CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The world has experience various form of discrimination and over

time the vulnerable group in this victimization process are the women and

children. One of the discrimination and abuse is violence. In recent years

awareness of the problem of violence against women has broadened from

being a ‘women’s issue’ and a feminist concern to being widely

acknowledged as a human rights, public health, and a development problem

(Jonikaite, 2006).

Domestic violence is a global problem that affects women of all races,

ages, economic statuses, and religions with statistics emphasizing the

devastating effects of domestic violence on the lives of battered women.

Domestic violence was once viewed as a private matter, but today domestic

violence is seen as a public health issue with consequences for batterers that

are enforced by the criminal justice system (Salazar, Baker, Price& Carlin.

2003).

According to the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of

Violence against Women (DEVAW), violence against women is any act of

gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual

or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts,

1
coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in

private life. (cited in United Nations Development Fund for Women

[UNIFEM], n.d.)

Domestic violence can be defined as “a type of repeated pattern of

behaviors an abusive intimate partner uses to gain power and control over

another” (Brodwin & Siu, 2007) and as “repeated or frequent moderate acts

of violence, sexual coercion through threats of violence or rape, any act of

violence that causes injury no matter how infrequent” (Bograd & Mederos,

1999). The disaster caused by this act of violence is enormous as Grovert

(2008) asserted that in 2001, domestic violence made up twenty percent of all

non fatal violence against adult women - around 600,000 crimes. Matthews,

(2004) opined that in 2000, about 1200 women were killed by an intimate

partner. This number made up about 33 percent of female murder victims

In all these it shows that domestic violence is but a humane treatment

on a particular gender, age or race. Studies reveal that In European countries,

domestic violence is a major cause of death and disability for women ages 16

to 44 years and accounts for more deaths than cancer or traffic accidents (US

department of Justice, 2010).

2
 In 2005, a study carried out by World Health Organization (WHO,

2005) on women's health and domestic violence, observed that the rates of

domestic violence incidents in 10 countries revealed that 72% of Ethiopian

women experienced violence with an intimate partner, followed by women

from Peru, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Thailand, Samoa, Brazil, Namibia, Serbia,

and Japan. Women who experience domestic violence are more likely to

experience health consequences, with 80% more likely to have a stroke, 70%

more likely to have heart disease, 60% more likely to have asthma, and 70%

more likely to drink heavily than women who have not experienced intimate

partner abuse (Family Violence Prevention Fund, 2008).

In addition, domestic violence is linked to a range of reproductive

health issues, including but not limited to sexually transmitted disease and

HIV transmission, miscarriages, and unsafe sexual behaviour (Davis, 2013).

In support of this view a study conducted by Thomas, Joshi, Wittenberg, and

McCloskey (2008) explored how domestic violence affects the health of

women who are victims and included the battered woman’s description of

how intimate partner violence affected their health. The study consisted of 40

women in eight focus groups, ranging in age from 18 to 64 years. The racial

makeup was 79% African American, 8% White, 5% Latina, and 8%

multiracial or ethnic. Of the 40 participants, 38 described experiencing

3
physical or sexual abuse within the past year, and two participants described

experiencing physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime.

The aftermath effect of this oppressive act and action has a

psychological undertone on the women as stated earlier and in the Nigeria

context where male dominance is highly recognized because of its cultural

backing there are tendency that an unending foresight to this anomalies is not

eminent (Obarisiagbon & Alenkhe, 2014). Women in Nigeria over the years

could not be equated with their male counterpart as the act of

marginalization, segregation and social participation is limited mostly to the

opposite sex (Sadoh, Alenkhe & Agbontaen-Eghafona, 2013). And the

aftermath impact has a diehard consequence on the health of the individual

and other aspect of the individual social, emotional and mental state.

It is a general known fact that violence affects the lives of millions of

women worldwide. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund, Nigeria

(1998) noted that any violence meted out to women has a direct effect on

their health. Previous statistics shows that roughly 60 million women who

should have been alive die as a result of a spectrum of violence of various

kind. However, only about half of all incidents of intimate violence

experienced by women are reported to the police (Wallace & Seymour,

4
1999). In the light of these the study examines the impact of domestic

violence against women in Egor Local Government Area.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Every fourth Nigerian woman suffers domestic violence in her

lifetime, claims report by a consultant psychiatrist, (Ejiofor, 2015). Ejiofor,

(2015) told that the worst forms of domestic violence are rape and homicide,

and that domestic violence is one of the major social issues in Nigeria.

