Unveiling Experiences of Partner Violence in Full-time Employed Women in Jordan: Themes Governing Their Decision to Disclose Violence

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify reasons/themes underlying employed women’s decision to disclose or not disclose their experience of partner violence. A sample of 229 full-time employed women was recruited from a higher educational institution in Jordan. Participants provided data regarding their experience of violence and perceived reasons influencing their decision to disclose or not disclose violence. Descriptive statistics were used to present their experience of violence, and t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to study the association between violence and themes of violence disclosure/nondisclosure. Results showed that women experienced all tactics of violence, including prework and at-work tactics. Significant associations were found between violence experience and themes of violence disclosure (p value for all themes was <.05). However, the experience of violence was not significantly associated with some themes of violence nondisclosure. Several factors could influence participants’ intention not to disclose violence, including maintaining the family unit, acceptance of the male’s role to control the female, and familial and cultural constraints. Collaborative efforts of community institutions, as well as the employers, are essential to reduce the prevalence of partner violence among employed women and mitigate barriers to violence disclosure.

Keywords

culture employment violence disclosure women

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