Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) refers to any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, and or sexual harm to those in the relationship. Research related to IPV, especially from the perspective of men, is scarce in many countries, including Saudi Arabia (SA).
This study aimed to generate a theory grounded in data that lead to an understanding of how Saudi men define IPV and what behaviours qualify as physical, emotional or sexual IPV. This will allow for exploration leading to an understanding of social processes underpinning the phenomenon and the development of culturally specific explanations for IPV in SA.
A constructivist grounded theory approach was used for this study. I targeted the desired population by sending flyers and invitation texts through social media accounts. Semi-structured individual in depth interviews were conducted with 26 Saudi men. The basic principles of grounded theory were explained along with an example to explain how key concepts and themes were identified.
The following categories emerged through the process of data analysis: marital dynamics, the role of family, the role of culture and religion, definitions and perceptions of IPV, causes and contributing factors of IPV, and addressing and preventing IPV. Marital dynamics, the role of family, and the role of culture and religion were identified as core categories. Throughout the data analysis process, I recognised the critical significance of the notion of understanding in the marital relationship. Therefore, the findings suggest that IPV occurs in Saudi society as a consequence of the continual and complex interaction of several factors and processes that impact the notion of understanding, which inhibits or facilitates IPV in the marital relationship.
This study provides insight into the meaning of IPV from the perspective of Saudi men. Findings from this study have several implications for practice and future research, which include, developing awareness and educational programmes to educate Saudi women and men about IPV, its many forms, as well as prevention strategies.