Battering and trafficking are other grave forms of abuse experienced by

Nigerian girls and women. Battered women suffer physical and mental

problems as a result of domestic violence. Ejiofor further added that 25 per

cent of women in Nigeria have to go through ordeal of domestic violence.

The worst forms of them are battering, trafficking, rape and homicide, report

claims.

According to 2013 global review of available data, 35 per cent of

Women Worldwide has experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate

partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. It is a great concern that in

most underdeveloped countries in the world with special reference to

Bangladesh, that Violence against Women are rated second in the world,

with 47 percent of the women being assaulted by men (Mahmood, 2004).

5
 The Nigeria law on domestic violence is clearly inadequate,

particularly regarding violence against women e.g. wife beating (Nworah,

2009). Resent survey has shown that a higher percentage of violence against

women happen among women of lower social status, that is the uneducated.

Due to their level of exposure they accept whatever is meted out to them by

their male partners and accept this gender based violence as a norm (Nworah,

2009).

However, there are dearth’s in statistics on the aftermath impact of

domestic violence in Nigeria; hence the study seeks to examine the impact of

domestic violence on women in Egor LGA of Edo state.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is to examine the implication of domestic

violence against women in Egor LGA. Other specific objectives include:

1. To determine the causes of violence against women in Egor LGA

2. To find out the socio-economic impact of violence against women in

Egor LGA

3. To ascertain the socio-cultural impact of violence against women in

Egor LGA

6
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

1. What are the causes of violence against women in Egor LGA?

2. What are the socio-economic impact of violence against women in

Egor LGA?

3. Is suspicion against the opposite sex is a psychosocial impact of

violence against women in Egor LGA?

4. What are the socio-cultural impact of violence against women in Egor

LGA

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is of great importance to all, especially those that have the

concern of family development at heart. The study will further increase our

knowledge on the evil of domestic violence in the society and will show the

ills of this menace to the society. It will be add to already existing literature

on similar topics as it relates to violence against women and domestic

violence in modern society. It will expose all to the causes and the impact of

domestic violence in Egor LGA. Benin City. Finally, it will help welfare

organization, NGOs and other relevant organizations to know how wide

spread domestic violence is in the society.

7
1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

This research is to find out again and gain. This research intend to find

out fact about the causes and impact of domestic violence against women in

Egor L.G.A. and to measure the degree of which the research work can affect

the changes of people attitude towards violence against women to avoid

reoccurrence and further damages.

1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY

This study covers selected area in Aduwawa community; these are

area with women of ages 20 to 50 years of age who are married. This is

because married women who are under the coverage of cultural values and

are married are more likely experience domestic violence.

8
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Discrimination: Selective evil

Domestic: Homely

Force: Coarse

Gender: A particular sex especially the female

Physically: Real

Psychologically: Mental and emotional

Society: Area

Violence: Hostile, abuse

Women: Married female sex

9
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 OVERVIEW OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence has been defined by the World Health

Organisation - WHO 2011) as the range of sexually, psychologically and

physically coercive acts used against women by current or former male

intimate partners whilst women, men, boys and girls can be victims of

domestic violence; women and girls are disproportionately affected. Obi and

Ozumba (2007) stated that 70 per cent of couples experienced abuse in their

families with 92 per cent of the victims being female partners and the

remaining 8 per cent were male. Obviously, more women are exposed to

domestic violence.

Violence in Nigeria can be said to be selective as Agnihotri (2006)

opined that females can suffer from violence throughout their “life cycle” as

fetuses may be aborted just because they are female, infants may be killed

because they are female, girls may be neglected or subjected to various other

types of abuse, adolescents may be raped, married women may be beaten,

raped or killed by their husbands and widows may be neglected. The female

10
infanticide and sex selective abortions that are caused by son preference have

led to an imbalance in sex ratios characterized by millions of females.

