Gender‐based violence: a study of Iraqi women

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine and analyse the incidence of violence against women in Iraq. Until recently, gender‐based violence has been viewed in this country as a private or family matter. Nevertheless, there gradually has been a shift in thinking in the past few years on this phenomenon, and it is now viewed as both a public health problem and a violation of human rights. As a first step toward understanding this problem, the authors conducted an experimental analysis of women in Iraq, focusing on gender‐based violence. The results show that violence against women is principally carried out by their husbands and by brothers. The article explains the reasons behind this violent behaviour by analysing a sample survey of 1,000 women and 100 men. The findings show that gender‐based violence is a prevalent medical and social problem in Iraq that requires prompt and in‐depth intervention so as to prevent or at least control it. This study was undertaken in order to understand the possible solutions to prevent gender‐based violence and to change the accepted norms of gender‐based social roles and social tolerance.