The World Health Organization’s Violence Against Women (WHO VAW) study instrument uses 13 items that assess the different forms of gender-based violence including psychological, physical, and sexual violence against women perpetrated by intimate partners. The scale measured 3 factors of psychological, physical and sexual violence.
Geographies Tested: Brazil
Populations Included: Female
Age Range: Adolescents, Adults
Psychological violence
*Has he insulted you or made you feel bad about yourself?
*Has he belittled or humiliated you in front of other people?
*Has he done things to scare or intimidate you on purpose?
*Has he threatened to hurt you or someone you care about?
Physical violence
*Has he slapped you or thrown something at you that could hurt you?
*Has he pushed or shoved you?
*Has he hit you with his fist or with something else that could hurt you?
*Has he kicked you, dragged you or beaten you up?
*Has he choked or burnt you on purpose?
*Has he threatened to use or actually used a gun, knife or other weapon against you?
Sexual violence
*Has he physically forced you to have sexual intercourse when you didn't want to?
*Did you ever have sexual intercourse when you didn't want because you were afraid of what he might do?
*Has he forced you to do something sexual that you found degrading or humiliating?
Response Options:
Yes
No
Prevalence of each question and mean scores are calculated.
Schraiber, L. B., Latorre, M. D. R. D. O., França Jr, I., Segri, N. J., & d'Oliveira, A. F. P. L. (2010). Validity of the WHO VAW study instrument for estimating gender-based violence against women. Revista de saude publica, 44, 658-666.
Psychometric Score
Ease of Use Score
Qualitative Research
Existing Literature/Theoretical Framework
Field Expert Input
Cognitive Interviews / Pilot Testing
Internal
Test-retest
Interrater
Content
Face
Criterion (gold-standard)
Construct
Readability
Scoring Clarity
Length
to get the latest updates on new measures and guidance for survey researchers