Gender-based violence has been the experience of women worldwide

which has affected their relationship in the homes, communities, places of

work and largely their productivity in their various places of assignments

(amnesty international, 2005). An increasing amount of research highlights

the health burdens, intergenerational effects, and demographic consequences

of such violence (United Nations, 2006).

Violence is a universal reality that had existed in all societies and

human settlement regardless of class, income, culture or educational

attainment. This paper focuses on domestic violence, a form of gender-based

violence, which is defined here as any act of violence resulting in physical,

sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, girls or men, including

threats of such act, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty (Loseke et al,

2005).

In Nigeria, domestic violence is widely acknowledged to be of great

concern, not just from a human rights perspective but also from an economic

and health perspective. Women are more at risk from this gender–based

violence. There have been reports of husbands killing or maiming their wives

11
in the media. The statistics presented by This Day (2011) newspaper are

daunting. About 50% of women have been battered by their husband.

Shockingly, more educated women are in this terrible situation as compared

with their low income counterparts. Most of the women endure believing

they have nowhere to go and in any case, believing for good reason that the

law will not protect them.

McDonnel, (2003) argues that Nigerians do not talk about domestic

violence “because it seems to be an acceptable part of marriage”. She found

that 40% of urban women in a research conducted in Lagos and Ibadan

claimed that they have been victims of domestic violence. In a study

conducted in Guma and Markurdi Local Government Area of Benue state,

Nigeria shows that domestic violence is a common practice that seemed to be

accepted by men as normal in order to keep the woman under control.

Batterers fail to see this as an act worth bringing before the law. For instance,

among the Efik of south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria, wife battering is

celebrated as a sign of authority over women in marriage.

Domestic violence is the victimization of a person with whom the

abuser had or has had an intimate romantic, spousal relationship. It consist of

a pattern of coercive behaviors used by a competent adult to establish and

12
maintain power and control over another competent adult. This behaviour

which can alone or in combination, sporadically or continually include

physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse and emotional abuse (Gewirtz

and Edleson, 2004).

Domestic abuse not only affects women but also has devastating

consequences for other populations and societal institutions. Men also can be

victims of abuse; children are affected by exposure to this domestic violence,

and formal institutions face enormous challenges responding to domestic

violence in their communities. Gender- based violence is the fate of millions

of women all over the world and these are affecting their productivity both in

the homes, communities and places of work (Gberevbie, Osibanjo, Adeniji

and Oludayo 2014).

There are two essential elements in every domestic violence situation:

the victim and the abuser have been intimately involved at some point in time

and the abuser consciously chooses to use violence and other abusive tactics

to gain control over victims (United Nations Secretary General’s, 2006).

2.2 CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence can be seen from different facet, according to

Uwameiye et al (2013) violence against women in Nigeria results from

13
biological differentiation of sexes. This is because females are biologically

and physiologically perceived as the weaker sex who requires considerable

protection by men. They further added that the relegation of women to the

second class status dates back to several centuries ago.

To Uwameiye et al (2013), another cause of gender based violence is

culture. In Nigeria, there is the belief that boys are stronger than girls and so

are trained to accept more strenuous tasks like hunting, shooting with bows

and arrows, farming and fighting back enemies that are about to out-run their

communities. While girls are stereotyped to perform simpler tasks like

sweeping the rooms, scrubbing the walls and collecting firewood to cook for

the family so that they can become good wives and mothers in future.

In addition, women are excluded from rigorous and traditional

activities like tree climbing (e.g. palm tree) or from engaging in traditional

sports like wrestling, canoeing and horse-back riding which were exclusively

made for men. What was reserved for women were lighter recreational

activities requiring graceful movement, or they were only allowed to watch

the men and cheer them up. This cultural unequal power led to domination

over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of

women’s full advancement.

14
 Ndungu (2004) opined that the reproductive and productive roles of

women often place them at the bottom of the ladder. They are mostly found

in low paid jobs, which rob them of power to participate in decision making,

within the political, social-economic and cultural sphere of life. This situation

results in the over burdening of women with family and domestic

responsibilities while giving them no resources or political room to improve

their standard of living. In some parts of Nigeria, it is known that the input of

the girl child into the family income is so high that it becomes economically

unwise to allow such a child to go to school.

