Domestic Violence in Tajikistan: Shattered Dreams, Broken Ribs, and the Future

  • Shamima Ahmed Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099. United States
  • Takhminai Mirali Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
Keywords: Domestic Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence/Partner Abuse, Families and Violence

Abstract

This paper focuses on domestic violence in Tajikistan, discusses the findings of a qualitative study that the authors conducted during 2023-2024 with 17 informants who experienced domestic violence directly or indirectly, and concludes with some recommendations to address this significant issue that has become so ingrained in Tajik society. The in-depth interviews demonstrated the pervasiveness and severity of domestic violence and  the numerous social, economic, and cultural factors that contributed to that.  The concluding discussion shared the informants' thoughts on changes needed to address this  issue. 

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Published
2026-05-04
How to Cite
Ahmed, S., & Mirali, T. (2026). Domestic Violence in Tajikistan: Shattered Dreams, Broken Ribs, and the Future. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 9(5), 132-145. https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v9i4.3322