research proposal domestic violence

• Open access
• Published: 20 June 2023

A qualitative quantitative mixed methods study of domestic violence against women

• Mina Shayestefar 1 ,
• Mohadese Saffari 1 ,
• Razieh Gholamhosseinzadeh 2 ,
• Monir Nobahar 3 , 4 ,
• Majid Mirmohammadkhani 4 ,
• Seyed Hossein Shahcheragh 5 &
• Zahra Khosravi 6  

BMC Women's Health volume  23 , Article number:  322 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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Violence against women is one of the most widespread, persistent and detrimental violations of human rights in today’s world, which has not been reported in most cases due to impunity, silence, stigma and shame, even in the age of social communication. Domestic violence against women harms individuals, families, and society. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and experiences of domestic violence against women in Semnan.

This study was conducted as mixed research (cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological qualitative methods) to investigate domestic violence against women, and some related factors (quantitative) and experiences of such violence (qualitative) simultaneously in Semnan. In quantitative study, cluster sampling was conducted based on the areas covered by health centers from married women living in Semnan since March 2021 to March 2022 using Domestic Violence Questionnaire. Then, the obtained data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. In qualitative study by phenomenological approach and purposive sampling until data saturation, 9 women were selected who had referred to the counseling units of Semnan health centers due to domestic violence, since March 2021 to March 2022 and in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The conducted interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s 7-step method.

In qualitative study, seven themes were found including “Facilitators”, “Role failure”, “Repressors”, “Efforts to preserve the family”, “Inappropriate solving of family conflicts”, “Consequences”, and “Inefficient supportive systems”. In quantitative study, the variables of age, age difference and number of years of marriage had a positive and significant relationship, and the variable of the number of children had a negative and significant relationship with the total score and all fields of the questionnaire (p < 0.05). Also, increasing the level of female education and income both independently showed a significant relationship with increasing the score of violence.

Conclusions

Some of the variables of violence against women are known and the need for prevention and plans to take action before their occurrence is well felt. Also, supportive mechanisms with objective and taboo-breaking results should be implemented to minimize harm to women, and their children and families seriously.

Peer Review reports

Violence against women by husbands (physical, sexual and psychological violence) is one of the basic problems of public health and violation of women’s human rights. It is estimated that 35% of women and almost one out of every three women aged 15–49 experience physical or sexual violence by their spouse or non-spouse sexual violence in their lifetime [ 1 ]. This is a nationwide public health issue, and nearly every healthcare worker will encounter a patient who has suffered from some type of domestic or family violence. Unfortunately, different forms of family violence are often interconnected. The “cycle of abuse” frequently persists from children who witness it to their adult relationships, and ultimately to the care of the elderly [ 2 ]. This violence includes a range of physical, sexual and psychological actions, control, threats, aggression, abuse, and rape [ 3 ].

Violence against women is one of the most widespread, persistent, and detrimental violations of human rights in today’s world, which has not been reported in most cases due to impunity, silence, stigma and shame, even in the age of social communication [ 3 ]. In the United States of America, more than one in three women (35.6%) experience rape, physical violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime. Compared to men, women are nearly twice as likely (13.8% vs. 24.3%) to experience severe physical violence such as choking, burns, and threats with knives or guns [ 4 ]. The higher prevalence of violence against women can be due to the situational deprivation of women in patriarchal societies [ 5 ]. The prevalence of domestic violence in Iran reported 22.9%. The maximum of prevalence estimated in Tehran and Zahedan, respectively [ 6 ]. Currently, Iran has high levels of violence against women, and the provinces with the highest rates of unemployment and poverty also have the highest levels of violence against women [ 7 ].

Domestic violence against women harms individuals, families, and society [ 8 ]. Violence against women leads to physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, including threats, coercion and arbitrary deprivation of their freedom in public and private life. Also, such violence is associated with harmful effects on women’s sexual reproductive health, including sexually transmitted infection such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), abortion, unsafe childbirth, and risky sexual behaviors [ 9 ]. There are high levels of psychological, sexual and physical domestic abuse among pregnant women [ 10 ]. Also, women with postpartum depression are significantly more likely to experience domestic violence during pregnancy [ 11 ].

Prompt attention to women’s health and rights at all levels is necessary, which reduces this problem and its risk factors [ 12 ]. Because women prefer to remain silent about domestic violence and there is a need to introduce immediate prevention programs to end domestic violence [ 13 ]. violence against women, which is an important public health problem, and concerns about human rights require careful study and the application of appropriate policies [ 14 ]. Also, the efforts to change the circumstances in which women face domestic violence remain significantly insufficient [ 15 ]. Given that few clear studies on violence against women and at the same time interviews with these people regarding their life experiences are available, the authors attempted to planning this research aims to investigate the prevalence and experiences of domestic violence against women in Semnan with the research question of “What is the prevalence of domestic violence against women in Semnan, and what are their experiences of such violence?”, so that their results can be used in part of the future planning in the health system of the society.

This study is a combination of cross-sectional and phenomenology studies in order to investigate the amount of domestic violence against women and some related factors (quantitative) and their experience of this violence (qualitative) simultaneously in the Semnan city. This study has been approved by the ethics committee of Semnan University of Medical Sciences with ethic code of IR.SEMUMS.REC.1397.182. The researcher introduced herself to the research participants, explained the purpose of the study, and then obtained informed written consent. It was assured to the research units that the collected information will be anonymous and kept confidential. The participants were informed that participation in the study was entirely voluntary, so they can withdraw from the study at any time with confidence. The participants were notified that more than one interview session may be necessary. To increase the trustworthiness of the study, Guba and Lincoln’s criteria for rigor, including credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability [ 16 ], were applied throughout the research process. The COREQ checklist was used to assess the present study quality. The researchers used observational notes for reflexivity and it preserved in all phases of this qualitative research process.

Qualitative method

Based on the phenomenological approach and with the purposeful sampling method, nine women who had referred to the counseling units of healthcare centers in Semnan city due to domestic violence in February 2021 to March 2022 were participated in the present study. The inclusion criteria for the study included marriage, a history of visiting a health center consultant due to domestic violence, and consent to participate in the study and unwillingness to participate in the study was the exclusion criteria. Each participant invited to the study by a telephone conversation about study aims and researcher information. The interviews place selected through agreement of the participant and the researcher and a place with the least environmental disturbance. Before starting each interview, the informed consent and all of the ethical considerations, including the purpose of the research, voluntary participation, confidentiality of the information were completely explained and they were asked to sign the written consent form. The participants were interviewed by depth, semi-structured and face-to-face interviews based on the main research question. Interviews were conducted by a female health services researcher with a background in nursing (M.Sh.). Data collection was continued until the data saturation and no new data appeared. Only the participants and the researcher were present during the interviews. All interviews were recorded by a MP3 Player by permission of the participants before starting. Interviews were not repeated. No additional field notes were taken during or after the interview.

The age range of the participants was from 38 to 55 years and their average age was 40 years. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants are summarized in table below (Table  1 ).

Five interviews in the courtyards of healthcare centers, 2 interviews in the park, and 2 interviews at the participants’ homes were conducted. The duration of the interviews varied from 45 min to one hour. The main research question was “What is your experience about domestic violence?“. According to the research progress some other questions were asked in line with the main question of the research.

The conducted interviews were analyzed by using the 7 steps Colizzi’s method [ 17 ]. In order to empathize with the participants, each interview was read several times and transcribed. Then two researchers (M.Sh. and M.N.) extracted the phrases that were directly related to the phenomenon of domestic violence against women independently and distinguished from other sentences by underlining them. Then these codes were organized into thematic clusters and the formulated concepts were sorted into specific thematic categories.

In the final stage, in order to make the data reliable, the researcher again referred to 2 participants and checked their agreement with their perceptions of the content. Also, possible important contents were discussed and clarified, and in this way, agreement and approval of the samples was obtained.

