Exploring the Sociodemographic Factors Influencing Women's Experiences With Domestic Violence and Their Help-Seeking Behaviors at the National Guard Health Hospitals

Background Domestic violence is recognized as a public health issue. It has adverse impacts on women's physical, mental, and reproductive well-being. This study aimed to ascertain the sociodemographic attributes of domestic violence in women who seek help at the National Guard Health (NGH) hospitals, as well as examine the psychological condition of the victims. Methods This was a retrospective-prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in four regions in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Madinah, and Al-Ahsa). The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting mainly of three sections (the sociodemographic characteristics, abuse characteristics, and victim's knowledge and ways to get help), developed and validated by the study authors and field experts. Data were collected from the electronic data extraction system (BestCare) and through structured phone interviews conducted by a well-trained research team. Results A total of 292 women participated, with a median age of 31 years (IQR, 26-38). A percentage of 8.5% reported suffering violence from many people. Husbands were the foremost perpetrators (196, 67.1%), and physical violence represented 166 cases (57%). Among the victims, the prevalence of anxiety/spectrum disorder increased from 15 (5.2%) to 22 (7.5%); 59 (20.1%) reported suicide attempts, while 18 (6.1%) had suicidal ideation. Almost one-third (112, 33.3%) of the victims were referred to social service follow-up, 74 (22%) to the family therapy clinic, 33 (9.8%) to the psychiatry outpatient department, and 28 (8.3%) were admitted for protection. Violence was ongoing in 36 (12.3%) of the victims; hospitals and police were the primary sources of getting help (56, 18.4%). Filing a legal complaint and involving family members were cited as the most helpful way to help stop the violence, followed by health facility intervention as the next most beneficial modality by 34 (11.4%) of the victims, in which psychiatry was the most helpful. Victims know about the domestic violence team services mainly through official referrals from other teams, while the media has almost no role. Conclusion Our findings showed that domestic violence was prevalent, notably in the form of physical abuse. Most victims were the same age or younger than their perpetrators, and some had the same education level. Most of the perpetrators were military-employed husbands. The findings also reveal a mixed pattern in how victims of abuse sought help. Suicidal attempts and ideation were also commonplace among the victims. Hospitals and police were the primary sources of help for the victims. Although social media can play a crucial role in raising awareness and providing education, this aspect has often been overlooked.