Domestic violence: a cross-sectional study in an Iranian city

To determine the prevalence of domestic physical violence against women and its associated factors in Sanandaj city, Islamic Republic of Iran, a random sample of 1000 married women completed a questionnaire. Of the respondents, 15% had been assaulted by their husbands at least once in the previous year and 38% at some time during the marriage. Economic problems were the most frequent cause of domestic quarrels. There was a significant association between husbands educational level and violence against wives. Physical violence against housewives was significantly more frequent than against employed women. Husband s job was also significantly associated with violence. The existence of a child or daughter in the family was associated with less domestic physical violence against women