Quantitative method

The cross-sectional study was implemented from February 2021 to March 2022 with cluster sampling of married women in areas of 3 healthcare centers in Semnan city. Those participants who were married and agreed with the written and verbal informed consent about the ethical considerations were included to the study. The questionnaire was completed by the participants in paper and online form.

The instrument was the standard questionnaire of domestic violence against women by Mohseni Tabrizi et al. [ 18 ]. In the questionnaire, questions 1–10, 11–36, 37–65 and 66–71 related to sociodemographic information, types of spousal abuse (psychological, economical, physical and sexual violence), patriarchal beliefs and traditions and family upbringing and learning violence, respectively. In total, this questionnaire has 71 items.

The scoring of the questionnaire has two parts and the answers to them are based on the Likert scale. Questions 11–36 and 66–71 are answered with always [ 4 ] to never (0) and questions 37–65 with completely agree [ 4 ] to completely disagree (0). The minimum and maximum score is 0 and 300, respectively. The total score of 0–60, 61–120 and higher than 121 demonstrates low, moderate and severe domestic violence against women, respectively [ 18 ].

In the study by Tabrizi et al., to evaluate the validity and reliability of this questionnaire, researchers tried to measure the face validity of the scale by the previous research. Those items and questions which their accuracies were confirmed by social science professors and experts used in the research, finally. The total Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.183, which confirmed that the reliability of the questions and items of the questionnaire is sufficient [ 18 ].

Descriptive data were reported using mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage. Then, to measure the relationship between the variables, χ2 and Pearson tests also variance and regression analysis were performed. All analysis were performed by using SPSS version 26 and the significance level was considered as p < 0.05.

Qualitative results

According to the third step of Colaizzi’s 7-step method, the researcher attempted to conceptualize and formulate the extracted meanings. In this step, the primary codes were extracted from the important sentences related to the phenomenon of violence against women, which were marked by underlining, which are shown below as examples of this stage and coding.

The primary code of indifference to the father’s role was extracted from the following sentences. This is indifference in the role of the father in front of the children.

“Some time ago, I told him that our daughter is single-sided deaf. She has a doctor’s appointment; I have to take her to the doctor. He said that I don’t have money to give you. He doesn’t force himself to make money anyway” (p 2, 33 yrs).

“He didn’t value his own children. He didn’t think about his older children” (p 4, 54 yrs).

The primary code extracted here included lack of commitment in the role of head of the household. This is irresponsibility towards the family and meeting their needs.

“My husband was fired from work after 10 years due to disorder and laziness. Since then, he has not found a suitable job. Every time he went to work, he was fired after a month because of laziness” (p 7, 55 yrs).

“In the evening, he used to get dressed and go out, and he didn’t come back until late. Some nights, I was so afraid of being alone that I put a knife under my pillow when I slept” (p 2, 33 yrs).

A total of 246 primary codes were extracted from the interviews in the third step. In the fourth step, the researchers put the formulated concepts (primary codes) into 85 specific sub-categories.

Twenty-three categories were extracted from 85 sub-categories. In the sixth step, the concepts of the fifth step were integrated and formed seven themes (Table  2 ).

These themes included “Facilitators”, “Role failure”, “Repressors”, “Efforts to preserve the family”, “Inappropriate solving of family conflicts”, “Consequences”, and “Inefficient supportive systems” (Fig.  1 ).

Themes of domestic violence against women

Some of the statements of the participants on the theme of “ Facilitators” are listed below:

Husband’s criminal record

“He got his death sentence for drugs. But, at last it was ended for 10 years” (p 4, 54 yrs).

Inappropriate age for marriage

“At the age of thirteen, I married a boy who was 25 years old” (p 8, 25 yrs).

“My first husband obeyed her parents. I was 12–13 years old” (p 3, 32 yrs).

“I couldn’t do anything. I was humiliated” (p 1, 38 yrs).

“A bridegroom came. The mother was against. She said, I am young. My older sister is not married yet, but I was eager to get married. I don’t know, maybe my father’s house was boring for me” (p 2, 33 yrs).

“My parents used to argue badly. They blamed each other and I always wanted to run away from these arguments. I didn’t have the patience to talk to mom or dad and calm them down” (p 5, 39 yrs).

Overdependence

“My husband’s parents don’t stop interfering, but my husband doesn’t say anything because he is a student of his father. My husband is self-employed and works with his father on a truck” (p 8, 25 yrs).

“Every time I argue with my husband because of lack of money, my mother-in-law supported her son and brought him up very spoiled and lazy” (p 7, 55 yrs).

Bitter memories

“After three years, my mother married her friend with my uncle’s insistence and went to Shiraz. But, his condition was that she did not have the right to bring his daughter with her. In fact, my mother also got married out of necessity” (p 8, 25 yrs).

Some of their other statements related to “ Role failure” are mentioned below:

Lack of commitment to different roles

“I got angry several times and went to my father’s house because of my husband’s bad financial status and the fact that he doesn’t feel responsible to work and always says that he cannot find a job” (p 6, 48 yrs).

“I saw that he does not want to change in any way” (p 4, 54 yrs).

“No matter how kind I am, it does not work” (p 1, 38 yrs).

Some of their other statements regarding “ Repressors” are listed below:

Fear and silence

“My mother always forced me to continue living with my husband. Finally, my father had been poor. She all said that you didn’t listen to me when you wanted to get married, so you don’t have the right to get angry and come to me, I’m miserable enough” (p 2, 33 yrs).

“Because I suffered a lot in my first marital life. I was very humiliated. I said I would be fine with that. To be kind” (p1, 38 yrs).

“Well, I tell myself that he gets angry sometimes” (p 3, 32 yrs).

Shame from society

“I don’t want my daughter-in-law to know. She is not a relative” (p 4, 54 yrs).

Some of the statements of the participants regarding the theme of “ Efforts to preserve the family” are listed below:

Hope and trust

“I always hope in God and I am patient” (p 2, 33 yrs).

Efforts for children

“My divorce took a month. We got a divorce. I forgave my dowry and took my children instead” (p 2, 33 yrs).

Some of their other statements regarding the “ Inappropriate solving of family conflicts” are listed below:

Child-bearing thoughts

“My husband wanted to take me to a doctor to treat me. But my father-in-law refused and said that instead of doing this and spending money, marry again. Marriage in the clans was much easier than any other work” (p 8, 25 yrs).

Lack of effective communication

“I was nervous about him, but I didn’t say anything” (p 5, 39 yrs).

“Now I am satisfied with my life and thank God it is better to listen to people’s words. Now there is someone above me so that people don’t talk behind me” (p 2, 33 yrs).

Some of their other statements regarding the “ Consequences” are listed below:

Harm to children

“My eldest daughter, who was about 7–8 years old, behaved differently. Oh, I was angry. My children are mentally depressed and argue” (p 5, 39 yrs).

After divorce

“Even though I got a divorce, my mother and I came to a remote area due to the fear of what my family would say” (p 2, 33 yrs).

Social harm

“I work at a retirement center for living expenses” (p 2, 33 yrs).

“I had to go to clean the houses” (p 5, 39 yrs).

Non-acceptance in the family

“The children’s relationship with their father became bad. Because every time they saw their father sitting at home smoking, they got angry” (p 7, 55 yrs).

Emotional harm

“When I look back, I regret why I was not careful in my choice” (p 7, 55 yrs).

“I felt very bad. For being married to a man who is not bound by the family and is capricious” (p 9, 36 yrs).

Some of their other statements regarding “ Inefficient supportive systems” are listed below:

Inappropriate family support

“We didn’t have children. I was at my father’s house for about a month. After a month, when I came home, I saw that my husband had married again. I cried a lot that day. He said, God, I had to. I love you. My heart is broken, I have no one to share my words” (p 8, 25 yrs).

