Intimate partner violence represents a pervasive worldwide issue that severely impacts the physical and mental health of millions of women. The consequences often manifest as injury, chronic psychological distress such as depression and anxiety, and in extreme cases, death. Prior research has elucidated that the normalization of violence within intimate relationships—where social norms tacitly or explicitly condone acts perpetrated by partners—directly influences the frequency and severity of IPV incidents. However, the evolving global landscape revealing declining acceptance of such violence demanded a nuanced exploration of what broader societal transformations might be driving these attitudinal shifts and whether such changes translate to measurable declines in actual violence.

The investigation harnessed an unprecedented dataset from the Demographic and Health Surveys Program, encompassing the attitudinal responses of more than 1.9 million women across 69 countries and over half a million men in 60 countries between 1999 and 2024. The researchers meticulously evaluated the acceptability of intimate partner violence, operationalized as the belief that a husband is justified in hitting or beating his wife under specific circumstances. This, alongside country-level data quantifying incidence rates of physical IPV against women, permitted a robust longitudinal analysis of trends at a global scale.

Results affirmed that the acceptability of intimate partner violence has substantially decreased in a vast majority of countries—89% among men and 94% among women. Strikingly, the speed of this attitudinal decline was positively associated with corresponding reductions in the actual reported prevalence of violence. This indicates a powerful social feedback loop whereby shifting norms may engender tangible reductions in IPV, or alternatively, reductions in violence may reinforce changing social norms.

Beyond social attitudes and violence metrics, the authors examined the role of human development in these trends. Utilizing the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI), which aggregates indicators related to education, health outcomes, and economic prosperity, they discovered a notable pattern: countries exhibiting rapid human development progress simultaneously experienced accelerated declines in IPV acceptability. Interestingly, while gender-focused measures such as the Gender Development Index (GDI) — which assesses gender disparities in human development — showed less consistent connections with attitudinal changes, the overarching societal improvements appeared vital.

These findings illuminate the complex interplay between human development and social norms. Enhanced access to education, improved health infrastructure, and rising standards of living may collectively foster conditions where violence against women is less tolerated, although the study design cautions against inferring direct causality. Structural advancements likely provide a conducive environment for normative transformations but do not single-handedly eradicate deeply entrenched cultural practices.

Corresponding author Dr. Kimmo Ericksson articulated this insight, emphasizing the significance of broad human development progress to fighting domestic violence globally. He noted the encouraging trend over the last quarter-century, where nearly all studied countries witnessed diminishing social justifications for wife-beating. “The retreat in acceptance reflects broader societal shifts,” Ericksson argued, “propelled by better schooling, improved healthcare, and enhanced living standards.”

Co-author Pontus Strimling described the consistency of declining IPV acceptance as particularly striking. He highlighted that the patterns held true across diverse cultural and geographical contexts, appearing almost universal in nature. Moreover, the researchers observed a meaningful association between the specific pace of attitudinal change and reported reductions in women’s experiences of violence, reinforcing the practical import of transforming social norms.

This extensive study, published in the open-access journal PLOS Global Public Health, represents one of the largest empirical efforts to date analyzing intimate partner violence attitudes and prevalence across the globe. The longitudinal approach, leveraging survey data spanning 25 years, provides a rare temporal depth that enriches understanding of global trends in gender-based violence and social change.

Importantly, the authors emphasize that despite encouraging progress, intimate partner violence remains a critical public health challenge requiring sustained and multifaceted interventions. Legal reforms, community-based programming, education campaigns, and economic empowerment initiatives all form vital components to further accelerate declines in social acceptability and violent behaviors.

The research received support from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation under Grant No. 2022.0191, with the authors declaring no competing interests influencing their findings. The open availability of the article via the DOI link (10.1371/journal.pgph.0006628) ensures that policymakers, practitioners, and the global public can engage with these pivotal insights without restriction.

Looking ahead, this landmark study substantiates arguments for integrating efforts to improve human development indicators with targeted strategies aimed at transforming social norms around intimate partner violence. While causality remains to be definitively mapped, the close association between declining tolerance for violence and human development advancements underlines a strategic path forward.

In summary, the global decline in acceptability of intimate partner violence is a promising beacon illuminating pathways toward reducing one of the most entrenched forms of gender-based harm. Coupled with ongoing improvements in education, health, and economic conditions, societies worldwide appear to be moving toward a future where the scourge of partner violence may become increasingly marginalized and socially unacceptable.

Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Trends in the acceptability and prevalence of intimate partner violence: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys, 1999–2024
News Publication Date: 24-Jun-2026
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0006628
References: Vartanova I, Eriksson K, Strimling P (2026) Trends in the acceptability and prevalence of intimate partner violence: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys, 1999–2024. PLOS Glob Public Health 6(6): e0006628. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0006628
Keywords: intimate partner violence, social norms, human development, gender-based violence, Demographic and Health Surveys, public health, global trends

The staggering statistics regarding intimate partner violence in Nigeria are a cause for significant concern. IPV is not just a personal dilemma; it’s a societal one that impacts health, economic wellbeing, and the overall structural fabric of communities. Drawing from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey, Okunlola’s research encapsulates the voices of countless women who have experienced varying degrees of violence. This quantitative approach not only amplifies their stories but also presents a clarion call for urgent interventions.

One of the most salient findings presented in Okunlola’s research is the relationship between socio-economic factors and the severity of IPV. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by violence, as financial dependence often traps them in abusive relationships. This correlation reveals a cycle of poverty and violence where economic power dynamics play a crucial role, showcasing how increasing women’s economic independence could potentially reduce their vulnerability to violence.

Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of education as a protective factor against IPV. Women who have attained higher levels of education tend to experience less severe forms of intimate partner violence. This finding underscores the necessity of educational interventions that empower women with both knowledge and skills, allowing them to break free from violent cycles and foster healthier relationships.

Cultural norms and societal attitudes toward gender roles also emerged as significant factors in the severity of IPV. In many communities, traditional beliefs that endorse male dominance and control over women contribute to the persistence of intimate partner violence. Okunlola’s work highlights how these deep-seated cultural paradigms often trap women in environments where they feel powerless to seek help, reinforcing the need for community-based advocacy and the reevaluation of cultural practices.

The multilevel perspective adopted by Okunlola is particularly noteworthy as it considers various levels of influence, including individual, relational, community, and societal factors. This broad approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of IPV and emphasizes that interventions must be multifaceted and tailored to address the intersecting influences at play. Public health strategies must therefore engage multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders, to create holistic solutions that address the root causes of IPV.

With the increasing accessibility of health surveys and demographic studies, researchers now have more tools than ever to uncover the complexities of intimate partner violence. Okunlola’s utilization of data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey serves as a prime example of how empirical evidence can inform policy and advocacy efforts. By shedding light on the dimensions of IPV, such research can drive conversation and inspire legislative measures aimed at protecting women and enhancing their rights.

Moreover, the implications of Okunlola’s study are not confined to academic circles. There is a pressing need for public awareness campaigns that educate individuals about IPV, its consequences, and resources available to victims. Awareness programs should be rooted in the communities affected, fostering dialogue that challenges the stigma surrounding IPV and empowers both men and women to engage in conversations about healthy relationships.

An intriguing aspect of the research is its focus on the role of healthcare providers in addressing IPV. Many women experiencing IPV frequently turn to health services for help, making healthcare settings critical touchpoints for intervention. By training healthcare professionals to recognize signs of violence and provide appropriate referrals, the health system could become a crucial ally in the fight against IPV.

The urgency of addressing intimate partner violence in Nigeria is further compounded by the current socio-political climate. With increasing urbanization and migration, many women find themselves navigating new and often hostile environments. Okunlola’s findings stress the need for targeted support systems that cater to the distinct challenges faced by women in these shifting landscapes, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for their safety and well-being.

In conclusion, Okunlola’s study offers a timely and essential examination of intimate partner violence in Nigeria, revealing multifaceted correlates that extend beyond mere statistics. By understanding the intersections of socio-economic status, education, cultural beliefs, and healthcare, stakeholders can begin to forge innovative and effective responses to IPV. In addressing these critical factors, society can work together to cultivate an environment where women feel safe, valued, and empowered to live free from violence.

As the conversation around intimate partner violence evolves, it becomes increasingly important for researchers, policymakers, and community advocates to collaborate in fostering societal change. The ultimate goal remains clear: to eradicate intimate partner violence and ensure that every woman in Nigeria—and everywhere—is afforded the right to live a life free from fear and abuse.

Subject of Research: Examining the multifaceted factors influencing the severity of intimate partner violence among women in Nigeria using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.

Article Title: Multilevel correlates of the severity of intimate partner violence among women in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.

Article References:

Okunlola, D.A. Multilevel correlates of the severity of intimate partner violence among women in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.
J Pop Research 42, 3 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12546-024-09357-8

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Intimate partner violence, Nigeria, socio-economic factors, education, cultural norms, demographic health survey, women’s empowerment, public health, healthcare intervention, societal change.