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

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.