Health professionals' involvement in cases of partner violence against women: The influence of sexist attitudes toward women

Abstract

Health professionals find it difficult to identify cases of partner violence (IPV) against women. Sexist attitudes toward women and low formation level on IPV can hinder the intervention on cases of IPV in Health Services. Our objective is to analyze the relationship between sexist attitudes and the implication of health professionals on IPV cases, as well as the potential mediating effect of training hours. 590 professionals from the Health Service of the Principality of Asturias (Spain) participated. The results showed that both types of sexism, hostile and benevolent, exert their influence on the involvement in cases of IPV. Hostile sexism is related to lower rates of involvement, without mediational effect of the hours of training. Higher levels of benevolent sexism are also related to lower rates of involvement, but only mediated by the hours of training.