Deyessa, Negussie(PhD)Yigzaw, Tegbar2018-07-122023-11-052018-07-122023-11-052005-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8233Background: Increasingly domestic violence is being recognized as an important public health concern. However, we know little how and why domestic violence occurs. Objective: To obtain in-depth contextual insights about domestic violence Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Gondar town between December 2004 and February 2005 involving women, men, victims, abusers, “Yager Shimaglies,” legal bodies and professionals with vested interest and/or expertise in gender issues. Six focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews were carried out with purposively selected subjects. OpenCode software was used to code, search and sort data and conceptual framework was constructed following grounded theory approach. Results: Contextual factors (ideological, economic and politico-legal factors) deny women equal opportunity as men contributing to their subordination, predispose them to abuse and justify and perpetuate violence. Causal conditions (like economic reasons, drinking and sexual incompatibility) give rise to discontent and misunderstanding in marriage. Intervening conditions, which depend on gender norms, attitude and skills in conflict management and individual socioeconomic standing, determine whether conflicts will grow into violence. Conclusion: Domestic violence is rooted in the socioeconomic, cultural and politico-legal context that upholds men dominance. IEC, empowerment of women and reforming laws and translating them into action are recommended. Keywords: domestic violence, qualitative study, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, OpenCode, grounded theoryenDomestic ViolenceQualitative studyFocus group discussionsIn-depth interviewsOpenCode, grounded theoryThesis