Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is a major problem worldwide and it is one of the most troubling social issues in Armenia. Due to lack of proper social and political infrastructure and the influence of patriarchy norms, women are limited from speaking outside the house about the violence the face. Empowerment is one of the important factors that helps women to break the cycle of violence by their husband/partner. The aim of this research is to explore the impact of intimate partner violence on empowerment of Armenian women of reproductive age group. This cross-sectional study used data Armenia Demography and Health Survey Data 2015-16. A total 6116 women were selected from 8749 households both at urban and rural places of Armenia for interview using multistage cluster sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. The mean age of the respondent was 31 years. The respondents between 35-49 years are more likely to face violence compared to the respondents from other age group (p<0.00). The logistic regression analysis shows that age of the respondents, number of children in the households, wealth index, and empowerment status are significantly associated with intimate partner violence. To move forward as a nation, significant changes are required in the sociocultural structure of the country and this will only be achieved by creating general awareness among the masses about role of women and their empowerment and greater gender balancing in society. There need to be positive and suitable options for all women.