Domestic violence against women: a neglected health problem in the North-East sub-region of Nigeria

Abstract

Violence against women is a phenomenon that has been with us from time immemorial. This study was designed to investigate the causes and health consequences of domestic violence against women in the North-East sub-region. A total of 2500 women taken from some professional groups from six states that make up the sub region were surveyed. The result shows that 1204 women have been physically abused (beaten) by their spouses. The reasons for the beating ranges from feeding money (204), slight provocation (281) and insistence on right (494). The nature of psychological abuse includes financial deprivation, (989) deprived of essential needs (1400). The result also shows that the women sustain injuries because of the beating. 774 had bruises, 409 experienced cuts on the body while 387 had miscarriages. Based on the result it was recommended that violence against women should be taken seriously by the government and proper legislation put in place to curb the incidence.

International Journal of Emotional Psychology and Sport Ethics Vol. 6, 2004: 1-6