Abstract:
This study examined the mediating role of social support in the relationship between gender-based
violence (GBV) and mental health among women domestic workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected from 385 women domestic
workers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using partial least squaresstructural equation modelling (PLSSEM) to test hypothesised relationships between variables.
Gender-based violence was significantly positively associated with social support (β= 0. 629; tvalue = 18. 779; p < 0. 000); social support was significantly positively associated with mental
health (β= 0. 293; t-value = 6. 290; p<0. 000); and social support partially mediated the
relationship between GBV and mental health (β= 0. 184; t-value = 6. 067; p< 0. 000); in other
words, it was protective against the negative effects of GBV on mental health. The results indicate
that social support acts as a buffer to mitigate the psychological effects of GBV on this vulnerable
group. This study recommends targeted interventions to strengthen social support networks and
policy interventions to address GBV and improve mental well-being among women domestic
workers. This study contributes to the literature on GBV and mental health in low-resource settings
by highlighting the need for context-specific interventions for marginalised groups.
