Violence against women by their husbands or other male members of their family has existed in almost every human society throughout history. In all parts of the world, women are left alone and also they are deprived of societal support when they face with violence. Violence against women is an important social mechanism that makes women be in the second position compared to that of men's. Many psychologists and psychiatrists claim that women subjected to physical violence typically "lose their personalities" and feel shame and helplessness and that many of them were in need of psychiatric help. Domestic violence has affected many families for several decades and it still dominates our society today. Each year, there is an increase in the number of the cases of domestic violence, which is defined as; "intentional, hostile, aggressive physical or psychological acts with marital or intimate relationship in the house"2 Violence against women in Turkey is a serious problem as it is in all other parts of the world. This study primarily concerns the silent female victim of domestic violence, who has so far been selectively ignored in Turkey. .
Discussion of domestic violence was led in Turkey in the 1980s by the newly emerging feminist movement, which launched the first significant campaign against domestic violence in 1987 entitled, "Cry, Let Everyone Hear You". Although conservatives defend the traditional view of domestic violence expressed through sayings, such as "beating comes from Heaven" or "a rose grows where a man hits", awareness is growing in society at large that domestic violence is unacceptable. To give examples, research studies have been carried out, volunteer advocates have defended increasing number of domestic violence victims and legal measures have been taken.3.
According to research led by the General Directorate of Women's Status and Problems, 97% of women experience domestic violence, including women living in slum housing.
