ABSTRACT

Gender-based violence is being increasingly recognized as a major public health concern and a violation of basic human rights. This is not only a social problem but also a significant burden on the public health. We have determined the frequency of and factors affecting the violence against women in Konya in this study. This descriptive study was carried out at two primary health care units selected randomly between 15th January and 15th February 2005. We evaluated domestic violence among 405 cases. Women were asked about their socio-demographic characteristics and experiences about violence. The median age of the respondents was 32.0 (15-77) years. Eighty four (20.7%) of the women experienced violence at least once in their life. Low economic position was a significant factor contributing to the increase in violence against women (p=0.004). Whilst low education levels of husbands (p=0.040) and mothers (p=0.002) and high numbers of sibling (p=0.032) were significantly associated with violence, the woman's own education level was not a significant factor (p=0.850). The following feelings were statistically significant among battered women: disappointment with marriage (p<0.001), suicide idea (p<0.001), leaving home (p<0.001) and feeling insecure (p<0.001). Consequently, low economic position, low education levels of husbands and mothers and high numbers of offspring have been found as risk factors among battered women.