A Comparative Study of Intimate Partner Violence in Post-Soviet Countries: Evidence from National Surveys

Abstract

Investigating intimate partner violence (IPV) in different societies and analyzing micro- and macro-level factors that contribute to IPV is important for social scientists to understand the nature of IPV. The present study provides a cross-country examination of the prevalence of physical IPV and empirical correlates of physical IPV in five post-Soviet countries. This research is based on the data generated through the Demographic and Health Surveys. The findings demonstrate that 12%–26% of women in the former Soviet Union (FSU) experienced physical IPV at some point in their lives. While partner’s controlling behavior, alcohol consumption, and witnessing IPV in the family-of-origin are found to be significantly associated with IPV in all five FSU countries, the results of regression analyses point to some interesting findings and indicate inconsistencies among the FSU countries. Using improved measures of IPV, this research illustrates the complexity of the relationships between economic and social statuses of women, their experiences, empowerment, and IPV.