Psychosocial Challenges of Married Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study Publisher



Heidari H¹ ; Hamidi H² ; Mardanihamooleh M³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Public Health (Germany) Published:2024

Abstract

Aim: Domestic violence (DV) is a global public problem that is seen at all levels of society. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of married women of the psychosocial challenges of DV. Subject and methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 women who had been subjected to violence by their spouses. The interviews were transcribed. Initially, semantic resemblances and differences were reviewed and subcategories were defined. After repeated review, the related subcategories were placed in one category. Results: Women with a history of DV experienced psychosocial challenges in the form of psychological concerns and socio-cultural challenges. Psychological concerns included fear, anxiety, and attempts to end life. Socio-cultural challenges also included ending relationships with others, lack of social support, and DV as a cultural taboo. Conclusion: The results of our study acknowledge that DV against women occurred in the context of psychological and social challenges, which can threaten women’s mental and social health. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023.