Factors Associated with Domestic Violence Against Women in Tehran

The purpose of this article is to examine the prevalence and different types of domestic violence and its related factors among married young women in the city of Tehran. The data was gathered using a survey with a sample size of 405 married women under the age of 30 in Tehran. Combined theories that emphasize the multidimensionality of violence and its determinants based on the interaction of individuals, the family and social forces were used. The results indicated that women have experienced five types of domestic violence, including physical, psychological, verbal, sexual, and economic violence. Verbal violence was the most prevalent and sexual violence was the least prevalent among the different types of domestic violence. A multivariate analysis revealed that prevalence of violence was significantly higher among couples with inappropriate (early or arranged) marriages, families with a non-cooperative power structure, low social class groups, and unemployed women. These factors have accounted about 40 percent of domestic violence prevalence. Marriage education for young people, communication skills training, women's access to resources and opportunities, and social support are recommended.