Sociodemographic and generational correlates of women's attitudes toward intimate partner violence in Türkiye

Abstract

Gender norms and sociodemographic resources shape women's perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV). Understanding these factors within primary care settings is essential for implementing context-specific screening and counseling practices. To examine the sociodemographic and generational correlates of women's gender role and IPV-related attitudes, and evaluate the predictors of actual lifetime IPV exposure, this study included 1091 women aged 18 years and older registered at training family health centers in Türkiye. Lifetime IPV exposure rates were substantial. More egalitarian and anti-violence attitudes were associated with higher education, formal employment, and younger generations. Lower education, low income, and relationship separation were stronger predictors of victimization than individual attitudinal scores, with older generational cohorts facing a much higher risk of economic violence. Women's attitudes toward IPV and actual vulnerability are grounded in generational shifts and individual-level resources that dictate relational power. In primary care, the high sub-clinical burden of non-physical violence emphasizes the need for proactive, direct questioning strategies to improve disclosure.