“My brother-in-law was like himself. His parents had also died. His sister did not listen at all” (p 4, 54 yrs).

“I didn’t have anyone and I was alone” (p 1, 38 yrs).

Inefficiency of social systems

“That day he argued with me, picked me up and threw me down some stairs in the middle of the yard. He came closer, sat on my stomach, grabbed my neck with both of his hands and wanted to strangle me. Until a long time later, I had kidney problems and my neck was bruised by her hand. Given that my aunt and her family were with us in a building, but she had no desire to testify and was afraid” (p 3, 32 yrs).

Undesired training and advice

“I told my mother, you just said no, how old I was? You never insisted on me and you didn’t listen to me that this man is not good for you” (p 9, 36 yrs).

Quantitative results

In the present study, 376 married women living in Semnan city participated in this study. The mean age of participants was 38.52 ± 10.38 years. The youngest participant was 18 and the oldest was 73 years old. The maximum age difference was 16 years. The years of marriage varied from one year to 40 years. Also, the number of children varied from no children to 7. The majority of them had 2 children (109, 29%). The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants are summarized in the table below (Table  3 ).

The frequency distribution (number and percentage) of the participants in terms of the level of violence was as follows. 89 participants (23.7%) had experienced low violence, 59 participants (15.7%) had experienced moderate violence, and 228 participants (60.6%) had experienced severe violence.

Cronbach’s alpha for the reliability of the questionnaire was 0.988. The mean and standard deviation of the total score of the questionnaire was 143.60 ± 74.70 with a range of 3-244. The relationship between the total score of the questionnaire and its fields, and some demographic variables is summarized in the table below (Table  4 ).

As shown in the table above, the variables of age, age difference and number of years of marriage have a positive and significant relationship, and the variable of number of children has a negative and significant relationship with the total score and all fields of the questionnaire (p < 0.05). However, the variable of education level difference showed no significant relationship with the total score and any of the fields. Also, the highest average score is related to patriarchal beliefs compared to other fields.

The comparison of the average total scores separately according to each variable showed the significant average difference in the variables of the previous marriage history of the woman, the result of the previous marriage of the woman, the education of the woman, the education of the man, the income of the woman, the income of the man, and the physical disease of the man (p < 0.05).

In the regression model, two variables remained in the final model, indicating the relationship between the variables and violence score and the importance of these two variables. An increase in women’s education and income level both independently show a significant relationship with an increase in violence score (Table  5 ).

The results of analysis of variance to compare the scores of each field of violence in the subgroups of the participants also showed that the experience and result of the woman’s previous marriage has a significant relationship with physical violence and tradition and family upbringing, the experience of the man’s previous marriage has a significant relationship with patriarchal belief, the education level of the woman has a significant relationship with all fields and the level of education of the man has a significant relationship with all fields except tradition and family upbringing (p < 0.05).

According to the results of both quantitative and qualitative studies, variables such as the young age of the woman and a large age difference are very important factors leading to an increase in violence. At a younger age, girls are afraid of the stigma of society and family, and being forced to remain silent can lead to an increase in domestic violence. As Gandhi et al. (2021) stated in their study in the same field, a lower marriage age leads to many vulnerabilities in women. Early marriage is a global problem associated with a wide range of health and social consequences, including violence for adolescent girls and women [ 12 ]. Also, Ahmadi et al. (2017) found similar findings, reporting a significant association among IPV and women age ≤ 40 years [ 19 ].

Two others categories of “Facilitators” in the present study were “Husband’s criminal record” and “Overdependence” which had a sub-category of “Forced cohabitation”. Ahmadi et al. (2017) reported in their population-based study in Iran that husband’s addiction and rented-householders have a significant association with IPV [ 19 ].

The patriarchal beliefs, which are rooted in the tradition and culture of society and family upbringing, scored the highest in relation to domestic violence in this study. On the other hand, in qualitative study, “Normalcy” of men’s anger and harassment of women in society is one of the “Repressors” of women to express violence. In the quantitative study, the increase in the women’s education and income level were predictors of the increase in violence. Although domestic violence is more common in some sections of society, women with a wide range of ages, different levels of education, and at different levels of society face this problem, most of which are not reported. Bukuluki et al. (2021) showed that women who agreed that it is good for a man to control his partner were more likely to experience physical violence [ 20 ].

Domestic violence leads to “Consequences” such as “Harm to children”, “Emotional harm”, “Social harm” to women and even “Non-acceptance in their own family”. Because divorce is a taboo in Iranian culture and the fear of humiliating women forces them to remain silent against domestic violence. Balsarkar (2021) stated that the fear of violence can prevent women from continuing their studies, working or exercising their political rights [ 8 ]. Also, Walker-Descarte et al. (2021) recognized domestic violence as a type of child maltreatment, and these abusive behaviors are associated with mental and physical health consequences [ 21 ].

On the other hand and based on the “Lack of effective communication” category, ignoring the role of the counselor in solving family conflicts and challenges in the life of couples in the present study was expressed by women with reasons such as lack of knowledge and family resistance to counseling. Several pathologies are needed to investigate increased domestic violence in situations such as during women’s pregnancy or infertility. Because the use of counseling for couples as a suitable solution should be considered along with their life challenges. Lin et al. (2022) stated that pregnant women were exposed to domestic violence for low birth weight in full term delivery. Spouse violence screening in the perinatal health care system should be considered important, especially for women who have had full-term low birth weight infants [ 22 ].

Also, lack of knowledge and low level of education have been found as other factors of violence in this study, which is very prominent in both qualitative and quantitative studies. Because the social systems and information about the existing laws should be followed properly in society to act as a deterrent. Psychological training and especially anger control and resilience skills during education at a younger age for girls and boys should be included in educational materials to determine the positive results in society in the long term. Manouchehri et al. (2022) stated that it seems necessary to train men about the negative impact of domestic violence on the current and future status of the family [ 23 ]. Balsarkar (2021) also stated that men and women who have not had the opportunity to question gender roles, attitudes and beliefs cannot change such things. Women who are unaware of their rights cannot claim. Governments and organizations cannot adequately address these issues without access to standards, guidelines and tools [ 8 ]. Machado et al. (2021) also stated that gender socialization reinforces gender inequalities and affects the behavior of men and women. So, highlighting this problem in different fields, especially in primary health care services, is a way to prevent IPV against women [ 24 ].

There was a sub-category of “Inefficiency of social systems” in the participants experiences. Perhaps the reason for this is due to insufficient education and knowledge, or fear of seeking help. Holmes et al. (2022) suggested the importance of ascertaining strategies to improve victims’ experiences with the court, especially when victims’ requests are not met, to increase future engagement with the system [ 25 ]. Sigurdsson (2019) revealed that despite high prevalence numbers, IPV is still a hidden and underdiagnosed problem and neither general practitioner nor our communities are as well prepared as they should be [ 26 ]. Moreira and Pinto da Costa (2021) found that while victims of domestic violence often agree with mandatory reporting, various concerns are still expressed by both victims and healthcare professionals that require further attention and resolution [ 27 ]. It appears that legal and ethical issues in this regard require comprehensive evaluation from the perspectives of victims, their families, healthcare workers, and legal experts. By doing so, better practical solutions can be found to address domestic violence, leading to a downward trend in its occurrence.

Some of the variables of violence against women have been identified and emphasized in many studies, highlighting the necessity of policymaking and social pathology in society to prevent and use operational plans to take action before their occurrence. Breaking the taboo of domestic violence and promoting divorce as a viable solution after counseling to receive objective results should be implemented seriously to minimize harm to women, children, and their families.

Limitations

Domestic violence against women is an important issue in Iranian society that women resist showing and expressing, making researchers take a long-term process of sampling in both qualitative and quantitative studies. The location of the interview and the women’s fear of their husbands finding out about their participation in this study have been other challenges of the researchers, which, of course, they attempted to minimize by fully respecting ethical considerations. Despite the researchers’ efforts, their personal and professional experiences, as well as the studies reviewed in the literature review section, may have influenced the study results.

