Investigating the relationship between socioeconomic status and domestic violence against women in Isfahan, Iran in 2021: A cross-sectional study

Background and AimsDomestic violence can include controlling or coercive behaviors and acts, as well as physical, sexual, psychological, and financial elements. Given the significance of domestic violence against women and its complications, this study looked into the relationship between socioeconomic status and domestic violence against women in Isfahan in 2019. MethodsIn 2021, a cross-sectional study of 427 married women referred to comprehensive health centers in Isfahan, Iran, was carried out. The available sampling method was chosen. To collect data, a domestic violence questionnaire and a socioeconomic status index were used. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Latent GOLD software. ResultsThe average age of the women in this study was 33.21, 37% worked, and 63 were housewives. Based on Latent class analysis method, women were classified into two groups of high or low socioeconomic status class. The findings revealed a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and different types of violence against women, including light physical violence, emotional violence, verbal violence, and sexual violence (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and domestic violence against women in Isfahan, with women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds being more vulnerable to violence. Given the prevalence of violence against women in the family and its consequences, policy makers should look for the causes of this type of violence as well as solutions to reduce this health and social problem. Factors such as the expansion of counseling and treatment centers in health care facilities, as well as education and life skills training, are particularly important in reducing this phenomenon in society.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and domestic violence against women in Isfahan in 2019. The findings showed a significant correlation between socioeconomic status and different types of violence, with women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds being more vulnerable. Policy makers should address the causes of this violence and implement solutions, such as expanding counseling and treatment centers and providing education and life skills training.