Patterns And Consequences Of Domestic Violence as Perceived by Residents of Ife East Local Government Area

ABSTRACT

This study focused on patterns and consequences of domestic violence as perceived by residents of Ife East Local Government Area, Ile-Ife. Specifically, this study was designed to establish the perception of residents of Ife East Local government on what constitutes domestic violence, the beliefs of the residents about domestic violence and the perceived consequences of domestic violence.

This study adopted the quantitative research methodology and it focused on the residents of Ife East Local Government Area who are of age 18 years and above. The sample used was selected through convenience non-probabilistic sampling technique and data was collected through primary source. 250 copies of semi-structured questionnaire were distributed and 235 copies were retrieved. The data entry and analysis was done through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and was presented in descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency distribution.

The residents viewed burning, isolation, arm twisting, denial of basic needs, abandonment, kicking, unwanted sex, forced abortion, forced degrading sexual behaviour, wife battering, verbal aggression, stabbing, threats with an object and murder as forms of domestic violence. Most (71%) of them also believe that in marriage, rape is possible and economic decision making should be the collective responsibility of the husband and the wife in the family. The people believed that men have the right to control or discipline women through physical means. Also, they believed that some violence are caused by the way women treat men while husbands who shout at, yell at and curse their wives are likely to become physically violent eventually. Their culture also emphasized the socialization of boys to be physically aggressive. In addition, their belief system affirms the acceptability of physical punishment and that such is normal part of child rearing. Similarly, it was observed that bruises, broken bones, burns, bleeding, depression, emotional trauma, low self-esteem and suicide are consequences of domestic violence.

Premised on the findings of the study, recommendations that the residents should be educated through every means ranging from mass media to religious means, to ensure removal of norms and practices which encourage perpetration of domestic violence. The government should also provide health care services for both the perpetrators and victims. Likewise,Penal punishment of perpetrators should be adopted so as to discourage those with the intention of engaging in it with the fear of being punished.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Certification ………………………………………………………………………………………i

Dedication ………………………………………………………………………………………..ii

Acknowledgments ……………………...………………………………………………………..iii

Table of contents …………………………………………………………………………………iv

List of tables..………………………………………………………………………………........viii

Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………..ix

CHAPTER ONE:     INTRODUCTION                                                                                  1-8

1.1              Background to the Study ………………………………………………………………….1

1.2              Statement of Problem ……………………………………………………………………..4

1.3              Research Questions ……………………………………………………………………….5

1.4              Objectives of the Study ……………………………………………………………...........6

1.5              Significance of the Study ………………………………………………………………….6

1.6              Scope of the Study ………………………………………………………………………...7

1.7              Definition of Terms ……………………………………………………………………….7

CHAPTER TWO:    LITERATURE REVIEW                                                                   9-35

2.1       Definitions and Patterns of Domestic Violence …………………………………………...9

            2.1.1    Physical Abuse ……………………………………………………………..........10

            2.1.2    Sexual Violence ………………………………………………………………….11

            2.1.3    Psychological or Emotional Abuse ………………………………………………12

            2.1.4    Economic Abuse …………………………………………………………………14

2.2       Cultural Beliefs of Domestic Violence …………………………………………………..16

2.3       Consequences of Domestic Violence ……………………………………………….........18

2.4       Victims of Domestic Violence …………………………………………………………...23

2.5       Coping Strategies of Domestic Violence ………………………………………………..28

            2.5.1    Raising Awareness of the Problem ………………………………………………29

            2.5.2    Connecting Community Residents to Services …………………………………..29

            2.5.3    Changing Social and Community Conditions that Contribute to Violence ………30

            2.5.4    Building Network of Leaders within a Community ……………………………...30

            2.5.5    Accountability of Services and institutions to community needs ………………...31

2.6       Nature and Extent of Domestic Violence ………………………………………………...32

CHAPTER THREE:            THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK                                       36-41

3.1       Social Learning Theory ………………………………………………………………….36

3.2       Randall Collins’s Conflict Perspective …………………………………………………..39

CHAPTER FOUR:               METHODOLOGY                                                                 42-45

4.1       Location of the Study …………………………………………………………………….42

4.2       Study Population …………………………………………………………………...........42

4.3       Source of Data …………………………………………………………………………...43

4.4       Sampling technique and Sample size …………………………………………………….43

4.5       Method of Data Collection ……………………………………………………………….43

4.6       Data Collection Instrument ………………………………………………………………43

4.7       Method of Data Analysis ………………………………………………………………...44

4.8       Ethical Consideration ……………………………………………………………………44

4.9       Challenges Encountered on the Field …………………………………………………….44

CHAPTER FIVE:    DATA PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND

 DISCUSSIONS OF FINDINGS                                                       46-60

5.1       Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents …………………………………….46

5.2       Pattern of Domestic Violence ……………………………………………………………48

5.3       Beliefs of domestic violence ………………………………………………………….....51

5.4       Consequences of Domestic Violence ……………………………………………………54

5.5       Discussion of Key Findings

            5.5.1    Key Findings on Pattern of Domestic Violence ………………………………...57 5.5.2    Key Findings on Beliefs of Domestic Violence ………………………………...58

            5.5.3    Key Findings on the Consequences of Domestic Violence ……………………..59

CHAPTER SIX:       SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS     61-64

6.1       Summary ………………………………………………………………………………..61

6.2       Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………63

6.3       Recommendation ……………………………………………………………………......64

References ……………………………………………………………………………….65

Appendix: Questionnaire ………………………………………………………………..71