A Critical Analysis of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence in Iran

Abstract

According to global data, intimate partner violence and its corresponding impact threaten the lives of almost 35% of women at some point in their life. The aim of this research was to explore the effects of intimate partner sexual violence on women's sense of self-efficacy when it comes to speaking out against violence and seeking help. In-depth interviews and a thematic analysis approach were employed to collect and analyze the data. The participants were 10 women with experiences of intimate partner sexual violence. They were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Two main themes were drawn from the data, including Exposure and Empowerment. Exposure refers to the type of violence women have experienced and its physical and emotional effects; and Empowerment refers to factors women considered as giving them the courage to speak out against perpetrators, to seek help from others, or to refrain from doing either. It is concluded that Iranian women are not passive when exposed to intimate partner sexual violence, and social support, mainly from family and friends, was a pathway to feelings of empowerment; without this support, women's emotional health is put in jeopardy. Due to the importance of social networks in creating a sense of empowerment, it is recommended that professionals involved in cases of intimate partner sexual violence create an alliance with the women's families and friend and educate them on how to prevent violence or offer help before the violence takes its toll on woman's emotional and physical wellbeing.

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among Intimate Partners During the Perinatal Period: A Narrative Literature Review

“…The patriarchal structure of some cultural contexts, which endorse the idea that a woman should be ready to satisfy her partner's sexual desires under any circumstances and at any cost could explain the higher risk for IPV victimization. This may suggest that the more patriarchal the societies the more such factors might play a role in the occurrence of IPV ( 27 , 126 ). Family level related factors consisted of unplanned and undesired pregnancies, having multiple abortions, multigravidity, as well as having more (or fewer) than two children.…”

Prevalence of Domestic Violence against Women and Its Visibility in Southeast Iran

“…Reasons for not disclosing violence to the police or law enforcement agencies include shame, the desire to protect the perpetrator, stigmatization, guilt, and fear ( 12 ). Given the cultural norms that govern the Iranian community, efforts are made to discuss and solve problems within the family environment, and Iranian families avoid disclosing problems to foreigners ( 13 ). Most women in Iran depend financially on their husbands ( 14 ).…”

Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Abortion in Iran: Evidence From a Nationally Representative Survey

“…Both unintended pregnancy and abortion have adverse implications on women's health, and they are also incompatible with the population policies which encourage fertility and childbearing. Domestic violence should be recognized as a health condition for women (Couto et al, 2015) and abortion contributes to negative outcomes for women's health-mentally and physically (Naghavi et al, 2019;Reardon, 2018). Most previous studies examined the relationship between abortion and domestic violence in Iran were small scale or systematic review.…”

“…Domestic violence should be recognized as a health condition for women (Couto et al, 2015) and abortion contributes to negative outcomes for women’s health—mentally and physically (Naghavi et al, 2019; Reardon, 2018). Most previous studies examined the relationship between abortion and domestic violence in Iran were small scale or systematic review.…”

“…It is most commonly found in intimate relationships (VandenBos, 2007); sexual abuse as another form of domestic violence is defined as unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, bribes, or coercion, and making threats (Smit et al, 2019); emotional abuse consisting of extreme verbal abuse (Wu et al, 2005) that hurt someone emotionally. This type of abuse includes unreasonable expectations, questioning the spouse's decisions and perceptions, mentally pressing the partner to do something wrong, and mentally abusing them (Neeraj et al, 2021).…”