Data Availability

Data and materials will be available upon email to the corresponding author.

Abbreviations

Intimate Partner Violence

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

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Acknowledgements

The authors of this study appreciate the Deputy for Research and Technology of Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Social Determinants of Health Research Center of Semnan University of Medical Sciences and all the participants in this study.

Research deputy of Semnan University of Medical Sciences financially supported this project.

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M.Sh. contributed to the first conception and design of this research; M.Sh., Z.Kh., M.S., R.Gh. and S.H.Sh. contributed to collect data; M.N. and M.Sh. contributed to the analysis of the qualitative data; M.M. and M.Sh. contributed to the analysis of the quantitative data; M.SH., M.N. and M.M. contributed to the interpretation of the data; M.Sh., M.S. and S.H.Sh. wrote the manuscript. M.Sh. prepared the final version of manuscript for submission. All authors reviewed the manuscript meticulously and approved it. All names of the authors were listed in the title page.

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Shayestefar, M., Saffari, M., Gholamhosseinzadeh, R. et al. A qualitative quantitative mixed methods study of domestic violence against women. BMC Women's Health 23 , 322 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02483-0

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The Domestic Violence Evidence Project (DVEP) is a multi-faceted, multi-year and highly collaborative effort designed to assist state coalitions, local domestic violence programs, researchers, and other allied individuals and organizations better respond to the growing emphasis on identifying and integrating evidence-based practice into their work. DVEP brings together research, evaluation, practice and theory to inform critical thinking and enhance the field's knowledge to better serve survivors and their families.

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Safe Housing Partnerships , the website of the Domestic Violence and Housing Technical Assistance Consortium , includes the latest research and evidence on the intersection of domestic and sexual violence, housing, and homelessness. You can also find new research exploring different aspects of efforts to expand housing options for domestic and sexual violence survivors, including the use of flexible funding approaches, DV Housing First and rapid rehousing, DV Transitional Housing, and mobile advocacy.

Domestic Violence Facts and Statistics    *  Domestic Violence Video Presentations   *   Online CEU Courses

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Family violence scholars from the United States, Canada and the U.K. were invited to conduct an extensive and thorough review of the empirical literature, in 17 broad topic areas. They were asked to conduct a formal search for published, peer-reviewed studies through standard, widely-used search programs, and then catalogue and summarize all known research studies relevant to each major topic and its sub-topics. In the interest of thoroughness and transparency, the researchers agreed to summarize all quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals after 1990, as well as any major studies published prior to that time, and to clearly specify exclusion criteria. Included studies are organized in extended tables, each table containing summaries of studies relevant to its particular sub-topic.

In this unprecedented undertaking, a total of 42 scholars and 70 research assistants at 20 universities and research institutions spent two years or more researching their topics and writing the results. Approximately 12,000 studies were considered and more than 1,700 were summarized and organized into tables. The 17 manuscripts, which provide a review of findings on each of the topics, for a total of 2,657 pages, appear in 5 consecutive special issues of the peer-reviewed journal Partner Abuse . All conclusions, including the extent to which the research evidence supports or undermines current theories, are based strictly on the data collected.

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Arthur Cantos, Ph.D. University of Texas

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Louise Dixon, Ph.D. University of Birmingham (U.K.)

Sandra Stith, Ph.D. Kansas State University

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Kimberly Flemke, Ph.D. Drexel University

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Domestic violence research topics.

The list of domestic violence research paper topics below will show that domestic violence takes on many forms. Through recent scientific study, it is now known that domestic violence occurs within different types of households. The purpose of creating this list is for students to have available a comprehensive, state-of-the-research, easy-to-read compilation of a wide variety of domestic violence topics and provide research paper examples on those topics.

Domestic violence research paper topics can be divided into seven categories:

• Victims of domestic violence,
• Theoretical perspectives and correlates to domestic violence,
• Cross-cultural and religious perspectives,
• Understudied areas within domestic violence research,
• Domestic violence and the law,
• Child abuse and elder abuse, and
• Special topics in domestic violence.

100+ Domestic Violence Research Topics

Victims of domestic violence.

Initial research recognized wives as victims of domestic violence. Thereafter, it was acknowledged that unmarried women were also falling victim to violence at the hands of their boyfriends. Subsequently, the term ‘‘battered women’’ became synonymous with ‘‘battered wives.’’ Legitimizing female victimization served as the catalyst in introducing other types of intimate partner violence.

• Battered Husbands
• Battered Wives
• Battered Women: Held in Captivity
• Battered Women Who Kill: An Examination
• Cohabiting Violence
• Dating Violence
• Domestic Violence in Workplace
• Intimate Partner Homicide
• Intimate Partner Violence, Forms of
• Marital Rape
• Mutual Battering
• Spousal Prostitution

Read more about victims of domestic violence .

Part 2: Research Paper Topics on

Theoretical Perspectives and Correlates to Domestic Violence

There is no single causal factor related to domestic violence. Rather, scholars have concluded that there are numerous factors that contribute to domestic violence. Feminists found that women were beaten at the hands of their partners. Drawing on feminist theory, they helped explain the relationship between patriarchy and domestic violence. Researchers have examined other theoretical perspectives such as attachment theory, exchange theory, identity theory, the cycle of violence, social learning theory, and victim-blaming theory in explaining domestic violence. However, factors exist that may not fall into a single theoretical perspective. Correlates have shown that certain factors such as pregnancy, social class, level of education, animal abuse, and substance abuse may influence the likelihood for victimization.

• Animal Abuse: The Link to Family Violence
• Assessing Risk in Domestic Violence Cases
• Attachment Theory and Domestic Violence
• Battered Woman Syndrome
• Batterer Typology
• Bullying and the Family
• Coercive Control
• Control Balance Theory and Domestic Violence
• Cycle of Violence
• Depression and Domestic Violence
• Education as a Risk Factor for Domestic Violence
• Exchange Theory
• Feminist Theory
• Identity Theory and Domestic Violence
• Intergenerational Transfer of Intimate Partner Violence
• Popular Culture and Domestic Violence
• Post-Incest Syndrome
• Pregnancy-Related Violence
• Social Class and Domestic Violence
• Social Learning Theory and Family Violence
• Stockholm Syndrome in Battered Women
• Substance Use/Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence
• The Impact of Homelessness on Family Violence
• Victim-Blaming Theory

Read more about domestic violence theories .

Part 3: Research Paper Topics on

Cross-Cultural and Religious Perspectives on Domestic Violence

It was essential to acknowledge that domestic violence crosses cultural boundaries and religious affiliations. There is no one particular society or religious group exempt from victimization. A variety of developed and developing countries were examined in understanding the prevalence of domestic violence within their societies as well as their coping strategies in handling these volatile issues. It is often misunderstood that one religious group is more tolerant of family violence than another. As Christianity, Islam, and Judaism represent the three major religions of the world, their ideologies were explored in relation to the acceptance and prevalence of domestic violence.

