Abstract
BackgroundOpinion surveys about potential causes of violence against women (VAW) are uncommon. This study explores academic women's opinions about VAW and the ways of reducing violence.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative methods were used in this descriptive study. One hundred-and-fifteen academicians participated in the study from two universities. A questionnaire was used regarding the definition and the causes of VAW, the risk groups and opinions about the solutions. Additionally, two authors interviewed 8 academicians from universities other than that of the interviewing author.ResultsAcademicians discussed the problem from the perspective of "gender-based violence" rather than "family violence". The majority of the participants stated that nonworking women of low socioeconomic status are most at risk for VAW. They indicated that psychological violence is more prevalent against educated women, whilst physical violence is more likely to occur against uneducated and nonworking women. Perpetrator related factors were the most frequently stated causes of VAW. Thirty-five percent of the academicians defined themselves as at risk of some act of VAW. Recommendations for actions against violence were empowerment of women, increasing the educational levels in the society, and legal measures.ConclusionsAcademic women introduced an ecological approach for the explanation of VAW by stressing the importance of taking into account the global context of the occurrence of VAW. Similar studies with various community members -including men- will help to define targeted interventions.
Highlights
Opinion surveys about potential causes of violence against women (VAW) are uncommon
This study, conducted in two universities, deals with how academic women explain VAW, how they relate different levels of risk factors, and what prevention strategies they propose. This descriptive study was done in the Haydarpasa Campus of Marmara University (HMU) in Istanbul and in Celal Bayar University (CBU) in Manisa
We followed the guide of the World Health Organization (WHO) when developing the research strategy; using the term “violence against women” (VAW) to refer to the full range of abuses [1]
Summary
Opinion surveys about potential causes of violence against women (VAW) are uncommon. This study explores academic women’s opinions about VAW and the ways of reducing violence. Women’s advocacy groups around the world have been working to draw more attention to the physical, psychological, and sexual abuse of women and to stimulate action [1]. Since important steps have been taken in Turkey in the struggle to eliminate violence against women (VAW). Gender-based violence has occupied the national agenda, in the context of reforms in basic laws such as the Civil Code and the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) [2]. With recent reforms of these laws relating to women’s rights, Turkey comes close to meeting EU standards.
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