Attitudes Towards Physical and Psychological Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships - Comparison of Rural and Urban Environments

Abstract

Attitudes towards intimate partner violence are one of the most important predictors of this type of violence. In general, they are influenced by intercultural differences, gender differences, type of environment (urban/rural), and level of education. Tolerance of violence is higher in Asian and African countries, among men and in rural areas, where education levels are lower. An online survey of attitudes towards intimate partner violence was conducted among 613 people aged between 18 and 65 in Slovenia. Data collection took place in August 2023, and members of the JazVem panel were included. The research showed that there is low tolerance of physical and psychological intimate partner violence, but that there are differences between rural and urban areas, and between genders. This finding on low tolerance of violence is consistent with the findings of other surveys from other European countries. Slovenian society is aware of the problem of intimate partner violence, and local media and NGOs could help to further raise awareness of such violence in rural areas, where tolerance of violence is still higher than in urban areas.