Table 1 Domestic violence against women and associated factors studies from different parts of Ethiopia; 2000-November, 2014

Yigzaw T. et al., 2004 [15]

Gondar Zuria district, which is one of the 16 districts of the North Gondar Administrative Zone in northwest Ethiopia

Aimed to assess the prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors of intimate partner violence

1104 women (15–49) who selected using systematic sampling

Women who ever experienced physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse were 50.8 %. The prevalence of physical violence was 32.2 %, while that of forced sex and physical intimidation amounted were 19.2 % and 35.7 %, respectively. Exposure to parental domestic violence [AOR = 12.9; 95 % CI 9.1, 18.5] as girl was the strongest risk factor for being victim of violence later in life while husband used alcohol was the major attribute of violent partners [AOR = 4.7; 95 % CI 3.13, 6.9]. Rape was more likely to occur among rural women [AOR = 1.9;95 % CI: 1.3, 3.0], women who witnessed parental violence [AOR = 3.8; 95 % CI% 2.7, 5.4] and spouses consume alcohol frequently [AOR;2.9; 95 % CI 1.9, 4.2] while rape was less likely [AOR:0.7; 95 % CI 0.5, 0.9] to occur among women who shared household decision making.

Semahegn et al. 2013 [16]

FagitalekomaWoreda

Aimed to determine magnitude of domestic violence and identify its predictors

682 Married women (15–49) and systematic sampling

The prevalence of domestic violence was 78.0 %. About 73.3 %, 58.4 % and 49.1 % of women reported different forms of psychological, physical and sexual violence, respectively. Husband alcohol use [AOR = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.3, 2.8], being pregnant [AOR = 2.1, 95 % CI: 1.4, 3.4], decision making power [AOR = 2.3, 95 % CI: 1.5, 3.4] and annual income [AOR = 1.9, 95 % CI: 1.1, 3.3] were predictors of domestic violence.

Hassen and Deyassa, 2013 [17]

7districts in South Wollo zone

Aimed to assess the relationship between sexual violence and HIV infection among clients of VCT services

647 women (15–49) who selected

The prevalence of lifetime partner sexual violence, and last 12 months partner sexual violence were 34.6 %, and 10.5 % respectively. The overall prevalence of HIV among VCT users was 21.5 %. The chance of having HIV was 1.97 times higher among women victims who have a history of lifetime partner violence when compared with women who are not victims; [COR = 1.97, 95 % CI: 1.34 - 2.90].

NegussieDeyessa et al.,2010 [18]

Butajira district

To examines the contribution of area of residence and literacy to rates of violence against women, focusing on norms and attitudes of women in Ethiopia.

A total of 3,016 women (15–49) who selected by simple random sampling

Te over all physical violence against women during the last 12 months was 32 %. Fewer of these women were in polygamous marriages. Literate women living in rural communities had the highest prevalence of experiencing physical violence [AOR_2.2; 95 % CI: 1.3_3.7]. Similarly, spousal literacy alone, more women living with a literate spouse in rural communities had experienced physical violence [AOR_1.7; 95 % CI: 1.1_2.5]. Rural women had significantly higher odds of experiencing physical violence [AOR_3.4; 95 % CI: 1.7, 6.9].

Annabel Erulkar,2013 [19]

The survey took place 31 districts from 7 regions in Ethiopia

Aimed to explore the relationship Early Marriage, Marital Relations and Intimate Partner Violence in Ethiopia

1,671 women aged 20–24 who selected using simple random sampling method

Only one in five young women attained some secondary education. About 30 % got married at ages 15–17. Married women (18–19) were more likely than those married before age 15 to have discussed sexual issues [24 % vs. 15 %; p < 0.01]. who had married before age 15 were less likely to have wanted to experience sexual initiation than who had married at ages 18–19 [49 % vs. 85 %; p < 0.001], Likewise, the youngest brides had experienced high levels of forced first sex with their husbands (32 %) were more likely than older brides [7 % vs. 2–3 %; p < 0.001].

Feseha et al. 2012 [20]

Shimelba refugee camp, Northern Ethiopia

aim to assess the magnitude of intimate partner physical violence and associated factors among women in Shimelba refugee camp, Northern Ethiopia

422 refugee women (15–49) who selected by simple random sampling method

The prevalence of physical violence in the last 12 months and lifetime were 25.5 % and 31.0 % respectively. The commonest forms of physical violence reported slapping (61.6 %) and throwing objects (19.5 %). Physical violence associated with being farmer [AOR; 3.0: 95% CI: 1.7, 5.5], knowing women in neighborhood whose husband to beat them [AOR; 1.87 95% CI: 1.0, 3.5], being Muslim [AOR;2.4: 95%CI: 1.1, 5.5], and having husband drunk hard [AOR;2.1:95% CI:1.0, 4.5]. Women whose husband drink alcohol, chew khat or smoke cigarette experience IPV were higher than their counter parts [AOR;1.9: 95% CI: 1.2, 3.0] and [AOR;3.6: 95%C.I: 2.0, 6.2] respectively.

