Exploring Diversity in Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence in Three Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study analyzed the Demographic and Health Survey data from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to explore diversity in intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences using latent class analysis. A five-class model was identified, including a No Violence class and four IPV classes, such as Predominantly Control, Sexual IPV, Less Severe Physical IPV, and Severe Physical IPV. Women in the sample reside in predominantly rural areas, have primary education, and are 31 years old on average. Findings reveal patterns of IPV that differ from those commonly reported in the North American literature, notably the pervasiveness of control across classes, the distinct forms of physical IPV, and the distinct separation of sexual IPV from physical IPV. These results emphasize the importance of tailored interventions to address the unique needs of women in these contexts.