Abstract

Background: Violence against women is a recognized public health problem in developed countries. There is increasing awareness on family violence in Chile, but there is scant information about its prevalence. Aim: To determine the prevalence of family violence against women in a population sample in Temuco, Chile. Material and methods: A standardized questionnaire about family violence was applied to a sample of 422 women at their homes. The questionnaire had six sections that included a list of violent behaviors from husbands or partners, a standardized instrument to assess mental health and alcohol consumption by the couple, history of child abuse, community support, type of employment and years of school education. Results: Forty nine percent of women reported psychological aggression, 13% reported physical violence and 5.5%, sexual violence. The presence of anxiety or depressive symptoms, being witness of violence between parents during childhood, a lower educational level, being a housewife, alcohol abuse and lack of community support were risk factors for violence among women. Among men, the history of child abuse, a lower education level, and alcohol abuse were identified as risk factors for violent behaviors. Conclusions: Conjugal violence is a significant mental health problem in Temuco, Chile.