The majority of Russians only view physical assault as examples of domestic violence, a recent poll by Levada uncovered. In fact, half of Russians don’t think that having an intercourse against a partner’s will constitutes an act of family violence.

Is it OK or not? What Russians view as domestic violence

The science of geographical psychology explores specifics of human behaviour by country and region. The social norms reflect the laws of the country and how they are implemented in reality, which, in its turn, affects people’s behaviour, values and beliefs.

Most western countries have specific laws about domestic violence, which spell out what kind of behaviours are considered unacceptable in a partnership. Russian Federation, however, has NO specific laws covering violence in a marriage or intimate relationship. Moreover, recently domestic battery had been decriminalized. In other words, if a husband beats up a wife, it is not a crime.

Laws form social norms and the system of beliefs of the nation, this is why it’s revealing to find out how Russians view certain behaviours. In western countries, all of these behaviours would be seen as family violence. In Russia, most people don’t see them as such.

Even physical assault causing serious harm (such as kicking) 1 in 4 respondents doesn’t see as an example of abuse in a family.

The poll by Levada showed that Russians have a rather blurred idea what domestic violence is and what it is not, in modern terms.

• In 5% of the families of people who were surveyed kicks or hits are happening during arguments.
• 7% of respondents said physical abuse was happening in the families they grew in.
• 19% of poll participants stated they know people in whose families physical abuse happens.

12% of respondents believe that is physical abuse in a marriage occurs, it’s the matter for spouses themselves to sort it out and there is no need to apply to any source of support. 59% of poll participants think people need to apply to police in such instances (65% of Russian women think so and 52% of men). 35% believe people should ask for help from family and friends, and 25% of respondents point out to support from a psychologist. 15% of respondents said victims should seek assistance from lawyers.

The poll by Levada was conducted in August 2019.

Read also:

• Reasons for a divorce in Russia: Survey results
• Statistics of marriages in Russia: A record low number of nuptials in 2018
• Divorce statistics in Russia
• Age of marriage in Russia