Domestic Violence against Women and Its Related Factors in Isfahan in 2011

Violence against women is a considerable concern in all communities. Although many studies have been done on mental health outcomes of the violence on women، it has still many unknown aspects. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and determinants of domestic violence against women in Isfahan. In a cross-sectional study all the women referred to health centers in Isfahan were studied in 2011. A self-developed questionnaire with known reliability and validity was used as a data collection tool. Data were analyzed using SPSS with 95% confidence interval. The most common violence against women was emotional violence with52. 82%. The prevalences of verbal، financial، and physical violence were 47. 69%، 35. 38%، 24. 87%، respectively. The results indicated that housewives are at the greatest risk for domestic violence. Moreover، the results showed that the types of violence against women are different in terms of their education. Most important reasons for abuse were husband’s impatience and fatigue (37. 38%)، husband’s fussiness (30. 14%)، husband’s pessimism (16. 54%)، relative and family interference (9. 9%) and wife’s smartass (6. 04%). The high rate of domestic violence is a cause of concern. Education is the best proposed solution to reduce domestic violence against women. Training life skills at school، health centers، and especially through media may be useful. Using counseling services and promotion of counseling culture are very important for young couples.