Investigating the Extent and Social-Demographic Determinants of Domestic Violence Against Women

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence against women is one of the most important issues in the field of women's problems. Identification of the demographic and social characteristics of risk and protective factors can be effective in managing this problem. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographic and social variables that affect the rate of different types of domestic violence against women. Methods: The present study was done using a quantitative method and survey technique. In so doing, 379 married women of reproductive age in Sadra City were surveyed. This survey used the multi-stage cluster sampling method and standard questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: Most respondents (53.6%) were between 30 and 39 years old, and the age of the majority of their wives (48%) was in the same age range. Economic violence was significantly lower among the upper-middle class (P = 0.010), middle class (P = 0.000), and lower middle class (P = 0.002) compared to the lower class. This type of violence is less common among Arabs (P = 0.001) and more prevalent among Turks (P = 0.034) than among Persian speakers. Women whose husbands were illiterate (P = 0.005), had only completed middle school (P = 0.002) or held a diploma (P = 0.040) experienced more psychological violence compared to women whose husbands had a university education. Psychological violence is more prevalent among lower-class women compared to women from the middle class (P = 0.002), upper-middle class (P = 0.020), and lower-middle class (P = 0.003). Physical violence is more common among Persian women compared to Arab women (P = 0.003) but less common compared to Turkish women (P = 0.019). Sexual violence is less common among Persian women compared to Arab women (P = 0.003). Conclusions: This study highlighted the prevalence of various forms of domestic violence. Socio-demographic factors significantly influenced these occurrences. Multifaceted strategies involving education, awareness, and support for vulnerable women were essential to combat domestic violence.