Evaluation of the relationship between spousal or partner violence and anger and depression in persons applying to Ordu Training and Research Hospital Forensic Medicine Polyclinic

Aim: This study aims to examine the victims of intimate partner violence in Ordu province in a multidimensional way, to determine the frequency and type of violence and the risk factors of the victim and perpetrator, and to compare the case group with the control group in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, anger and depression status. Material and Method: The study was conducted with 45 victims of IPV (intimate partner violence) who applied to Ordu Training and Research Hospital Forensic Medicine Outpatient Clinic between August 15 and October 15, 2024 and a control group of 45 people. Sociodemographic form, HITS screening tool, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Trait Anger-Anger Expression Scale were applied to both groups. A questionnaire was applied to the case group to determine the types of violence and risk factors. Result: 86.66% (n:39) of the cases were female, the average age was 36.29±11.53. It was observed that 46.7% (n:21) were housewives, 15.6% (n:7) were unemployed, 48.9% (n:22) had secondary school education or less, 71.1% (n:32) were married. The most common perpetrator of violence was the spouse 69% and the most common setting of violence was the home 69%. Psychological violence was 97.77% n:44), economic violence 66.66% (n:30), sexual violence 33.33% (n:15) and stalking 35.55% (n:16), and the proportion of children witnessing violence was 51.1%. The scores obtained from the Anger Expression-in subscale were statistically significantly higher in those exposed to economic and sexual violence (p<0.05).The mean scores of the case group on the BIS were statistically significantly higher (t:5.71, p<0.01). The BDI scores of the victims of sexual violence were statistically significantly higher than those of the victims of psychological and economic violence (t:2.26, p:0.02). Conclusion: It was found that the educational level, financial income and age of the individuals who were subjected to IPV were lower and the rate of depression washigher. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the risk factors of victims and perpetrators of violence and to conduct studies to reduce depression and anger in victims.