a gender gap still exists in illiteracy rates (females at 8.3% compared to 3.4% for males) (Department of Statistics (DOS 2013).

Araji and Carlson (2001) (Araji & Carlson 2001) reported that increased exposure of Jordanian to western culture through television, music, clothes and travel results in a conflict between traditional and modern ideas which may serve to increase the rate of family violence, especially to females.

Although Jordan has conservative Islamic values, drug abuse is increased and penetrated not only the capital city of Jordan; Amman, but also into villages and rural areas. As young people constitutes a significant proportion of Jordan’s together with increased use of nicotine, which is considered a gateway drug for alcohol, marijuana, and other drug abuse in addition to Jordan geographic location as lies in the path of drug exporters and buyers in Israel, Syria and Saudi Arabia (Haddad et al. 2010).

Regarding the type of violence, sexual abuse was the most common method of domestic violence in both genders (41.4%), followed by psychic and physical abuse (24.2%, 21.9% respectively). Psychic abuse was diagnosed and registered in the records after careful history taking, victim interrogation and then psychiatric examination of these cases. Victims may appear shy, with undue fear, stammering speech, depressed with loss of eye contact, poor behavioral control, low self-esteem, with personality and conduct disorders. Evidence of neglect was seen in 8.6% of cases as extensive dental caries, severe diaper dermatitis, neglected wound care, bald scalp areas related to severe malnutrition. Lastly mixed sexual and physical abuse accounted for 3.9% of cases. While in a study in Irbid city and Balka (in north Jordan) psychic abuse had the highest prevalence among all types of abuse (Al-Nsour et al. 2009). This may be explained by higher education, better financial condition or more civilization at north.

Sexual violence has a profound impact on the physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health of the victims. These consequences are seen both immediately and many years after the assault. Mortality associated with sexual violence may occur through suicide, HIV infection, unsafe abortion and murder, either during the attack or subsequently in “honor killings” crimes (Krug et al. 2002; Akinlusi et al. 2014).

The physical abuse was the commonest type of domestic violence committed in the young age groups (below 6y and from 6 to 12 years), while the incidence of sexual abuse assaults increased with increasing age, where sexual abuse accounted for the highest percentage of abuse in older age groups (from 12 to 18 years and ≥ 18 years). None of cases of neglect occurred in age group of 18 years and above. There was a highly statistical significant association between age group of the studied cases and the type of violence, where P = 0.000*.

Similarly, Kirschner and Wilson (2001) (Kirschner & Wilson 2001) reported that young children were most at risk of physical abuse, whereas the highest rates of sexual abuse were among children who have reached puberty or adolescence. Mostly, boys are the victims of physical punishment and beating more often than girls, while girls are at higher risk of infanticide, sexual abuse and neglect (Hunter et al. 2000). This also coincides with other studies in Egypt and Palestine, where the highest percentage of sexual abuse cases was distributed across middle childhood and early adolescence (Aboul-Hagag & Hamed 2012; Elgendy & Hassan 2013; Haj-Yahia & Tamish 2001).

The present study revealed a highly statistical significant relation between gender and the type of domestic violence. Physical abuse represented the commonest type of abuse committed in males (58.6%), while sexual abuse was the most frequent type of abuse committed in females (45.4%) followed by psychic abuse (30.3%). Moreover, only one case of psychic abuse was reported in males. Females were more than six times as likely as males to be a victim of sexual assault (6.25:1) either as a sole assault (45.4%) or mixed with physical one (5%).

Similarly, females in Canada were more than four times as likely as boys to be a victim of sexual assault or other sexual offences committed by a family member (Sinha 2012).

The present study revealed a highly statistical significant relation between risk factor and the type of domestic violence. All mentally retarded cases were abused physically and the two servant cases were sexually abused as this vulnerable population has no ability to leave abusive relationships. Mental health problems might be a risk factor for repetitive violence as described by Barnett (2001). The current study showed that nearly half of cases of family disintegration became sexually abused victims which may be due to lack of adequate supervision.

The present study revealed that leaving home was the commonest outcome of domestic violence due to constant anxiety, gloomy future, hopelessness, pessimism, sense of insecurity, and lack of goal in life. Actually domestic violence negatively affects all members of the family who are brought up in hostility and increases the chances of divorce, broken homes and other social problems. (Al-Matalka 2009)

Nearly one fifth of cases had hymenal tears i.e. lost their virginity and another 12.5% had illegal pregnancy as a consequence of sexual abuse including incest. Anal tears accounted for 10% of overall outcome, while a case of combined hymenal and anal tears was reported in a female victim aged 15.5 years old. These findings were very serious as crimes of honor in Jordan appear to be a significant percentage of total female homicides; and this may be attributed to reduction of penalty of assailants committing crimes of honor in Jordanian law (Hadidi et al. 2001).

The time interval between sexual assaults and disclosure varied widely from less than 24 h to six months (24 weeks pregnancy). This wide variation in the interval of disclosure may be due to threats or fear of stigmatization, violence or even death. The longer the interval between assault and its disclosure, the lower the quantity and quality of forensic evidences, also the higher the risk of negative health outcomes (World Health Organization 2003).

There was a highly statistical significant relation between age group and outcome. The highest percentage of skin scars (45.5%) was reported among those with age group from 6 to 12 years. On contrary, the highest percentages of hymenal tears and leaving home outcomes were recorded in older age group 18 years and above (65.4% and 56.6% respectively).

There was a highly statistical significant relation between gender and outcome. The highest percentage of skin scars occurred among males (72.7%) as they are more liable to physical assaults, while all cases of leaving home and 81.8% of cases with speech and psychic disorders were females as they are more sensitive than males.

There was a highly statistical significant relation between type of violence and outcome. It was recorded that 78.5% of physically abused victims developed skin scars and 80.6% of psychic abuse cases leaving their home as an outcome. Regarding sexually abused victims, it was recorded that 41.5% of them had hymenal tears and 30.2% of them had illegal pregnancy. It is worth noting that none of victims died as a consequence of their abuse and this denotes that the abuses were not severe enough to cause death.

Conclusively, the study highlighted the amplitude of problem of domestic violence in south region of Jordan. Also, it assessed victims’ characteristics, types of assaults with their outcome and consequences. The study showed the risk for sexual victimization among adolescents and young girls with a high percentage of post-assault conception.