Domestic Violence in Rwanda and its Effects on Family Stability A Case Study of Spousal Homicides

ABSTRACT 

The thesis is entitled “Domestic violence in Rwanda and its effects on family stability, a case study of spousal homicides. Domestic violence continues to be a problem in Rwanda despite measures taken by the government, Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals to end it. The study is about establishing forms, causes artd effects of domestic violence on family stability, The specific goals of this research were to provide insights into the issue by determining the different forms and causes of domestic violence in Rwanda. Along this study, a particular accent has been put on spousal homicides. The reader of this study will find a response on why men kill their wives and why women kill their husbands. The target population has been selected randomly with purposively sampling. This research has been carried out with the participation of 312 married persons (166 women and 146 men) who are still living with their partners. The results from this research have indicated the presence of domestic violence under the forms of sexual, psychological, economic and physical abuse which culminate with the killing of a partner. Women are more victims than men. Six factors are advanced by our respondents as reasons that motivate the killing of a partner. Those causal factors are sexual jealousy which goes together with adultery or sexual infidelity; misunderstanding on family resources and property management; believes in traditional practices and religions; abusing drogue and alcohol; killing as a self-defence or as a response to abusive behaviours and wrong interpretation of gender equality. The list is long, but these are the major causal factors. Moreover, this study has outlined methods of death used in spousal homicides in Rwanda. Machetes, hatchet sticks and hoe handle are used for the majority of spousal homicides. Poison is also used because it kills slowly and no suspicion of the killer. The valuable solution to spousal homicides in particular and domestic violence in general request the necessity of making changes both at individual and societal level.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter Page

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Approval sheet iii

Acknowledgement * iv

Dedication v

List of tables vi

Table of contents vii

Abstract ix

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background of the study 1

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 4

Specific objectives 4

Research Questions 4

Scope 4

Significance of the Study 5

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 6

Two LITERATURE REVIEW

Review of Related Literature 8

Domestic violence classification 8

Causes of domestic violence 11

The male proprietariness theory and the self-defense

Theory 16

Prevention and Intervention 21

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter 54

Appendix II - Research instruments 57

Appendix III - Sample size 62

Appendix IV - List ci trial judgements references 63

Appendix V - Researcher's Curriculum Vitae 64