• Africa: Domestic Violence and the Law
• Africa: The Criminal Justice System and the Problem of Domestic Violence in West Africa
• Asian Americans and Domestic Violence: Cultural Dimensions
• Child Abuse: A Global Perspective
• Christianity and Domestic Violence
• Cross-Cultural Examination of Domestic Violence in China and Pakistan
• Cross-Cultural Examination of Domestic Violence in Latin America
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Domestic Violence
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on How to Deal with Batterers
• Dating Violence among African American Couples
• Domestic Violence among Native Americans
• Domestic Violence in African American Community
• Domestic Violence in Greece
• Domestic Violence in Rural Communities
• Domestic Violence in South Africa
• Domestic Violence in Spain
• Domestic Violence in Trinidad and Tobago
• Domestic Violence within the Jewish Community
• Human Rights, Refugee Laws, and Asylum Protection for People Fleeing Domestic Violence
• Introduction to Minorities and Families in America
• Medical Neglect Related to Religion and Culture
• Multicultural Programs for Domestic Batterers
• Qur’anic Perspectives on Wife Abuse
• Religious Attitudes toward Corporal Punishment
• Rule of Thumb
• Same-Sex Domestic Violence: Comparing Venezuela and the United States
• Worldwide Sociolegal Precedents Supporting Domestic Violence from Ancient to Modern Times

Part 4: Research Paper Topics on

Understudied Areas within Domestic Violence Research

Domestic violence has typically examined traditional relationships, such as husband–wife, boyfriend–girlfriend, and parent–child. Consequently, scholars have historically ignored non-traditional relationships. In fact, certain entries have limited cross-references based on the fact that there were limited, if any, scholarly publications on that topic. Only since the 1990s have scholars admitted that violence exists among lesbians and gay males. There are other ignored populations that are addressed within this encyclopedia including violence within military and police families, violence within pseudo-family environments, and violence against women and children with disabilities.

• Caregiver Violence against People with Disabilities
• Community Response to Gay and Lesbian Domestic Violence
• Compassionate Homicide and Spousal Violence
• Domestic Violence against Women with Disabilities
• Domestic Violence by Law Enforcement Officers
• Domestic Violence within Military Families
• Factors Influencing Reporting Behavior by Male Domestic Violence Victims
• Gay and Bisexual Male Domestic Violence
• Gender Socialization and Gay Male Domestic Violence
• Inmate Mothers: Treatment and Policy Implications
• Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Retardation
• Intimate Partner Violence in Queer, Transgender, and Bisexual Communities
• Lesbian Battering
• Male Victims of Domestic Violence and Reasons They Stay with Their Abusers
• Medicalization of Domestic Violence
• Police Attitudes and Behaviors toward Gay Domestic Violence
• Pseudo-Family Abuse
• Sexual Aggression Perpetrated by Females
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: The Need for Education in Servicing Victims of Trauma

Part 5: Research Paper Topics on

Domestic Violence and the Law

The Violence against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 helped pave domestic violence concerns into legislative matters. Historically, family violence was handled through informal measures often resulting in mishandling of cases. Through VAWA, victims were given the opportunity to have their cases legally remedied. This legitimized the separation of specialized domestic and family violence courts from criminal courts. The law has recognized that victims of domestic violence deserve recognition and resolution. Law enforcement agencies may be held civilly accountable for their actions in domestic violence incidents. Mandatory arrest policies have been initiated helping reduce discretionary power of police officers. Courts have also begun to focus on the offenders of domestic violence. Currently, there are batterer intervention programs and mediation programs available for offenders within certain jurisdictions. Its goals are to reduce the rate of recidivism among batterers.

• Battered Woman Syndrome as a Legal Defense in Cases of Spousal Homicide
• Batterer Intervention Programs
• Clemency for Battered Women
• Divorce, Child Custody, and Domestic Violence
• Domestic Violence Courts
• Electronic Monitoring of Abusers
• Expert Testimony in Domestic Violence Cases
• Judicial Perspectives on Domestic Violence
• Lautenberg Law
• Legal Issues for Battered Women
• Mandatory Arrest Policies
• Mediation in Domestic Violence
• Police Civil Liability in Domestic Violence Incidents
• Police Decision-Making Factors in Domestic Violence Cases
• Police Response to Domestic Violence Incidents
• Prosecution of Child Abuse and Neglect
• Protective and Restraining Orders
• Shelter Movement
• Training Practices for Law Enforcement in Domestic Violence Cases
• Violence against Women Act

Read more about Domestic Violence Law .

Part 6: Research Paper Topics on

Child Abuse and Elder Abuse

Scholars began to address child abuse over the last third of the twentieth century. It is now recognized that child abuse falls within a wide spectrum. In the past, it was based on visible bruises and scars. Today, researchers have acknowledged that psychological abuse, where there are no visible injuries, is just as damaging as its counterpart. One of the greatest controversies in child abuse literature is that of Munchausen by Proxy. Some scholars have recognized that it is a syndrome while others would deny a syndrome exists. Regardless of the term ‘‘syndrome,’’ Munchausen by Proxy does exist and needs to be further examined. Another form of violence that needs to be further examined is elder abuse. Elder abuse literature typically focused on abuse perpetrated by children and caregivers. With increased life expectancies, it is now understood that there is greater probability for violence among elderly intimate couples. Shelters and hospitals need to better understand this unique population in order to better serve its victims.

• Assessing the Risks of Elder Abuse
• Child Abuse and Juvenile Delinquency
• Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States: An Overview
• Child Maltreatment, Interviewing Suspected Victims of
• Child Neglect
• Child Sexual Abuse
• Children Witnessing Parental Violence
• Consequences of Elder Abuse
• Elder Abuse and Neglect: Training Issues for Professionals
• Elder Abuse by Intimate Partners
• Elder Abuse Perpetrated by Adult Children
• Filicide and Children with Disabilities
• Mothers Who Kill
• Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome
• Parental Abduction
• Postpartum Depression, Psychosis, and Infanticide
• Ritual Abuse–Torture in Families
• Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Sibling Abuse

Part 7: Research Paper Topics on

Special Topics  in Domestic Violence

Within this list, there are topics that may not fit clearly into one of the aforementioned categories. Therefore, they are be listed in a separate special topics designation. Analyzing Incidents of Domestic Violence: The National Incident-Based Reporting System

• Community Response to Domestic Violence
• Conflict Tactics Scales
• Dissociation in Domestic Violence, The Role of
• Domestic Homicide in Urban Centers: New York City
• Fatality Reviews in Cases of Adult Domestic Homicide and Suicide
• Female Suicide and Domestic Violence
• Healthcare Professionals’ Roles in Identifying and Responding to Domestic Violence
• Measuring Domestic Violence
• Neurological and Physiological Impact of Abuse
• Social, Economic, and Psychological Costs of Violence
• Stages of Leaving Abusive Relationships
• The Physical and Psychological Impact of Spousal Abuse

Domestic violence remains a relatively new field of study among social scientists but it is already a popular research paper subject within college and university students. Only within the past 4 decades have scholars recognized domestic violence as a social problem. Initially, domestic violence research focused on child abuse. Thereafter, researchers focused on wife abuse and used this concept interchangeably with domestic violence. Within the past 20 years, researchers have acknowledged that other forms of violent relationships exist, including dating violence, battered males, and gay domestic violence. Moreover, academicians have recognized a subcategory within the field of criminal justice: victimology (the scientific study of victims). Throughout the United States, colleges and universities have been creating victimology courses, and even more specifically, family violence and interpersonal violence courses.

The media have informed us that domestic violence is so commonplace that the public has unfortunately grown accustomed to reading and hearing about husbands killing their wives, mothers killing their children, or parents neglecting their children. While it is understood that these offenses take place, the explanations as to what factors contributed to them remain unclear. In order to prevent future violence, it is imperative to understand its roots. There is no one causal explanation for domestic violence; however, there are numerous factors which may help explain these unjustified acts of violence. Highly publicized cases such as the O.J. Simpson and Scott Peterson trials have shown the world that alleged murderers may not resemble the deranged sociopath depicted in horror films. Rather, they can be handsome, charming, and well-liked by society. In addition, court-centered programming on television continuously publicizes cases of violence within the home informing the public that we are potentially at risk by our caregivers and other loved ones. There is the case of the au pair Elizabeth Woodward convicted of shaking and killing Matthew Eappen, the child entrusted to her care. Some of the most highly publicized cases have also focused on mothers who kill. America was stunned as it heard the cases of Susan Smith and Andrea Yates. Both women were convicted of brutally killing their own children. Many asked how loving mothers could turn into cold-blooded killers.

