Attitudinal acceptance of intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes for female survivors in sub-Saharan Africa

While current literature evidences a strong association between gender-based violence exposure and adverse mental health outcomes, few studies have explored how attitudinal acceptance of intimate partner violence might impact this relationship.

This analysis employed data from 13–24-year-old females as part of the Violence Against Children Surveys in Nigeria, Uganda, and Malawi. Violence exposure was associated with increased symptoms of mental distress and increased suicide ideation in all countries. The findings suggest that programs aiming to reduce attitudinal acceptance of intimate partner violence must consider how these changes may interact with women’s exposure to intimate partner violence.