The Role of Location and Third-Party Presence in the Disclosure of Intimate Partner Violence Experiences in a Face-to-Face Survey

Evidence shows that the presence of third parties during face-to-face interviews can compromise data quality, as respondents may be more reluctant to answer sensitive questions and/or provide less accurate answers. This study analyzes the influence of both location and third-party presence on respondents' answers to sensitive questions. Using data from the Violence against Women Macro-Survey conducted in Spain in 2019 (n = 6,563), this study identifies some of the factors associated with the disclosure of intimate partner violence experiences within the current relationship. To do so, a series of logistic regression models were estimated, using each category of violence (i.e., physical, emotional and sexual violence, as well as controlling behaviors) as dependent variables. Independent variables include factors related to both the location where the interview took place and the people who were present during it. A series of personal characteristics of the respondents (e.g., age, employment status, disability), their partners (e.g., sex, nationality), and some variables referring to the relationship (e.g., relationship length, breadwinner) were also included. Results show that both the location where the interview took place and the presence of children are associated with the disclosure of violence experiences. It was also found that the interviewers more frequently recorded that they suspected situations of under-reporting when children were present, and when controlling behaviors and/ or emotional violence had been disclosed. These findings can be used from a practical perspective to inform interviewer training and data collection protocols when sensitive data is collected.