DEATH IN THE HOME: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA
Abstract
Background: Domestic or Interpersonal Violence (IPV) remains a major global problem oftenresulting in morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to determine the scope ofdeaths related to domestic violence in the Khyber Pakhunkhwa province, Pakistan. Methods: Datawere collected on all reported female fatalities due to domestic violence for the years 2009–2011from the records of the department of Forensic Medicine, Khyber Medical College Peshawar foranalysis. Results: A total of 305 deaths were reported, showing an increasing trend of 115 deathsfor 2009–10 and 190 deaths for 2010–2011. The majority, 182 (59.7%) belonged to the rural areasand 123 (40.3%) to urban areas of the province. Victims were generally of the younger age groups(17% below age 16 and 42.3% between 17–32 years). Homicide was the manner of death in 293(96.1%) while the most common causative agent was firearm injury (235, 77.1%). Head and neckinjuries were most common (52.6%) followed by the chest and abdomen (31.6%) while multiplesites and extremities accounted for 15.8% of injuries. Conclusion: Young and adult females ofKPK province of Pakistan are susceptible to homicidal deaths due to domestic violence,perpetrated through firearm injuries to the head and neck regions.Keywords: Domestic violence, Interpersonal violence, Homicide, Firearm injury, Young femalesReferences
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