Syrian Refugee Women’s Experiences with Intimate Partner Violence During Pre-War, Displacement, and Asylum Period in Türkiye

This study explores the experiences of Syrian refugee women with intimate partner violence (IPV) across three distinct periods: pre-war, post-war (beginning in 2011), and asylum in Turkey. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 Syrian refugee women residing in Ankara. Thematic analysis, conducted using MAXQDA software, revealed that IPV occurred in varying forms across all three periods. However, the pre-war period emerged as the time when women experienced the highest levels of violence. This prevalence is attributed to deeply rooted patriarchal structures, unequal power dynamics between men and women, and sociocultural norms that perpetuate violence. The findings highlight the persistent influence of gendered power imbalances and cultural traditions in shaping women's vulnerability to IPV, even in the context of forced migration. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of IPV among refugee populations and underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by Syrian refugee women.