Violence is not always caused by stress, but may be one way that some

people respond to stress (Alokan, 2013). Couples in poverty may be more

likely to experience domestic violence, due to increased stress and conflicts

about finances and other aspects (Jewkes, 2002). Goetz (2010) opined that

many cases of domestic violence against women occur due to jealousy when

the spouse is either suspected of being unfaithful or is planning to leave the

relationship. An evolutionary psychology explanation of such cases of

domestic violence against women is that they represent to male attempts to

control female reproduction and ensure sexual exclusivity for him through

violence or the threat of violence.

15
2.3 TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Aihie (2009) identified various forms of domestic violence such as

physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, economic abuse, emotional abuse and

spiritual abuse. However according to Oluremi (2015) there are different

forms of abuse a woman may be subjected to in the home include:

PHYSICAL ABUSE

This is the use of physical force in a way that injures the victim or puts

him/her at risk of being injured. It includes beating, kicking, knocking,

punching, choking, and confinement. Female genital mutilation is physical

abuse. Physical abuse is one of the commonest forms of abuse. Oluremi

(2015) found that 83% of respondents in their study reported physical abuse.

This wasn’t different from the view of Aihie (2009).

SEXUAL ABUSE

This includes all forms of sexual assaults, harassment or exploitation. It

involves forcing a person to participate in sexual activity, using a child for

sexual purposes including child prostitution and pornography. Marital rape is

16
a form of sexual abuse, but unfortunately; many women regard this as a part

of marriage. This was observed among Asian women who tend to believe

that marriage offers their husbands an unlimited access to their bodies.

(Bhandari & Diebold, 2010).

NEGLECT

This includes failure to provide for dependents who may be adults or

children, denying family members food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and

protection from harm or a sense of being loved and valued (Aihie, 2009).

Neglect has been observed as one of the most common form of abuse faced

by the elderly especially, the women (Asogwa & Igbokwe, 2010).

ECONOMIC ABUSE

This includes stealing from or defrauding a loved one, withholding money

for essential things like food and medical treatment, manipulating or

exploiting family member for financial gain, preventing a loved one from

working or controlling his/he choice of occupation.

SPIRITUAL ABUSE

17
This includes preventing a person from engaging in his/her spiritual or

religious practices or using one’s religious belief to manipulate, dominate or

control him/her.

18
EMOTIONAL ABUSE

This includes threatening a person or his or her possession or harming a

person’s sense of self-worth by putting him/her at risk of serious behavioural,

cognitive, emotional or mental disorders. Shouting at a partner which was

found to be the most common abuse by Oluremi (2015) is included. Also

included in emotional abuse are name-calling, criticism, social isolation,

intimidating or exploitation to dominate, routinely making unreasonable

demand, terrorizing a person verbally or physically and exposing a child to

violence.

2.4 EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON WOMEN

 Some emotional and behavioural problems that can result due to domestic

violence include increased aggressiveness, anxiety, and changes in

attitude (Alokan, 2013). Additionally, assaulted mothers are more likely

to exhibit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Lehmann,

1995).

 Physical Effect: Bruises, broken bones, head injuries, lacerations and

internal bleeding are some of the acute effects of a domestic violence

incident that require medical attention and hospitalization (Alokan, 2013).

Some chronic health conditions that have been linked to victims of

19
 domestic violence are arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (Berrios, 1991).

Victims who are pregnant during a domestic violence relationship

experience greater risk of miscarriage, pre-term labour, and injury to or

death of the foetus (Alokan, 2013)

 Psychological Effect: Among victims who are still living with their

perpetrators, high amounts of stress, fear and anxiety are commonly

reported. Depression is also common, as victims are made to feel guilty

for ‘provoking’ the abuse and are frequently subjected to intense

criticism. It is reported that 60% of victims meet the diagnostic criteria for

depression, either during or after termination of the relationship, and have

a greatly increased risk of suicidality (Barnett, 2001). The most

commonly referenced psychological effect of domestic violence is Post-

Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD). In Alokan, (2013) study, it was

observed that PSTD (as experienced by victims) is characterized by

flashbacks, intrusive images, exaggerated startle response, nightmares,

and avoidance of triggers that are associated with the abuse. These

symptoms are generally experienced for a long span of time after the

victim has left the dangerous situation. Many researchers state that PTSD

is possibly the best diagnosis for those suffering from psychological effect

20
 of domestic violence, as it accounts for the variety of symptoms

commonly experienced by victims of trauma.

