Frequency and Factors Associated with Gender-Based Violence in the Northern Region of Benin from 2016 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Gender-based violence constitutes a public health problem. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency and factors associated with gender-based violence. Study Framework and Method: This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytical aim over the period from January 2016 to December 2022. The study took place in the Integrated Support Center for Victims and Survivors of Gender-Based Violence located in the Departmental University Hospital Center of Borgou and Alibori. The study population consisted of people who were victims of gender-based violence in the northern region of Benin, regardless of their age and gender. Results: The study population consisted of 1198 subjects. The average age of the victims was 21.76 ± 10.02; female victims represented 96.4%, with a sex ratio equal to 0.037 (43/1155). Sexual violence was the most represented (50.25%), followed by psychological (29.30%), physical (24.37%), economic (13.77%) and property (2%). The factors associated with violence were married people and monthly income (physical violence), minors, female gender and single people (sexual violence), polygamous households and monthly income (economic violence), the absence of children burden, married people and monthly income (psychological violence), married people (property violence). Conclusion: Gender-based violence is frequent in the North of Benin and is dominated by sexual violence. The victims are mainly female.