The relationship between migration and intimate partner sexual violence: a case study of Kanchanaburi DSS, Thailand

Abstract

Violence against women is a risk factor for varieties of health problems of women including immediate and chronic illnesses. About 30% of women worldwide suffered from physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partners. The precipitating factors of sexual violence include younger age, alcohol and drug use, living away from the family, having many sexual partners, type of work especially sex work, lower education level and economic status. Migrant women may be particularly vulnerable to sexual violence due to low decision-making power and lack of negotiating power with their partners as they are away from their family and network that can protect them. Using the data set of Migration and Health Project 2009, KDSS conducted by Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, this study explored whether there is a relationship between migration and intimate partner sexual violence. The study hypothesized that the intimate partner sexual violence (IPV) is more common among currently-migrant women than their counterparts. The sample included women who ever had sexual experiences. Multivariate analysis was used to explore the relationship between migration and intimate partner sexual violence controlling for other factors. Results showed that migration significantly associated with IPV, net of alcohol consumption, attitude towards sexual violence and selected demographic and socio-economic factors. Migrant women were away from their families and social network that can protect them from the violence, thus having lower social relationship and social support from the community of residence. The findings of the study can help policy makers implement preventive programs to reduce the risk factors for sexual violence against women.