Consequences of the exposure to abuse in the family of origin among victims of intimate partner violence in Nicaragua

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has serious consequences for women, and their vulnerability is increased if their experiences related to abuse occurred at an early age. This study examines the risk of experiencing stressful life events (SLE) during the lives of Nicaraguan victims of IPV in situations of extreme poverty according to their exposure to episodes of violence in their family of origin. In the study participated 136 women victims of IPV living in the marginal areas of the city of León (Nicaragua). They were contacted through the Nicaraguan Commissariat for Women (CW). The results indicate an increased risk of experiencing SLE in the lives of those who suffered abuse in their family of origin and/or witnessed abuse of their mother. Identifying abuse suffered in childhood is a priority because of its consequences, as growing up in environments that tolerate violence may lead to a chronification of subsequent abuse.