The issue of domestic violence has been understudied in the Caribbean. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices about domestic violence /abuse among primary and secondary school students in Grenada, West Indies. Students aged 10 to 20 years took part in this cross-sectional study conducted in January 2000. Four public schools were selected by convenience sampling in both rural and urban locations. Students answered a survey to assess views on domestic violence. Of 371 students, 81% considered domestic violence a problem in Grenada and 64% reported knowing one or more victims. Sixty percent reported that abuse (defined by hitting, pushing and shoving) occurred in their homes. One in five students reported knowing someone who had been forced to have sex in the home. When asked to choose from a list of options, many students shared similar definitions on acts considered violent. In response to questions about physical punishment in the home and school, 43% considered it abuse in the absence of marks, cuts and bruises while 20% of the respondents considered it abuse only if the victim died from the act. These findings show that students can identify acts of violence and consider it a problem in their community. A significant number have experienced either physical or sexual abuse. Urgent measures to address domestic violence in Grenada are needed. Continued legislative efforts and research to better understand the dynamics of domestic violence in the Caribbean will help to foster a supportive environment to effectively address this issue.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Adolescents, International
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.