The Impact of Domestic Violence against Women on the Ideal Number of Children (Results of a Survey in the City of Sadra)

The ideal number of children provides an estimate of women's actual fertility. In addition to the numerous social and health consequences, domestic violence against women can have an impact on their fertility and childbearing ideals. This quantitative study aims to investigate the influence of domestic violence on women's ideal fertility. The study employed a survey method and utilized the multi-stage cluster sampling technique to survey 379 married women of reproductive age in the city of Sadra, Fars province. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the most prevalent ideal fertility pattern among the participants is having two children. Furthermore, the results indicated that 13.5% of the women surveyed experienced moderate to high levels of violence. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that an increase in domestic violence against women is associated with a decrease in their ideal fertility. Thus, strengthening the foundation of families and reducing domestic violence against women can impact population growth. Consequently, it is recommended to incorporate the reduction of domestic violence against women into new population policies.