Examination of Violence Among Individuals with Police Records in Ilam City Police Stations

Abstract

Background: Violence is a complex social issue with profound effects on both individuals and communities. Rooted in economic, social, and cultural contexts, it appears in various forms and settings. Police stations, as frontline institutions in handling violence-related incidents, provide a unique opportunity to study this phenomenon. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of violence among individuals visiting police stations in Ilam city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of 400 individuals referring to police stations in Ilam. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and Pearson correlation coefficients, were used to examine associations between variables. Results: The analysis revealed significant associations between various demographic and socioeconomic factors and the experience of physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Individuals aged 25 - 34, those working in manual labor (especially construction), with lower educational attainment, and with poor economic status were most affected. Family disputes emerged as the leading context for violent incidents. Other contributing factors included social class, marital status, and place of residence. Conclusions: The study indicates that violence among individuals visiting police stations in Ilam is strongly linked to socioeconomic and demographic factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted, context-specific interventions that address underlying causes such as poverty, low education, and social instability. Policymakers and law enforcement agencies can utilize these insights to design more effective violence prevention strategies and improve public safety in the region.