Browse other criminal justice research topics .

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A Study on Domestic Violence Against Adult and Adolescent Females in a Rural Area of West Bengal

Madhutandra sarkar.

Department of Community Medicine, Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India

Background:

Globally, domestic violence against females is common across culture, religion, class and ethnicity. There are various reasons for domestic violence and it might have serious health outcomes.

Objectives:

The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, characteristics, reasons and the socio-demographic correlates of domestic violence, if any, and to find out the perceptions of the females to cope with the act of violence and to overcome the situation.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken by interviewing 141 adult and adolescent females residing in a village of West Bengal, with the help of a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analyzed statistically by simple proportions and tests of significance (Chi-square test).

Out of 141 respondents, 33 (23.4%) adult and adolescent females in this village were exposed to domestic violence in the past year. Among the demographic characteristics, statistically significant maximum prevalence was observed among 30-39 years age group, illiterate and unmarried females. For most of the females who were exposed to domestic violence, their husbands acted as the perpetrators (72.73%) and they reported slapping as the specific act of physical assault (72.73%). Majority of the respondents reported that opportunity of education (31.9%), being economically productive (31.9%) and better family income (23.4%) would help them to overcome the situation.

Conclusion:

This study emphasizes the need for justified female empowerment and this calls for multidisciplinary approach to develop public health measures, which would most effectively address the problem of domestic violence.

Introduction

The most prevalent form of violence against females worldwide is domestic violence. Domestic violence against females is a serious public health concern in every community and culture. It has drawn attention from the medical community because it has a negative and harmful impact on the mental, physical and social health of females.

World Health Organization (WHO) has defined domestic violence as “the range of sexually, psychologically and physically coercive acts used against adult and adolescent women by current or former male intimate partners”.( 1 , 2 ) Violence is often not restricted to the current husband, but may extend to boy friends, former husbands and other family members such as parents, siblings and in-laws.

Domestic violence against women is highly prevalent in India and the women usually try to hide it. Particularly wife beating or physical mistreatment is a very common phenomenon in many Indian homes. The percentage of women who are exposed to violence by their husbands is 45% in India.( 3 ) Despite this widespread prevalence, such violence is not customarily acknowledged and has remained invisible. Background conditions of females are found to play a significant role in domestic violence.

It is often difficult to conduct research on violence against females, since most females are reluctant to disclose information they consider confidential and intimate. For eliminating domestic violence against females, it is critical to understand the context of violence and social constructs, which support its perpetuation. There is little empirical data on prevalence of domestic violence and its determinants in India, which needs urgent attention. Particularly, it is important to understand this serious problem in a rural low socio-economic condition with poor educational and economic background of the females.

With the above background, this study was undertaken with the following objectives:

• To determine the prevalence, characteristics and reasons of domestic violence reported against adult and adolescent females.
• To determine the socio-demographic correlates of domestic violence, if any.
• To find out the perceptions of the females to cope with the act of violence and to overcome the situation.

Materials and Methods

Type of study: Community-based cross-sectional observational study.

Place of study: This study was conducted in Dearah village of Singur block, Hooghly district, West Bengal. This village is the field practice area of the Rural Health Unit and Training Center, Singur.

Duration of study: Three months, from August 16, 2006 to November 15, 2006.

Study population: All adult and adolescent females residing in Dearah village.

Inclusion criteria: Adult and adolescent females (aged 10 years and above) who gave consent for the study and who were the permanent residents of the village.

Sampling: Total female population of Dearah village is 1117 and total number of households is ≥50 (according to the records of the Rural Health Unit and Training Center, Singur and Nasibpur Union Health Centre, Dearah). Proportion of female population of >10 years age is 75% (Source: National Family Health Survey-2). Hence, the estimated female population of >10 years age in the village was 838. With an aim to cover 1/5th of the study population, every 5 th household was taken by systematic random sampling. Therefore, the estimated number of study population to be covered was 168 and the estimated number of households to be visited was 110.

However, total number of respondents was found to be 141 during the study period.

Study tool: A pre-designed, pre-tested and structured questionnaire.

Study technique: Interview method.

Methodology: After taking permission from the appropriate authorities, a house-to-house visit was conducted and informed verbal consent to participate in this study was obtained by all the participants. The females were interviewed face-to-face in their homes by the author herself. During the interview, the female was alone with the interviewer. The anonymity of the responses was guaranteed. The operational definition of domestic violence adopted for this study was maltreatment of the adult and adolescent females by the husbands, parents or other family members including minor to major physical harassment. The reference period considered was last one year from the date of interview. The females were asked about their demographic profile, characteristics and reasons of violence and their perceptions towards this.

Analysis of data: Data obtained were collated and analyzed statistically by simple proportions and tests of significance (Chi-square test).

Table 1 shows that, out of 141 respondents, 33 (23.4%) adult and adolescent females in this village were exposed to domestic violence in the last one year. Statistically significant association is present between the number of females exposed to violence and the demographic characteristics, in case of age, educational and marital status. Maximum prevalence was observed among the females in the age group of 30-39 years (50%), followed by 10-19 years age group (42.86%), whereas minimum prevalence was observed among the females in the age group of 20-29 years (10.53%). Prevalence was highest among the females who were illiterates (46.15%), followed by just literates/below primary schooling (20%). Prevalence was higher among the unmarried females (30%) than married (26.67%) or widowed/divorced females (none).

Demographic characteristics of the respondents ( n = 141)

This table also shows that the prevalence of domestic violence was found to be higher among the Muslims than the Hindus (31.25 vs. 19.35%). Prevalence was highest among the females who were unmarried or who did not give birth to a child (28.57%), followed by females with 5 or more children (25%). Prevalence was higher among the females who lived in joint families than who lived in nuclear families (26.92 vs. 19.05%). Prevalence was also higher among the females with per capita income (PCI) of the family ≥Rs. 500 per month than females with per capita income of the family < Rs. 500 per month (33.33 vs. 20%). No respondent in this study had contribution to her family income.

Table 2 shows the characteristics of violence reported by the respondents. It was observed that, among 33 respondents, maximum number of females (81.82%) reported that they were exposed to domestic violence few times in the last year. Others reported the frequency of violence in last one year as few times in a week and few times in a month (9.09% or three females each). Maximum number of females (72.73%) reported that they had been physically assaulted by their husbands. Fathers acted as perpetrators in case of 27.27% females. Twenty-one females (63.64%) reported that the perpetrators were not intoxicated during the act of violence. Most of the females reported slapping as the specific act of physical assault (72.73%), followed by fist blow and beating with a stick or rod (18.18% each). Only three females reported kicking.

Characteristics of violence reported by the respondents ( n = 33)

Table 3 depicting the reasons of violence reported by respondents shows that, among 33 respondents, most of the females said the underlying reasons of violence as disobeying elders/perpetrators (27.27%), followed by not having a male child and unemployment of perpetrator (18.18% each). Other reasons were reported as insufficient dowry, relationship with another woman, poor family income and not approving relationship with wives’ parents (9.09% or three females each). Thirty females (90.9%) reported the reason causing immediate provocation of violent attack as not obeying or arguing back. Only three females reported that this was for refusing sex.

Reasons of violence reported by the respondents ( n = 33)

Regarding the perceptions of respondents Table 4 , it was observed that, out of 141 respondents, maximum number of females (44.68%) reported that they should revolt to cope with the act of violence. Fifty-seven females (40.43%) reported that they should tolerate it. Others reported that they should try to convince the assaulter (8.5%) and seek help outside e.g. relatives, neighbors or social organizations (4.3%). Only three females reported that obeying elders might be a solution to cope with the act of violence.

Perceptions of the respondents ( n =141)

This table also shows that most of the females reported that opportunity of education (31.9%), being economically productive (31.9%) and better family income (23.4%) would help them to overcome the situation. Others reported that de-addiction of assailant and changing herself would be helpful. Six females (4.26%) could not say anything.

