Main Article Content
Physical domestic violence against married women by their intimate partners in Nnewi South East Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Gender based violence is very common in our environment supported by religious and cultural considerations and often justified
by women.
Objective: This study was carried out to determine the pattern of physical violence in the home among intimate partners with a view to
ascertain the magnitude of the problem and possible intervention strategies.
Method: Women attending the child welfare clinic of the hospital were interviewed with structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions
were also held.
Results: The peak age incidence of the 164 women studied was 25- 29 years (40.2%), 93.5% had secondary education or more while 80.0%
were employed in one form or the other. Many (42.1%) had witnessed physical violence against a female member of the household while 25.6%
have been physically abused by their husbands. Cane/belt/stick were used in 40.6%, hands and legs in 29.0% while 16.6% were sexually
assaulted. One-third (33.0%) were beaten at least once a month, 12.8% were beaten during pregnancy while 8.5% of victims required hospital
admission for injuries sustained from spousal abuse.
Conclusion: Intimate partner violence is common in our environment. There is need to reach out to men while women should be empowered to
develop coping strategies to navigate through this phenomenon.
by women.
Objective: This study was carried out to determine the pattern of physical violence in the home among intimate partners with a view to
ascertain the magnitude of the problem and possible intervention strategies.
Method: Women attending the child welfare clinic of the hospital were interviewed with structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions
were also held.
Results: The peak age incidence of the 164 women studied was 25- 29 years (40.2%), 93.5% had secondary education or more while 80.0%
were employed in one form or the other. Many (42.1%) had witnessed physical violence against a female member of the household while 25.6%
have been physically abused by their husbands. Cane/belt/stick were used in 40.6%, hands and legs in 29.0% while 16.6% were sexually
assaulted. One-third (33.0%) were beaten at least once a month, 12.8% were beaten during pregnancy while 8.5% of victims required hospital
admission for injuries sustained from spousal abuse.
Conclusion: Intimate partner violence is common in our environment. There is need to reach out to men while women should be empowered to
develop coping strategies to navigate through this phenomenon.
