Gender dynamics in the Palestinian society: Domestic and political violence

Several studies have shown how political conflict can lead to the "normalization" of violence within a society, increasing domestic violence against women. We analyse here the levels and determinants of domestic violence in the Palestinian society, assessing the extent to which patriarchy and Israeli occupation are major determinants of this violence. We use data from the Palestinian Health Survey (2006) database on cases of violence reported by married women (5291) and on their attitudes towards violence. Our first result is that the probability of accepting violent behavior is significantly related to the experience that women themselves have of domestic violence (OR=1.48[1.10-1.99] for the acceptance of violence among respondents who experienced violence from their spouse vs those who did not experience this domestic violence). Second, the probability of accepting domestic violence and to report acts of violence is significantly associated with exposure to political violence:women who live in the areas most affected by political violence and mobility restrictions are more likely to report having experienced violence and to accept it; their households also suffer from economic insecurity. Thus, the violence experienced by the society as a whole seems to legitimize and increase violence in the couple.