Abstract:

Objective: Violence against women is a global humanitarian problem. The present study evaluates the opinions, attitudes and behaviors of women living in the Kars province of Turkey toward violence against women, and analyses the socio-demographic factors that influence both physical violence, and the opinions, attitudes and behaviors of women toward such violence. Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted with 183 women aged 17-83 years, involving a questionnaire prepared based on a summary report on domestic violence against women in Turkey. Results: Of the respondents, 30.4 percent had been exposed severe physical violence and 41.3% mild physical violence. It was seen that a low family income increased the risk of physical violence 3.152-fold. The risk of physical violence was 2.974 times greater in women with unemployed partners. A relatively low educational level in the partner meant a 2.981-fold increase in the risk of physical violence; and the risk of physical violence was 2.328 times greater in the younger age groups than in the older age groups. Women with a higher level of education and with more economic independence, those in employment, and those in the younger age groups mostly considered violence against women to be “never acceptable”. Women seeking legal aid when exposed to violence by their partners were in the well-educated and economically independent women groups, to a significant degree. Conclusion: Culture, education and economic status are the main risk factors for violence against women, however multidimensional research is necessary if we are to understand the root cause of such behaviors.

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