Childhood Trauma, Gender Inequitable Attitudes, Alcohol Use, and Multiple Sexual Partners: Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence in Northern Tanzania
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways This study shows that intimate partner violence (IPV) in northern Tanzania is deeply influenced by gender norms that legitimize male control and normalize violence. Both men and women often accept these norms, with women in some cases more likely to justify IPV. Socialization into inequitable attitudes begins early and is reinforced by community expectations. Effective prevention must challenge these norms and address cycles of trauma and inequality. Objectives: To explore individual, interpersonal, and community-level factors associated with IPV among couples in Karatu District, Tanzania, using baseline data from a gender norms intervention study. Methods: Researchers surveyed 450 heterosexual couples before implementing the TEVAW intervention. Both partners completed structured interviews covering childhood trauma, IPV experience/perpetration, gender attitudes, alcohol use, and sexual behavior. Multivariate regression was used to identify predictors of recent IPV. Intervention Details: This was the baseline for a randomized trial evaluating the TEVAW intervention (Trial to End Violence Against Women), which includes economic empowerment, gender norms education, and social support via village savings groups. No intervention had begun at the time of data collection. Results: IPV was highly prevalent—78% of women reported lifetime IPV, and 69% experienced it in the past 3 months. Many men justified IPV (72%) and felt entitled to control their wives due to bride price (56%). Both partners commonly endorsed inequitable gender beliefs. Men were more likely to perpetrate IPV if they held gender-inequitable attitudes, used alcohol, had multiple sexual partners, or experienced childhood trauma. Women were more likely to report IPV if they were younger, less educated, or food insecure. Conclusions: IPV in this region is normalized through cultural and social norms that sustain male dominance and justify violence. Childhood trauma, gender inequality, and economic hardship compound the risk. Preventing IPV will require interventions that shift social norms, reduce vulnerability, and promote gender equity across households and communities.
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