Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: "We are responsible for the violence, and prevention is up to us": A Qualitative Study 
of Perceived Risk Factors for Gender -Based Violence among Ethiopian University Students  
 
Version: 1 Date: 26 Mar 2019  
Reviewer: Khurshed Alam  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
1. Reliability and validity of the data from the IDI and FGD are to be questioned as those are 
reported data, which are not always reliable. No method was used to va lidate those reported 
data. It should be mentioned in the limitation of the study.  
2. When one respondent prefers to get interviewed by opposite gender on such sensitive 
issue? That could add value to the methodology of the study.  
3. In the case of tradi tional dynamics (page 10, line 56 and page 11, line 4) two words are 
used which likely to create confusion: "obligatory" to have sex with male partners and having 
sex is a "mandatory" are contradictory with the value system of the youth of Ethiopia. What 
is culturally determined and what is not in the case of GBV?  
4. Female students are even less than one third of the males, so numerical inequality is there. 
On the other hand cognitive inequality is also been reported by many. These issues have not 
been co nsidered while analyzing the reasons for GBV.    
5. It is reported that female students also attend night club. Is it a deviation or common 
among the female students? Is it that they are 'easygoing girls' and maintain different value 
system? If so, what pe r cent of them are victim of GBV? If there is data on that it can be 
added.   
5. The recommendations are good but not corresponding to the findings or challenges faced 
by the female students. It can be given in more precise manner.   
 
 
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to t he authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
Not relevant to this manuscript  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
 
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