Domestiic Viiollence agaiinst Women iin Urmiia Ciity

This descriptive study aims to investigate factors affecting domestic violence against women in Urmia City of Iran. Since the researchers had no access to court documents, which are considered private evidence, the data for the research were gathered at two police stations, which more frequently received such complaints. The population under study comprised women who filed complaints of domestic violence at police stations number 11 and 17 within the period of one year (March 2001 to March 2002) in Urmia City. The required information was extracted from the available cases with respect to the purposes of the research. Results of the descriptive statistics indicated that 56 percent of violence against women were carried on women between 17 and 32 years old. In addition, 60 percent of victims had primary education while 25 percent lacked schooling. Response to the question that “who used violence” consisted of 82 percent by husbands, 3 percent by fathers, and 7 percent by sons. Reports on type of violence included: 50 percent physical, 25 percent emotional, and 23 percent as financial. In attempting to classify reasons why violence was erupted, finding indicated: 20 percent addiction, 29 percent worries about subsistence. Most men who used violence were unskilled or unemployed workers. The real number of women who are experiencing domestic violence can perhaps never be known because most cases are not reported. Cultural reservations inhibit most women from revealing the secrecy of domestic violence which otherwise would bring about shame and isolation. The main motivation to carry this study was to portray the major factors causing domestic violence. Structures and policies to support the safety of women have been lacking.