Peer-reviewed article

Assessing the levels and association between emotional and physical intimate partner violence against women in Türkiye.

Ömer Alkan, Arife Kilinç · 13 Nov 2025

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the levels and risk factors associated with physical and emotional violence that women in Türkiye have been subjected to simultaneously by their husbands/partners at some point in their lives. METHODS: Bivariate probit regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with women's experiences of physical and emotional violence inflicted by their husbands/partners. In this study, the cross-sectional data of the National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Türkiye conducted in 2014 by the Institute of Population Studies of Hacettepe University were used. The survey questionnaires of The National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Türkiye were implemented by the research team. The number of samples to be considered was calculated as 6458. The sampling of the research was carried out using cluster sampling. The weights calculated in accordance with the sample design of the research were added to these data sets. FINDINGS: The study revealed that 33 % of women experienced physical violence, while 41 % faced emotional violence. Women living in the central region, those with children, and those whose educational level exceeded that of their husband/partner were found to have a higher likelihood of experiencing both forms of violence. It was determined that young women were less likely to be exposed to physical and emotional violence. As women's educational level and health status improve, their likelihood of being exposed to physical and emotional violence decreases. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study reveal that these forms of violence are interconnected and underscore the importance of devising effective strategies to lower the risk for women who are more susceptible to experiencing physical and emotional violence in the future. Conducting more comprehensive research on these forms of violence in Türkiye from diverse perspectives could serve as a crucial guide in identifying key areas that require immediate attention for addressing this issue. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The study results demonstrate that effective strategies to protect women at risk-such as gender equality campaigns, the widespread implementation of violence screening protocols in health check-ups, and increasing the capacity of shelters-must be urgently implemented by policymakers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and local organizations. In particular, the use of standardized violence assessment tools during routine examinations in healthcare facilities can provide an effective method for early intervention and referral. In addition, training healthcare personnel to identify and support victims of violence will enhance the effectiveness of this process. Conducting multidisciplinary, comprehensive research to understand the socio-cultural and structural dynamics of domestic violence in Türkiye will serve as an indispensable guide in determining priority areas in combating violence and will offer evidence-based solutions to all relevant stakeholders.