This study shows the prevalence of domestic violence as 23.4% in the past year. Similar study conducted by Kocacik and Dogan reported that the prevalence of physical violence was 38.3% in the Sivas province of Turkey.( 4 ) Another study conducted in rural Bangladesh by Bates et al . showed that 67% of the women had ever experienced domestic violence and 35% had done so in the past year.( 5 )

Among the socio-demographic variables, age, educational and marital status are significantly associated with the domestic violence in this study. It was observed that the females in 30-39 years age group (50%) and 10-19 years age group (42.86%) were highly exposed to domestic violence. Maximum prevalence was observed among the illiterates (46.15%), followed by just literates/below primary schooling (20%). Unmarried females (30%) were more exposed to domestic violence than married (26.67%) or widowed/divorced females (none). No association is found with other socio-demographic variables like religion, number of children, type of the family and per capita monthly income of the family. No female in this study was economically independent. In a similar study done in the Sivas province of Turkey, families with low-income level showed a higher rate of violence and the rate of domestic violence decreased as the annual income level increased,( 4 ) whereas the present study does not support this finding. Low level of education was found to be a risk factor for domestic violence,( 4 ) the finding as corroborated by the present study.

It was observed in this study that the most frequent rate of violence reported by the females (81.82%) was few times in the last year. However, the study by Kocacik and Dogan showed that 45.2% of the women had been exposed to violence several times in a month.( 4 )

The present study shows that the husbands were the perpetrators in case of most of the females (72.73%). Twelve (36.36%) females reported that the perpetrators were intoxicated during the act of violence. Slapping was reported by most of the females as the specific act of physical assault (72.73%). Another study conducted by Nair et al . in rural Gujarat showed that slapping (80%), kicking/punching/hitting with an object (74%), pulling by the hair/dragging (27%) and forced sex (27%) were the types of reported physical abuse. The victims were mostly wives (78%) and the perpetrators were their husbands. Frequent physical violence was much less reported than verbal and psychological harassments.( 6 )

Economic, cultural and psychological factors were reported as the most prevalent causes of violence in the present study. In the study by Kocacik and Dogan, economic problems were reported as the most important reason for domestic violence (31.4%).( 4 )

In this study, 44.68% females reported that they should revolt to cope with the act of violence and 40.43% reported that they should tolerate this. Another study conducted by Nair et al . in rural Gujarat showed that women also shared the notion that husbands have the right to ‘discipline’ their wives by using force. Majority of the men (72%) as well as women (79%) said that the wife should always follow her husband’s and in-laws’ instructions and be obedient.( 6 )

Most of the females in this study reported that opportunity of education, being economically productive and better family income would help them to overcome the situation.

The above findings can be explained by the concept of violence in Indian culture, where violence against women is tolerated and considered as a means of discipline or punishment. It is a common thing for most men to speak rudely and act aggressively. Most probably, women do not protest or retaliate against the harassments, out of their concerns for social prestige, lack of economic and social support and for the sake of their children. Lack of education and economic independence often make them less confident to disclose their problems freely without any hesitation.

Conclusions

The reasons of violence are various factors such as power, employment and education level. Domestic violence is associated with illiteracy of the females. Most of the females are not aware of their rights. They tend to accept violence as something normal. This might be related to the fact that men culturally possess women; that manhood is associated with violence and that violence is widely accepted as a form of behavior. Husbands justify this act that they have all rights to beat his wife. And, it is told to the girl before marriage that she should adjust to whatever happens after marriage. The Indian culture, which prescribes obedience for women, may also contribute to this, since women consider opposing their husband as a sin. Besides that, domestic affairs are something that is usually kept a secret. The mind set of projecting husbands as the sole authority of the household needs to be changed and this is to be more emphasized by the parents.

This study indicates that justified female empowerment and enlightenment in the form of education, culture and economic productivity may help reduce this social as well as public health problem. In order to effectively address this problem, multidisciplinary approach to formulate fundamentally sound public health measures is essential. There is a need for sustained educational campaign to bring change in the community’s attitudes, particularly those of females themselves. Similarly, educational programs to target boys and girls are necessary to prevent violence from being perpetuated generation after generation. There is also a need for organizations that would support and help adult and adolescent females who are victims of domestic violence in the community with shelter, legal aid and awareness increase. Economic and social empowerment of females will enable them to fight for rights and rebuild their life. Panchayat members, village elders, health workers, school teachers, existing women’s organizations and mass media exposure in the villages should play a more active role in preventing and reducing domestic violence.

Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Profs. R. Biswas and A. Dasgupta, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata for their support and valuable suggestions. The author is also thankful to Dr. Anil Kumar, Rural Health Unit and Training Center, Singur and the health staff of Nasibpur Union Health Center, Dearah for their assistance.

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women, Fiscal Year 2021

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With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for rigorous research and evaluation projects to support the development of objective and independent knowledge and validated tools to reduce violence against women (VAW) (including violence against elderly women and American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls), promote justice for victims of crime, and enhance criminal justice responses. For that reason, this solicitation seeks applications for grant funding to conduct research and evaluation projects examining a broad range of topics, including the crimes of domestic and family violence, homicide, intimate partner and dating violence, rape, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking, along with the associated criminal justice system response, procedures, and policies.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, NIJ is interested in research responding to the following two priority areas: 1) evaluation research on VAW programs, models, practices and 2) VAW research.

Number of Awards: 4 Total Amount Awarded: $2,373,925

Court Decision-Making in Domestic Violence Cases: An Analysis of the Case Processing Pipeline in South Carolina

Developing a culturally and trauma-informed teen dating violence algorithm: a continuation of the vip study, evaluating the efficacy of the safer approach to improving legal responses to ipv: a randomized controlled trial, fatal and non-fatal intimate partner and family violence against older women: an exploration of age and police response to inform research, policy and practice, is the project management plan required.

A separate project management plan is not required. However, the discussion of capabilities and competencies in the main body of the proposal narrative should outline the management plan and organization that connects the goals and objectives of the project.

Endnote three has been struck from this solicitation because NIJ will not be releasing the fiscal year 2021 solicitation “Research and Evaluation on Firearms Violence and Mass Shootings” as was previously planned.

On page 10, under "New Investigator/Early Career Opportunity," the timeframe requirement for completion of a terminal degree or post-graduate clinical training has been changed from "within the ten (10)

The bold text below has been added under “Additional Information” on page 12.  “The recent median NIJ grant award amount is approximately $600,000. Applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that match the research activities proposed

An email address on pages 6, 15, and 28 has been corrected and now reads [email protected] .

Deadlines for this solicitation have been extended. 

The due date for the letter of intent has been extended to March 8, 2021.

The text "Total Federal Awards: NIJ anticipates making 1 to 2 awards" in the January 15, 2021, notice above has been removed. As currently stated in the solicitation, NIJ anticipates 6 awards.

Similar Opportunities

• NIJ FY24 Research and Evaluation on the Impact of Technologies for Forensic Science Applications
• NIJ FY24 Research and Evaluation on Firearm Violence and Mass Shootings
• NIJ FY23 Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) Research, Evaluation, and Associated Training & Technical Assistance Support

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A PROPOSAL ON DOMESTIC VOILENCE AGAINST WOMEN A CASE STUDY OF BETHANCHOWK V.D.C, WARD 06, KAVRE DISTRICT Submitted by In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree of Master in Master in Public Administration (MPA

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Search Utah State University:

Transforming communities institute, domestic violence services assessment: uintah county.

TCI collaborated with Uintah Basin Domestic Violence Coalition (UBDVC) and Friends Against Family Violence (FAFV), a nonprofit that provides domestic violence services in the Uintah Basin area, to conduct a human services assessment focused on domestic violence services in the Uintah County area during 2023. 

