Survey of prevalence and demographical dimensions of domestic violence against women in Birjand

Domestic violence is the most common form of violence against women in the world with the greatest social, psychological, and economic consequences. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of prevalence and demographical dimensions of domestic violence against women. The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 414 employed women and housewives in Birjand who were selected through multi-stage and simple-non-probabilistic method. It was found that 42.3% of the subjects believed that they had suffered domestic violence. According to 45.7% of the the women the violence was verbal, and the most common reasons for violence were: "the laws being biased in favor of men", and "family education". 79.4% of the total domestic violence was committed by husbands. There was a significant relationship between age of marriage and physical violence. Besides, there was a significant relationship between domestic violence and women's jobs and between domestic violence and men's jobs and polygamy. Regarding the high rate of prevalence of domestic violence against women it is suggested that instructional courses on life skills be held and spouses get informed about men's and women's rights. Moreover, it is recommended that women's rights should be respected by the community for the advantage of families, especially new young couples. In addition, it is necessary that by promoting communicative skills women be supported.