 Long-term Effect: Domestic violence can trigger many different responses

in victims, all of which are very relevant for a professional working with a

victim. Major consequences of domestic violence victimization include

psychological/mental health issues and chronic physical health problems.

A victim’s overwhelming lack of resources can lead to homelessness and

poverty.

2.5 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The social learning theory will be used in elucidating the impact of

domestic violence among women in general.

Social Learning Theory links Domestic Violence to individual

experience and exposure to violence. It also establishes a relationship among;

the Personality Characteristics, Psychopathology, Theories and the

Biological Theory (Jasinski, 2001). This is necessitated as all fall within the

intra-individual theories. People who engage in the practice of domestic

violence do so because of some inherent characteristics which could be as a

result of their experience and exposure to violence or some personality

disorder (physiopathology). Others are known to engage in domestic violence

21
largely due to the process of natural selection. For example, men violate

women as an extreme response to the biological role of men to reproduce.

In associating the social learning theory with domestic violence,

Abane (1997) said, the social psychological theories also has a say it

operation as it posits that the interaction between an individual with other

individuals, groups and organizations provoke violence. The social learning

theory and the role modeling theory fall within the ambit of the social

psychological theories. The Social-Psychological theory also includes the

resource theory. He theory posit that violence is used as a resource to attain

ones desires in a manner similar to the use of money status and other

personal attributes.

The extent of material resources controlled by husbands and wives

determine the authority each exercises over major decisions in the home and

their control of marital power. Thus, violence becomes the ultimate resource

which is deployed when other resources are perceived to be insufficient or

have failed to obtain the desired response. Men who lack material and other

resources resort to force and violence. On the other hand, women with

significant resources become less willing to put up with abuse

22
 To Abane (1997) socio-cultural theories also explain a concept that

paves way for domestic violence. The theory suggests a strong correlation

between domestic violence and the social institutions and social structures in

society. Economic crisis within the larger society can result in stress and

frustration, thereby provoking violent behaviour, according to Tenuche

(2011). “Aggression is always the result of frustration. Given the requisite

conditions, an individual, whose basic desires are thwarted, and who

consequently experiences profound sense of dissatisfaction and anger is

likely to react to his condition by directing aggressive behavior at what is

perceived as being responsible for thwarting those desires or at a substitute.

To Tenuche, there are aftermath consequences to this act of domestic

violence as there both physical bruises, internal injuries, emotional

downwardness, disfiguring of the victim, serious emotional and

psychological torture, victimization, emotional problems could lead to

sexually transmitted infections and the spread of HIV/AIDS, and most of all

lost of life.

23
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 STUDY DESIGN

The study design for this study which is on psycho-social impact of

domestic violence in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, it is an

explorative research, The strength of the research will be based on a

quantitative methods of research data collection and analysis, this include the

use of structured questionnaires that will be administered, to choose the

research respondent a simple random sampling will be used in `the study area

in getting the respondents in the study area.

3.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY AND AREA OF STUDY

The scope of this study covers respondents who are within the Egor

Local Government Area of Edo State and that knows what domestic violence

is and knows its effects on women. However special reference will be place

on residence within the college road axis of the said community. According

to the 2006 census population head count, the Egor Local Government Area

of Edo State has 372080, but there are no specific statistics of this

24
community due to the rapid physical development in housing and some basic

infrastructural facilities in the study area

3.3 POPULATION OF STUDY

The population of the study will be made up of household members

within the study location who are above ages 18 years of age and are familiar

with the rate of domestic violence in Egor Local Government Area of Edo

State. They formed the principal respondents or the target population. It must

be noted that these respondents are residence within Uselu and Ugbowo axis

of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State., and may be from any ethnic

group or religion.

