Iranian Women’s Experience of Intimate Partner Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) all over the world, including Iran. This study used a qualitative phenomenological method to identify and analyze 10 Iranian women’s experiences of IPV during the pandemic. Using purposive sampling, semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) data analysis method. Data analysis revealed that during the pandemic, IPV was exacerbated by financial stress, children’s online education, conflict over health protocols, and social isolation. Participants reported trying many ways to cope with IPV, including focusing on religion and spirituality, seeking new hobbies, seeking help from their families, and seeking professional counselors. This research emphasized the importance of understanding cultural factors when offering services to IPV victims or survivors and demonstrated that IPV survivors, even in collectivist countries, need legal and mental health support.