What Are the Saudi Community Attitudes Towards Domestic Violence Against Women? A Cross-Sectional Study From Riyadh

Abstract

Introduction: Culture and social norms shape attitudes towards domestic violence against women (DVAW). Attitudes accepting DVAW contribute to violence. There is scarce evidence about community attitudes towards DVAW in Saudi Arabia. The study explores the Saudi community attitudes towards DVAW.

Methods: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design using a self-report structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data and participants' attitudes towards DVAW.

Results: The study sample included 831 Saudi participants, 414 females and 417 males, between 18 and 79 years old. The majority of participants (69.5%) showed rejection of DVAW. Women were five times more likely to reject DVAW than men (OR = 5.19, 95% CI [3.6-7.4]). Participants with pre-university education and lower living standards reported rejection of DVAW compared to their counterparts.

Discussion: The results can help stakeholders develop strategies and awareness campaigns targeting different educational and living levels to minimize DVAW.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; attitudes; community; domestic violence against women.