Domestic violence against women in west of Iran: the prevalence and related factors

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of domestic violence against women and its related factors in Sanandaj, west of Iran. Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016. The sample consisted of 360 women who referred to two educational hospitals in Sanandaj. The data collection tool was a self-report questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors of domestic violence against women. Findings The prevalence of “any form of violence” in the past year was 71 percent (n=245). The prevalence of emotional, sexual and physical violence was 62.2 percent (n=225), 48.7 percent (n=168) and 49.9 percent (n=172), respectively. Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that the “any form of violence” has significant association with occupation of women, economic status of family and the status of sexual satisfaction of couples. Originality/value The prevalence of domestic violence against women is high and alarming in Sanandaj, Iran. Given the relationship between experience of violence and sexual dissatisfaction, sexual education before and after marriage is recommended for couples. Also, the experience of exposure to violence in women can be included in health centers as screening programs. In this way, couples who have risk factors will receive the educational programs.