[Indicators of empowerment in women supported by imam Khomeini relief committee of Gorgan in confrontation with violence]

ABSTRACT

Violence against women is recognized internationally. Domestic Violence is a phenomenon as old as family history. The purpose of this study was to determine empowerment indicators of women covered by Imam Khomeini Relief Committee in Gorgan. The method of study was descriptive-analytical and the data collection tool was a questionnaire. To determine reliability, test-retest method was used, and a correlation coefficient of 0.883 was obtained. To determine validity, Cronbach's alpha was applied and the figure turned out to be 0.81. In total, 91 women participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. They had at least one child and each lived with her husband. The data were then analyzed using SPPS software [version 16] as well as descriptive and inferential [Chi square] statistics. The means and standard deviations of women's Knowledge, Attitude, Self-esteem and Self-efficacy were 6.5 +/- 2.49, 4.16 +/- 2.22, 5.25 +/- 1.92, 5.26 +/- 1.67. The means of all 4 indicators were either average or low for violence against women; moreover, they did not know much about anger management skills. Women should be empowered to prevent violence against them. To this end, they should be informed about how to enhance their Knowledge, Attitude, Self-esteem and Self-efficacy