Understanding the relationship between war violence and domestic violence

The sixth issue of ‘Evidence Bits’ summarises findings from a literature review led by Dr Romina Istratii in the context of Project dldl/ድልድል that sought to examine the international evidence on the relationship between war violence and domestic violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV).

The literature review explored how conflict-related violence influences levels of domestic and intimate partner violence and the mechanisms connecting the two, including through war trauma affecting civilians, the behaviour of ex-combatants, disrupted support systems, community stigma, and shifts in cultural and religious norms.

The Evidence bits highlights key review findings to inform humanitarian responses and services provision in post-conflict contexts.

We highlight the review’s recommendation for post-conflict psychosocial services that address both the immediate effects of conflict-related violence and individual histories of complex trauma.

We also highlight the need for humanitarian and post-conflict responses that are rooted in local socio-cultural contexts and people’s beliefs systems, including their faith and spiritual practices.