Review Article : Economic abuse as a form of intimate partner violence in sub-Saharan Africa: A review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Economic abuse (EA) is a form of intimate partner violence (IPV) whereby one partner controls the ability of the other to acquire, use and maintain economic resources. It is significant because economic concerns are a major reason survivors remain in abusive relationships, as they lack the means to cater for themselves and their children if they leave.
Aim: This paper reviews the literature on measurement, prevalence, and response to EA within the context of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Method: A comprehensive desk-based review was conducted between November 2020 and February 2022. Google, Google Scholar, Pubmed, ResearchGate, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched using relevant keywords such as IPV, EA, domestic violence and financial abuse. Full-text publications of quantitative and qualitative studies written in English were included.
Findings: Various measurement scales for EA have been created, revised, and adapted over the years with some being more inclusive. The prevalence of EA in sub-Saharan Africa varied across countries, and no context- specific measurement scale is available for the region. Economic abuse was found to be the form of IPV with the least legislative response and often absent from plans of action on violence against women.
Conclusion: This review buttresses the need to develop measurement scales for EA specific to sub-Saharan Africa to properly assess the regional prevalence. There is also a need to heighten awareness of EA to promote recognition and appropriate response.