WHO, 2005 [1]

rural Meskan and Mareko District

To investigate how such violence is associated with ill-health and injury, and the strategies that women use to cope with the violence

3016 women between 15–49 years of age

Nearly one half (49 %) of women experienced physical violence by partner at some point in their lives, and 29 % during the past 12 months. 59 % of women experienced sexual violence at some point, and 44 % during the past 12 months. About 71 % of women experienced one or more form of violence over their lifetime. About 35 % of all women experienced at least one severe form of physical violence. Ninety eight percent of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy period by their husband. Of these, 28 % of pregnant women had been punched/kicked on abdomen. But 39 % of the women had kept silent

Deribe K, Beyene BK, Tolla A, Memiah P, Biadgilign S, et al. (2012) [21]

Kersa and Sokoru districts, Jimma Zone of Oromiya region southwest Ethiopia

To assess the magnitude of intimate partner violence in Southwest Ethiopia in predominantly rural community

851 married Women (15–49) who selected using Systematic sampling technique

The life time prevalence of sexual or physical violence or both was 64.7 % (95%CI: 61.4 %–67.9 %). The lifetime sexual violence [50.1 %; 95 % CI: 46.7 %–53.4 %] was considerably higher than physical violence [41.1 % (95 %:37.8–44.5)]. Women reported physical/sexual violence, or both, in the past year [41.5 %;95 % CI: 38.2 %–44.8 %]. Women who did not believe wife could do anything if husband wants were more likely to report physical violence [AOR = 3.4; 95 % CI: 1.5–7.6]. Woman with a controlling partner were more likely report physical violence [AOR = 6.4; 95% CI: 3.8–10.8). Housewives were less likely report sexual violence than employed women [AOR = 0.6; 95%CI: 0.4–0.9].

Amare Deribew, 2007 [22]

Agaro, Jimma Zone, south western Ethiopia

To assess the magnitude, type and risk factors of intimate partner violence against women in Agaro town, Southwest Ethiopia.

510 women (15–49) who selected by systematic sampling

The lifetime prevalence of husband/intimate partner violence was 51.8 %. About 32 %, 33 % and 46 % of women had physical, sexual and emotional abuses in their lifetime, respectively. Majority of the physical (80.9 %) and emotional (80.7 %) abuses occurred in the last year. The common acts of physical violence were slapping (68.7 %), pushing (62.0 %) and hitting with fist/stick (27 %). About 28 % of them experienced severe form of physical violence such as hitting with fist, choking and threatening with gun. Sexual and physical violence were more than 2 times likely occur among women whose partner consumed alcohol more frequently [OR = 2.3; 95 %: 1.43, 3.54].

W. Shanko, 2013 [23]

Kersa district, Oromia region Ethiopia

Aimed to assess the knowledge and prevalence of domestic violence among women in Kersa district of Oromia region.

858 women (15–49) who selected by systematic sampling method

Only 39.7 % of women reported that they recognized that domestic violence against women was a problem in their area. Ever experience of domestic violence against women was significantly related to Amhara ethnicity and age group 30–49 years. Only 19.9 % women who ever experienced violence reported it to the legal authorities.

Abeya et al. 2011 [24]

one urban (Nekemte) and 4 rural districts in East Wollega Zone

Aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns and associated factors of intimate partner violence against women in Western Ethiopia

1540 ever married who selected systematic random sampling

Lifetime and past 12 months prevalence of intimate intimate/husband violence against women was 76.5 % [95 % CI: 74.4-78.6 %] and 72.5 % [95 % CI: 70.3-74.7 %], respectively. The overlap of psychological, physical, and sexual violence was 56.9 %. Rural residents [AOR 0.6, 95 % CI 0.3-0.98], literates (AOR 0.7, 95 % CI 0.5-0.9), female headed households (AOR 0.5, 95 % CI 0.3-0.8). Older women were nearly four times [AOR 3.4, 95 % CI 1.2 -8.9]. Abduction (AOR 3.7, 95 % CI 1.0-13.6), polygamy (AOR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.6-0.7), Husband alcohol use [AOR 2.0 95 % CI 1.2- 3.2], and previous witnesses of parental violence [AOR 2.00, 95 % CI 1.5-2.6] factors associated with an increased likelihood of lifetime IPV.

Abeya et al. 2012 [25]

one urban (Nekemte) and 4 rural districts in East Wollega Zone

aimed to explore the attitudes of the community on intimate partner violence against women

On 60 women were selected for Discussants purposefully

Most discussants perceived, IPV is accepted in the community in circumstances of practicing extra marital sex and suspected infidelity. The majority of women are keeping silent and very few defend themselves from the violent husbands/partners. The suggested measures by the community to stop or reduce women’s violence were targeting actions at the level of individual, family, community and society

EDHS, 2011 [13]

Country wide survey

To assess the demographic and health condition in the country

More than 17,000 households

Domestic violence is common in Ethiopia, in both urban and rural families. About 68 % agreed that wife beating is justified in at least one of the specified situations. Women with no education are more than three times as likely as women with more than secondary education to agree with at least one specified justification for wife beating (79 % and 22 %, respectively). Similarly, 81 % of women in the lowest wealth quintile agree with at least one specified justification for wife beating versus 46 % of women in the highest wealth quintile.

EDHS, 2005 [26]

Country wide

To assess the demographic and health condition in the country

14,500 households from 540 clusters was selected

Majority of women (81 %) believe that a husband is justified in beating his wife for at least one of the specified reasons. About 86 % of rural women agree with at least one of the reasons justifying wife beating, compared with 59 % among urban woman

Deyessa et a, 2009 [27]

Two districts called Meskan and Mareko in Guraghe zone

The aim of the present study is to examine the relation between IPV and depression in a community-based study in Butajira

A total of 1994women (15–49) who were selected by simple random sampling

The lifetime prevalence of husband/intimate partner violence was 72.0 %[95 % CI: 70.0 %-73.9 %]. Lifetime prevalence of intimate partner physical violence was 49.5 % [95 % CI: 47.4 %-51.7 %]. Physical violence [OR = 2.6, 95 % CI, 1.6, 4.1], childhood sexual abuse [OR:2.0, 95 % CI, 1.1-3.6], mild emotional violence [OR:3.2, 95 % CI,2.0-5.1], severe emotional violence [OR:3.9, 95 % CI,2.2-6.9) and high spousal control of women [OR:3.30, 95 % CI: 1.6-6.9] associated with depressive episode.