Gender beliefs and norms underlying intimate partner violence stigma among women living in Botswana: Results of an exploratory factor analysis
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Gendered social norms—particularly those endorsing male dominance and survivor-blaming—play a central role in shaping intimate partner violence (IPV) stigma. These norms reduce disclosure and help-seeking while exacerbating poor mental health outcomes among survivors. Community-level norms are especially influential, indicating that interventions must target broader social environments, not just individual attitudes.
Objectives The study aimed to identify and validate measures of gender beliefs and social norms underlying IPV stigma among women in Botswana, and to examine how these norms relate to stigma, disclosure, and psychosocial outcomes.
Methods Using cross-sectional data from a nationally representative sample of 596 women from the Botswana Gender-Based Violence Indicators Survey, the study employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on 31 items capturing gender norms and beliefs. These items were drawn from validated scales on gender relations, rape attitudes, and gender equity. The analysis generated latent constructs and assessed their reliability (McDonald’s omega) and associations with outcomes such as IPV disclosure, depression, suicidal ideation, and PTSD.
Results Three key social norms constructs were identified: (1) community norms endorsing male dominance over female partners (C-MDP), (2) individual beliefs endorsing male dominance (I-MDP), and (3) survivor-blaming attitudes (SBA). IPV survivors who more strongly endorsed community norms of male dominance were less likely to disclose abuse and more likely to report suicide attempts. Survivor-blaming attitudes were associated with suicidal ideation and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Overall, stronger endorsement of inequitable gender norms correlated with worse mental health outcomes and greater stigma.
Conclusions The study demonstrates that IPV stigma is deeply rooted in gendered social norms at both community and individual levels. Community norms that legitimize male dominance are particularly influential in suppressing disclosure and shaping stigma experiences. Addressing IPV effectively therefore requires interventions that shift harmful social norms—especially those embedded in cultural practices and expectations—alongside improvements in services and support systems.
Norms Addressed
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