Social Beliefs that Legitimize Intrafamilial Violence and their Relationship with Sociodemographic Variables

Abstract

Domestic violence is a persistent social and public health problem that directly impairs individual well-being. Research indicates that socio-cultural beliefs foster violent practices that often remain hidden within the domestic sphere. This study aimed to examine beliefs that legitimise domestic violence and evaluate their relationship with sociodemographic variables in a sample of 95 adults. Participants completed the Beliefs About Family Relationships Scale, which assesses three dimensions: child maltreatment, domestic violence, and child and adolescent sexual abuse. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, internal consistency estimates, and non-parametric group comparisons. Results showed significant differences across the assessed dimensions, with higher levels of legitimisation observed for child maltreatment. Significant differences were also found according to sex, whereas the remaining sociodemographic variables showed no statistically significant differences. These findings indicate that violence within the family remains normalised. Consequently, there is an evident need to reinforce educational and preventative strategies that promote family relationships grounded in mutual respect, assertive communication, conflict prevention and resolution, and a culture of peace supported by both families and schools.