Method Matters: The Underreporting of Intimate Partner Violence. (8th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cullen, Claire
• Is Part Of: World Bank economic review. Volume 37:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2022-12-08
• Subjects: gender -- intimate partner violence -- measurement -- Nigeria; Economic development -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic policy -- Periodicals; 330.91724
• DOI: 10.1093/wber/lhac022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0258-6770

Abstract

Abstract: This paper analyzes the magnitude and predictors of misreporting on intimate partner violence. Women in Nigeria were randomly assigned to answer questions using either an indirect method (list experiment) that gives respondents anonymity, or the standard, direct face-to-face method. Intimate partner violence rates were up to 35 percent greater when measured using the list method than the direct method. Misreporting was associated with indicators often targeted in empowerment and development programs, such as education and vulnerability. These results suggest that standard survey methods may generate significant underestimates of the prevalence of intimate partner violence, and biased correlations and treatment effect estimates.