Empowerment through technology: domestic violence acceptance among Iraqi women in an intersectional context

Acceptance of domestic violence against women refers to the belief that violence can be justified. Women’s attitudes towards domestic violence shape societal acceptance, victimization, disclosure, and help-seeking behaviors. This study explored the role of gender, socio-economic status, regional disparities, and empowerment in domestic violence acceptance among Iraqi women.

Using data from the 2018 Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 6) with 19,443 married Iraqi women, this cross-sectional study employed logistic regression analyses to investigate individual, interpersonal, community, and societal determinants of domestic violence acceptance.

48.4% of married Iraqi women accepted domestic violence, with higher acceptance in South/Central regions (62–73%). Factors associated with higher acceptance included lower education (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.35–0.45 for upper secondary education compared to preprimary or non), functional difficulties (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.40–1.83), marriage to blood-related spouses (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.36–1.54), and rural residence (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15–1.33). Conversely, owning a mobile phone (aOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.44–0.50) and using a computer/tablet (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.30–0.38) were associated with lower acceptance.

These findings, given the lack of research on domestic violence among Iraqi women, highlight the urgent need for policy discussions supporting Sustainable Development Goals on gender equity and well-being. Enhanced access to technology could help women have better access to resources, support systems, and information, which would lower acceptance for domestic violence.