Intimate Partner Violence and the Culture of Shame in Kazakhstan: Voices of Survivors and Violence Against Women Professionals

This research uses in-depth interviews with 12 professionals and 12 survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) to shed light on the manifestations of IPV in Kazakhstan, where IPV is under-researched. Centered on the culturally specific concept of shame (<i>uyat),</i> the findings illuminate three themes: the prevalent forms of IPV; the impact of <i>uyat</i> on survivors' attitudes and responses to IPV; and survivors' interactions with law enforcement and professionals. The findings emphasize the urgency of confronting <i>uyat</i> and patriarchal norms, strengthening and enforcing laws against IPV, reinforcing support for survivors, and empowering women to advance Sustainable Development Goal 5.2.