3.4 SAMPLE SIZE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

The sample of the study will involve men and in Egor Local

Government Area of Edo State Area. There are many linked streets within

the Uselu and Ugbowo axis of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State

and due to the spontaneous transformation in the study location there are over

300 houses within the terrain. To this end, 150 respondents will be

interviewed using a cluster sampling to stratify the area of study; from this

the respondents will be selected using a convenient sampling method.

25
3.5 INSTRUMENTS FOR DATA COLLECTION

The instrument of data collection will be the structured questionnaire,

the questionnaire will be administered to 150 respondents, with one person

from any selected household. The questionnaire will be made up 2 sections;

the first will be the socio-demographic characteristic of the respondents and

the section B will focus on the impact of domestic violence on women in

Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, so as to elicit needed response

that will be useful for the research.

3.6 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

The data will be collected with use of administered questionnaire and

this questionnaire will be administered to selected household members who

are residents of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

3.8 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

The study will be conducted using a structured questionnaire however

in analyzing the structured questionnaire, the Statistical Package for Social

Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 will be used, with a Simple Frequency, Percentage, and

chats where necessary.

26
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Having discussed relevant issues and established a credible empirical

framework that underpins the focus of the study, we present the following

results obtained from utilizing the various methodological investigations

stated in this chapter.

A total of 150 questionnaires were administered out strictly to male

and female respondents of which the researcher was able to retrieve all the

instruments used and this represent 100% participation of the respondents

based on the distributed questionnaire. Hence, the data analysis was

conducted using simple percentage (%) statistical techniques to test the

frequency of the personal data of the respondents and the frequencies of their

responses to the research questions. This was to ensure simplicity and clarity

of the responses.

27
TABLE 1: SEX OF RESPONDENTS

Sex Response Frequency Percentage

Male 39 26

Female 111 74

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 1 above, the result shows the sex of the respondents.

The result therefore revealed that there were more females than males, as

males accounted for 26% of the population while females accounted for 74%

of the population.

TABLE 2: AGE OF RESPONDENTS

Age Response Frequency Percentage

Below 20years 45 30

21-30years 98 65.3

31-40years 5 3.3

41 & above 2 1.3

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

28
 From the table 2 above, the result shows the age of the respondents.

The result therefore revealed that respondents who were below 20 years

accounted for 30% of the population, respondents who were between 21 to

30 years accounted for 65.3% of the population, respondents who were

between 31 to 40 years accounted for 3.3.% of the population, respondents

who were between 41 years and above accounted for 1.3% of the population.

This shows that the respondents who were between 21 to 30 years accounted

for more than half of the population.

TABLE 3: MARITAL STATUS OF RESPONDENTS

Marital Response Frequency Percentage

status
Single 141 94

Married 6 4

Separated 2 1.3

Never married 1 0.7

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 3 above, the result shows the marital status of the

respondents. 94% of the respondents were single, 4% were married, and

1.3% of the respondent were separated, while 0.7% have never been married.

29
TABLE 4: RELIGION OF RESPONDENTS

Religion Response Frequency Percentage

Christianity 143 95.3

Muslim 6 4

African tradition 1 0.7

religion

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 4 above, the result shows the religion of the

respondents. 95.3% of the respondents were Christians, 4% of the

respondents were Muslims and 1.3% of the respondents belonged to African

traditional religion.

TABLE 5: OCCUPATION OF RESPONDENT

Occupation Response Frequency Percentage

Civil servant 13 8.7

Technician 3 2

Trader 6 4

30
 Students 128 85.3

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 5 above, the result shows the occupation of the

respondents. 8.7% of the respondents were Civil servants, 2% of the

respondents were technicians, 4% of the respondents were traders and 85.3%

were students.

TABLE 6: EDUCATIONAL LEVEL OF RESPONDENTS

Education Response Frequency Percentage

level
No formal education 3 2

Primary education 3 2

Secondary education 4 2.7

Tertiary education 140 93.3

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 6 above, the result shows the educational level of the

respondents. 2% of the respondents had no formal education, 2% of the

respondents had primary education, and 2.7% of the respondents had

secondary school education while 93.3% had tertiary education.

