Violence against women and quality of life

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, risk factors of domestic violence and its relationship with quality of life in women. Methods: This cross-sectional study is conducted on 287 women aged between 15 and 64 years with at least one marriage and in two Family Health Center located in urban and semi-urban region. A questionnaire consists of 65 questions and World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Scale is applied for evaluation quality of life of participants. Results: The prevalence of being subjected to violence by husband or ex-husband at least one time and within last year is 27.2% and 13.6%. Women are subjected to at least one of these violence types, 39.4% emotional violence/abuse, 24.4% economic violence/abuse, 23.3% physical violence, 9.8% sexual violence. Exposure to domestic violence is deteriorate in all domains of quality of life of women. Exposure to violence in childhood of the partner is the factor significantly associated with the every kind of violence. Involuntary or prearranged marriage, having three or more children, excessive alcohol usage of husband and being witnessed to violence during childhood are found as other risk factors which increases the rate of violence against women. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop policies not only status of women but also to change perspective of society against violence with a multi-dimensional approach. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2017; 18(3.000): 203-210]