Systematic Review: Domestic Violence Against Women and Men and Childhood Maltreatment in Saudi Arabia

Domestic violence (DV) and childhood maltreatment (CM) are major public health concerns globally, including in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of DV and CM in the Kingdom, drawing on 22 studies published between 2018 and 2024 and identified through multiple databases following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported primary quantitative data on Saudi populations and provided statistical estimates of DV or CM. Thirteen studies examined DV against women, one focused on men, one included both genders, and seven addressed CM. Reported prevalence of DV against women ranged from 19% to 57%, while research on DV against men and CM remains limited. Identified risk factors for DV included younger age, larger family size, polygamous marriage, limited social support, financial dependence, husbands’ substance use or aggression, and a history of childhood abuse. For CM, key risks included male gender for physical abuse, single-parent households, witnessing DV, and parental low education, unemployment, or marital disruption. Overall, the findings underscore substantial gaps in population-based research, particularly regarding DV against men and CM, and highlight the need for culturally grounded interventions, strengthened legislation, and nationally representative studies using standardized methodologies.