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Executive Summary

The two-phase research initiative conducted by Utah State University's Transforming Communities Institute and MSW program in collaboration with Uintah Basin Domestic Violence Coalition offers a comprehensive examination of the domestic violence service provider network from both provider and survivor perspectives. This executive summary synthesizes the project's methodology, key findings, and provides recommendations for enhancing domestic violence services in Uintah County.

Methodology

The research project was designed and executed in two distinct phases. Phase 1 employed an online human services assessment survey distributed to local service providers (n=28) to ascertain the availability of domestic violence resources, identify service gaps, and understand organizational and communication dynamics within the service provider network. Phase 2 utilized qualitative interviews with domestic violence survivors (n=14) to gather insights into their experiences within the service network, focusing on resource availability, service gaps, and barriers to accessing support.

Key Findings

Phase 1 revealed a robust awareness among service providers of emergency shelter, advocacy and support, legal services, and therapy as readily available services. However, it identified significant gaps in childcare services, transitional housing, and other specialized supports. The analysis highlighted the challenges of inadequate funding, staffing, space, and inter-organizational communication affecting the network's effectiveness. Phase 2 highlighted survivors' experiences, emphasizing the improved availability of services over time yet pointing out significant barriers to accessing these services. Survivors cited issues such as lack of awareness about available resources, negative interactions with law enforcement, and the need for more supportive, informed, and coordinated service provision.

·Comprehensive Service Availability: The study underscores Uintah County's commitment to addressing domestic violence, evidenced by the broad range of services available to survivors. ·Organizational Capacities and Collaboration: Internal strengths such as technology, training, and organizational structure indicate a solid foundation to support programming for survivors. Collaborative efforts like multidisciplinary team meetings and joint training sessions highlight the community's dedication to shared values to address domestic violence.

Areas for Growth

·Service Provision Gaps: Despite the availability of essential services, the lack of childcare and transitional housing remains a significant concern, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive support system for survivors. Minimal supports are available to address a diverse population, including inclusive services for Indigenous and Latinx communities. ·Organizational and Communication Challenges: The findings point to the need for enhanced funding, staffing, and improved communication and collaboration among service providers to better address survivors' needs effectively.

Key Recommendations

 1.    Enhance Education and Awareness: Initiatives to increase community awareness about domestic violence resources and support mechanisms are crucial. This includes broad community education efforts to foster a deeper understanding and access to services.  2.    Improve Service Access and Collaboration: Addressing key service gaps in childcare, housing, and financial assistance, and fostering greater collaboration among service providers will enhance the network's capacity to meet community needs. More attention is needed to addressing diverse populations in the community as well.  3.    Build Trust and Knowledge Among Service Providers: Specialized training for service providers, particularly law enforcement and judicial staff, can improve interactions with survivors, building trust, and facilitating access to necessary services.  4.    Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation: Ongoing research and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of services and adapt strategies based on evolving community needs are essential for sustained support to domestic violence survivors. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of the domestic violence service provider network in Uintah County. By addressing the identified gaps and leveraging the community's collective strengths, service providers can significantly enhance the support system for survivors of domestic violence, ensuring more accessible, effective, and comprehensive care

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University of Minnesota studies reveal disparities in intimate partner violence between rural and urban areas

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Domestic abuse involving intimate partners is happening at a higher rate in the nation’s rural areas than it is in urban ones, a problem made worse by fewer safety screenings of people who are potentially at risk for abuse, according to studies conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota.

One of the studies, conducted through the university’s Rural Health Research Center , looked at the challenges faced by victims and survivors of such violence in rural areas. It did so by speaking with advocacy organizations, state-based coalitions and service organizations that help victims of intimate partner violence. 

Other studies found that physical intimate partner violence is more common among rural expectant mothers in the U.S. and that rural victims of intimate partner violence are at a higher risk of not being screened for abuse compared with those in urban areas. The researchers hope their work will shed light on the extent of domestic partner violence in rural spaces, which some say are ill-equipped to deal with the trend because they are underfunded and understaffed. 

The team interviewed staff members from 15 organizations, including five national policy and advocacy service groups, five state-based coalitions and five direct service organizations that serve rural communities in four states. The Minnesota organizations included Violence Free Minnesota, the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center and Southwest Crisis Center. 

Challenges for rural victims

Many of the groups brought up similar themes that pose challenges for the prevention of intimate partner violence, said Alyssa Fritz, a research and policy fellow of the Rural Health Research Center and co-author of the studies. 

Mandated reporting laws, for example, can often result in negative impacts for the victim, said Guadalupe Lopez, the executive director of Violence Free Minnesota, a statewide coalition of organizations that work to end relationship abuse.

Lopez has seen children separated from their mothers and removed from their homes because abuse was reported. 

“Someone that is experiencing violence already has a loss of control or power over their life and loss of agency and so having this decision made for them … it’s another way of taking away some of that power,” Fritz said. 

Interviewees who talked to Fritz also shared the importance of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE). Those nurses have additional training that helps them care for sexual assault victims — and have been shown to improve health outcomes. Lopez said they are “incredibly important” to communities but that there’s also a need for nurses who know how to deal with domestic violence cases and collect forensic evidence. 

Fritz said many organizations expressed a shortage of SANE nurses in rural areas. A study of the availability of SANE practitioners in Pennsylvania, for instance, found that in 2022 only 16.7% of rural Pennsylvania counties had a certified SANE, compared with 68.4% of nonrural counties.

Higher rates of partner violence

The University of Minnesota’s research found that nationwide, 4.6% of rural residents and 3.2% of urban residents reported experiencing physical violence from a current or former intimate partner. 

Greater Minnesota is also overrepresented in intimate partner homicides based on its smaller population. A report from Violence Free Minnesota found that from 1989 to 2018, 45.5% of intimate partner homicides of women were in Greater Minnesota and 54.5% were in the metro. 

“A lot of people have the stereotype that inner city and urban areas carry the most violence,” Lopez said. 

Lopez said some communities don’t hold people accountable in the same ways as others. 

“Each county, each city handles domestic violence so differently,” she said. “Some cities have domestic violence courts that really pay attention and hold that violence in a different way, and some cities don’t, where things are falling through the cracks.” 

Much of the university’s research focuses on potential solutions that could help victims when they’re facing intimate partner violence. Some organizations brought up financial help for victims as a key pathway. 

“Not being able to support oneself is one of the top reasons that victims feel like they can’t leave abusive situations,” Fritz said. “People know their needs more than anyone else.” 

Oregon, for example, offers temporary funds to domestic violence survivors. 

Meggie Royer, the prevention program manager at Violence Free Minnesota, said the staffing and the funding of shelters and other forms of support is a concern in rural areas because often one office is the only resource available.

In rural areas, Royer said transportation to a shelter or community organization that offers aid is also a barrier to receiving help. 

Fewer screenings in rural areas

The research also found that victims of partner abuse in rural areas were less likely to be asked about abuse in healthcare settings, which could provide a chance for intervention. 

Before pregnancy, 60.4% of rural residents and 57.8% of urban residents who experienced intimate partner violence were not screened for abuse, according to the research. Many of the victims lacked health care visits before pregnancy, with approximately 35% of rural residents and 33.1% of urban residents who experienced intimate partner violence not having attended a visit in the year before their pregnancy.

The research found that 21.3% of rural residents and 16.5% of urban residents who experienced intimate partner violence reported not receiving abuse screening. In addition, 40% of rural and 36.3% of urban victims were not screened at the visits they did attend, which Fritz found alarming. “Healthcare is such an important place to have to be screened or have resources,” Fritz said.  “For some people, it might be the only confidential place they can access support for it.”

Ava Kian Ava Kian is MinnPost’s Greater Minnesota reporter. Follow her on Twitter @kian_ava or email her at [email protected] .

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RESEARCH PROPOSAL On Domestic violence

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