Unraveling the determinants of domestic violence with decision tree analysis


ULUCAN H., Öztürk C.

International Journal of Social Economics, cilt.53, sa.10, ss.1570-1584, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 53 Sayı: 10
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1108/ijse-09-2024-0790
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Social Economics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Periodicals Index Online, ABI/INFORM, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EconLit, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Geobase, Public Affairs Index, Criminal Justice Periodical Index, Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Criminology Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1570-1584
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Decision tree analysis, Domestic violence, Female autonomy, Intimate partner violence, Machine learning
  • Anadolu Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose – This study aims to identify the key determinants of domestic violence in Türkiye by focusing on women's decision-making autonomy, fertility status and their partners' alcohol consumption. The research provides new insights into the complex dynamics of domestic violence using a machine learning approach. Design/methodology/approach – The study applies decision tree analysis to nationally representative data from the Turkish National Research on Domestic Violence against Women surveys conducted in 2008 and 2014. The main variables include women's autonomy, education level, partners' alcohol use and the incidence of domestic violence. Findings – Results reveal that women's autonomy and fertility are critical determinants of domestic violence. A non-linear relationship exists between autonomy and violence: mothers require higher levels of autonomy to avoid violence, whereas for childless women, low autonomy combined with a husband's frequent alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of abuse. Originality/value – This paper is the first to apply decision tree analysis to domestic violence data from Türkiye, offering a novel, data-driven framework for understanding the interplay between women's autonomy, male alcohol use and the risk of violence. The findings provide valuable implications for policymakers and researchers focused on violence prevention and women's empowerment.