Evaluation of intimate partner violence among Syrian women refugees in Turkey

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the phenomenon of intimate partner violence (IPV) against Syrian women refugees in Turkey. The research examines the prevalence of IPV, socio-cultural, economic, and contextual factors, refugees' well-being, and barriers to accessing support services. Additionally, the effects of IPV on women's physical, psychological, and social well-being are assessed, and the challenges they face in seeking help are discussed. The study involved 420 participants aged between 20 and 61. Of these, 75 reported experiencing severe intimate partner violence (IPV), and 19 agreed to in-depth interviews, resulting in more comprehensive discussions. Two data collection tools were used: surveys and in-depth interview techniques. Initially, A questionnaire developed from the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 (CTS2) was used to collect data from 420 adult Syrian women. Subsequently, in-depth interviews with 19 IPV survivors were conducted using the Women's Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire (WHO-WHLE) IPV Survivors' Interview Form (Dr. Halimah Deshong ve UN WOMEN, 2020). The research identified key factors contributing to IPV, including early marriage, financial dependency, traditional gender roles, and the psychological impact of war and displacement. The findings underscore the complex interplay between socio-cultural dynamics and personal experiences, revealing that many women endure various forms of IPV, often exacerbated by limited social support and economic opportunities. The Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) survey used in the study demonstrated high internal consistency, with a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.940, confirming its reliability in this context. The survey results indicated moderate levels of negotiation during disagreements but lower levels of psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury. These findings emphasize the urgent need for tailored interventions and support services to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Keywords: IPV, Violence, Partner, Refugee, Sexual, Physical, Psychological, Conflict, Relationship