Continuation of domestic violence and changes in the assessment of family functioning, health, and social support in Finland

Abstract

Our aim in this comparison study was to describe the continuation of domestic violence and to assess changes in the association among family functioning, health, and social support for participants who have or have not experienced violence for the years 2012 and 2015. We collected the data using a family functioning, health, and social support (FAFHES) questionnaire. We collected the baseline questionnaires (N = 188) from patients who visited a Finnish central hospital and mailed the follow-up survey (N = 71). The prevalence of violence remained constant. However, the violence varied and changed. Our findings should encourage health care professionals to better identify and intervene in violence.

Acknowledgment

We are grateful to all participants of the study who shared their experiences concerning their life situation.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the hospital district’s Ethical Committee (ETL R12057H). The study was conducted taking into account the sensitivity of the topic in addition to participants’ safety, anonymity, and confidentiality.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by Competitive State Research Funding from Etelä-Pohjanmaa Hospital District Research Fund.