Breaking Silence: Women and Men’s Experiences of Preventing IPV

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious problem in all cultures. This study aimed to identify Jordanian men’s and women’s strategies of preventing IPV using focus groups and open-ended questionnaires. Participants identified many strategies to prevent IPV, which fell within three themes: (1) shields of prevention; (2) understanding the triggers of IPV; and (3) resources of prevention. Participants described their opinions on preventing IPV and discussed the role of extended family, financial dependence, triggers of IPV, and coping strategies used by women. Preventing IPV requires substantial changes in the personal characteristics of men and women, communication skills, and law enforcement.