Challenging the norm: Women’s acceptability of physical intimate partner violence in low-resource settings and paths to change

This paper examines women’s attitudes toward physical intimate partner violence by husbands across 51 low- and middle-income countries from 1999 to 2020. Using panel data from MICS and DHS surveys, we analyze the role of human development and legal gender equality. Acceptance of physical IPV has declined significantly over time, particularly in countries with a higher level of development, as measured by the Human Development Index. Legal reforms promoting women’s economic rights are also associated with lower acceptance, though their effect is weaker. Despite progress, acceptance remains high in some contexts, underscoring the need for sustained policy and norm-changing efforts.