Domestic violence is recognized as one of the most significant violations of human rights and a serious social problem affecting families and societies worldwide. Legal systems and international human rights instruments have increasingly sought to address this issue through preventive and protective mechanisms. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of domestic violence regulations within the Iranian legal system and relevant international legal instruments. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical and comparative approach, examining Iranian legal provisions alongside international standards such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international guidelines related to the protection of victims of domestic violence. The findings indicate that while certain aspects of Iranian law indirectly address domestic violence through criminal and civil provisions, there remain notable gaps in terms of comprehensive legal definitions, victim protection mechanisms, and preventive policies. In contrast, international instruments emphasize victim-centered approaches, state responsibility, and specialized protective measures. Based on the comparative analysis, this paper proposes several legal reform strategies aimed at strengthening protective mechanisms, clarifying legal definitions of domestic violence, and aligning domestic legislation with international human rights standards.

Domestic Violence Iranian Legal System International Human Rights Instruments Comparative Law Legal Reform