Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women with Schizophrenia: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Globally, 641 million women are touched by intimate partner violence (IPV), establishing it as the most prevalent form of violence affecting women. Women, who are already disproportionately affected by sexual and IPV, face an elevated risk when dealing with severe mental illnesses (SMI) compared to the general population. Schizophrenia, classified as an SMI, poses numerous obstacles that impact women’s ability to maintain employment, good health, and sustain stable relationships. Nevertheless, limited data exists on IPV against women with schizophrenia and its impact. Aims: The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the available literature on sexual and IPV against women with schizophrenia and underlie future avenues of research. Methods: We conducted an electronic search using keywords in the following databases: APA PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. The search yielded a total of 6,099 articles. Upon title and abstract review, 97 articles were retained for full-text reading, after which 7 articles were included in this review. Results: The available articles reveal an association between sexual and IPV against women with schizophrenia. Younger women diagnosed with schizophrenia, especially those with low income or unemployed, are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual and IPV. This victimization increases the likelihood of suicide and exacerbates psychopathology. Conclusion: Research should examine care-setting interventions for women with schizophrenia, who are at increased risk of sexual and IPV, aiming to prevent severe harm. Implementation of preventive measures is essential for enhancing healthcare and societal transformation.