Abstract

Females who use drugs (FWUDs) are vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV). This study was initiated to identify factors that evoke IPV, and identify barriers that preclude FWUDs from seeking help. Two-hundred FWUDs were recruited from a mandatory drug rehabilitation centre (CCRC) for this cross-sectional study. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The majority in our sample was Malay (86%, n = 171/200), and their mean age was 32.3 years (SD = 8.61). The lifetime IPV prevalence rate in the sample was 53% (n = 105/200), far exceeding the reported rate for non-drug dependent married women in Malaysia. The prevalence rates for physical, psychological, and sexual violence in the sample were 41%, 29%, and 24%, respectively. Lifetime IPV incidence among FWUDs was associated with living away from parents/family, having a regular intimate male partner who uses drugs, and having been a victim of underage rape. The main reasons for not reporting IPV were the lack of knowledge of one’s rights, not knowing how to access legal counsel, and the fear of retaliation from one’s partner. Our findings may be useful in designing interventions to minimize the occurrence of IPV and promote the seeking of assistance and treatment by FWUDs.

摘要

吸毒女性 (FWUD) 容易遭受亲密伴侣暴力 (IPV)。本研究旨在确定引发 IPV 的因素，并确定阻止 FWUD 寻求帮助的障碍。从强制性戒毒中心 (CCRC) 招募了 200 名 FWUD 用于这项横断面研究。数据是通过使用半结构化问卷的面对面访谈收集的。我们样本中的大多数是马来人（86%，n  = 171/200），他们的平均年龄为 32.3 岁（SD = 8.61）。样本中的终生 IPV 流行率为 53%（n = 105/200），远远超过马来西亚非药物依赖已婚妇女的报告率。样本中身体暴力、心理暴力和性暴力的流行率分别为 41%、29% 和 24%。FWUD 中的终生 IPV 发病率与远离父母/家人、有一个经常吸毒的亲密男性伴侣以及未成年强奸的受害者有关。不报告 IPV 的主要原因是缺乏对自己权利的了解，不知道如何获得法律顾问，以及害怕被伴侣报复。我们的研究结果可能有助于设计干预措施，以尽量减少 IPV 的发生并促进 FWUD 寻求帮助和治疗。