Examination of the relationship between domestic violence awareness and exposure to intimate partner violence among married women

This study was conducted to examine whether married women's awareness of domestic violence and their exposure to intimate partner violence differ according to sociodemographic variables, and to investigate the predictive effect of awareness on partner violence. The research was carried out using a quantitative method with the voluntary participation of 403 married women. Data were collected using the Domestic Violence Awareness Scale, the Scale for Violence Against Women in the Family, and a sociodemographic information form. According to the findings, women aged 31–40 years, those with a marriage duration of 10 years or less, women who were employed and whose spouses were employed, and those whose spouses had higher educational levels demonstrated higher levels of domestic violence awareness and lower levels of exposure to partner violence. Having a spouse who was not regularly employed increased women's tendency to accept violence. Older women and those who married by acquaintance showed higher awareness levels and lower exposure to violence. Women living in nuclear family structures were better at recognizing violence and were less likely to tolerate it. Although women whose spouses consumed alcohol had higher awareness of violence, they experienced higher levels of partner violence. In addition, having a spouse with a mental health diagnosis was associated with increased exposure to partner violence. Increased awareness levels were found to reduce exposure to partner violence. In this context, it is recommended to expand programs that support women's empowerment, enhance economic independence, and promote community-based awareness initiatives. Keywords: Domestic violence, Spousal violence, Awareness, Women, Social work.