Who Is at Risk? Analyzing the Drivers of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Turkey

Violence against women represents a severe violation of human rights and has become a pervasive issue globally. This study aims to examine the risk factors associated with violence against women in a developing country context, specifically Turkey. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The study sample comprised 391 women living in a northeastern Turkish province, selected using a stratified sampling method. Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 60 years, with a mean age of 40.83 years. The findings revealed a positive correlation between the age of both women and their spouses and the likelihood of experiencing physical and verbal violence. Factors such as the number of marriages, duration of marriage, number of children, and spousal infidelity emerged as significant risks for victimization. Additionally, an early age at first marriage, the presence of mental illness, and addiction problems were identified as critical risk factors for women’s victimization in violence. Education and employment were protective factors against violence, with higher educational levels and employment status for women and their spouses reducing the risk. Regression analyses further identified women’s education level, prior exposure to domestic violence, age at first marriage, and the addiction status of the spouse as significant predictors of violence against women. The findings provide valuable insights into the etiology of violence against women. In conclusion, the study has the potential to guide the development of more targeted and effective strategies to combat this pervasive public health and human rights issue.