Perception of Intimate Partner Violence by Residents of Enerhen Community, Warri, Delta State

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is a serious social problem that violates women's rights and is acknowledged as a serious  health issue that harms women's well-being and has a significant negative impact on their physical, reproductive, and  mental health. Han and Choi (2021), cited World Health Organization (2005), stated that more than 75% of violence  against women is allegedly caused by an intimate male partner. This inhumane act is widespread throughout all groups,  societies, and nations and, if it is not properly addressed, can result in an unbalanced state and marital  dissolution among family members, which will contribute to further societal decadence. To this end, this study examined  the perception of intimate partner violence by residents of Enerhen Community, Warri, Delta State. In this  study, the social learning theory put forward by Bandura (1986) was used. The study especially looked into the types,  causes, and manifestations of intimate partner violence in the study area, as well as the function that social workers play  in putting a stop to this scourge. The population of the study was 340,600, and the study also used a survey  research design. Using the sample size method developed by Krejcie & Morgan (1970), a sample size of 400 research  participants was selected for the study. An interview guide and a structured and semistructured questionnaire were  utilized to collect information from the participants. The analysis' findings demonstrated that the area under study has a  high rate of intimate partner violence as a result of poverty, unemployment, persistent marital conflicts, availability of  drugs, and slums. Pre-marital counselling is advocated, according to the research, so that future spouses may get to  know one another better before getting married and learn how to handle some of the issues that can cause conflicts.  Additionally, society has to be made aware of the possibility of IPV in males to stop stigmatizing such victims and  encourage open dialogue between male and female victims.