31
SECTION B: IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST

WOMEN IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

This section examines impact of domestic violence against women in

Egor Local Government Area Section B will be analyzed using the objectives

of the study in drawing the various tables and interpreting the responses

gotten from the respondents.

TABLE 7: Do you know what domestic violence is?

Do you Respons Frequency Percentage

know what e
domestic
violence Yes 140 93.3
is? Source: Fieldwork
No 10 6.7
2016
Total 150 100

From the table 7 above, the result shows that 93.3% of the respondents

knew what domestic violence means while 6.7% of the respondents did not

know what domestic violence means, irrespective of their age, sex, and

gender.

32
TABLE 8: Have you heard of its occurrence before?

Have you Response Frequency Percentage

heard of its
Yes 133 88.7
occurrence
Source:
before? No 17 11.3
Fieldwork 2016
Total 150 100
From the table 8 above, the result shows that 88.7% of the respondents

agreed that they have heard of the occurrence of domestic violence while

11.3% are of the view that they haven’t heard of its occurrence.

TABLE 9: have you experienced any form of domestic violence before?

Have you Response Frequency Percentage

experienced
Yes 29 19.3
any form of Source: Fieldwork

No 121 80.7 2016

domestic

violence Total 150 100 From the

before?
table 9 above, the

result shows that 19.3% of the respondents affirmed that they have

33
experienced some form of domestic violence while 80.7% had not

experienced any form of domestic violence.

TABLE 10: If yes, what form of violence have you experienced?

If yes, what form Response Frequency Percentage

of violence have Physical
31 20.7
you experienced? violence
Source:
Missing 119 79.3

Total 150 100

Fieldwork 2016

From the table 10 above, the result shows that 20.7% of the

respondents affirmed that they have experienced forms of physical violence

such as: while 79.3% of the respondent did not provide an answer to this

question.

34
TABLE 11: what do you suggest are the likely causes of domestic

violence?

What do you Response Frequency Percentage

suggest are the
Gender inequality 30 20
likely causes of
domestic violence? Missing 120 80

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 11 above, the result shows that 20% of the respondent

suggested that gender inequality (superiority of male sex over females) is a

cause of domestic violence while 80% of the respondent did not provide an

answer to this question.

35
TABLE 12: Does domestic violence against women reduce the

participation of women in the society?

Does domestic violence Response Frequency Percentage

against women reduces
Yes 88 58.7
the participation of
Source:
women in the society? No 57 38

Missing 5 3.3

Total 150 100

Fieldwork 2016

From the table 12 above, the result shows that 58.7% of the

respondents agreed that domestic violence against women reduces the

participation of women in the society, 38% of the respondent disagreed while

3.3% of the respondents did not provide an answer to this question.

36
Table 13: If yes, How?

If yes Response Frequency Percentage

how?
Violence Reduces participation 37 24.7
resulting to inferiority complex

Violence Reduces participation 52 34.7

resulting to low self esteem

Missing 61 40.7

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 13 above, the result shows that 24.7% of the

respondents suggested that violence against women reduces participation

resulting to inferiority complex among women, while 34.7% of the

respondents suggested that violence against women reduces participation in

the society as a result of low self-esteem amongst women due to violence

they must have experienced.

37
TABLE 14: Does an individual culture expose them to domestic

violence?

Does an individual Response Frequency Percentage

culture expose them
Yes 61 40.7
to domestic
violence? No 89 59.3

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 14 above, the result shows that 40.7% of the

respondents agreed that an individual culture exposes them to domestic

violence while 59.3% of the respondents disagreed.

TABLE 15: If yes how?

If yes how? Response Frequenc Percentage

y

Stereotyping 57 38

Missing 93 62

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

38
 From the table 15 above, the result shows that 38% of the respondents

were of the view that stereotyping (preference and dominance of the male sex

over the female sex) which is present in some culture is a reason which

exposes women to domestic violence while 62% of the respondents did not

provide an answer to this question.

TABLE 16: Do you think domestic violence affects the level of education

and marital status of women?

Do you think Response Frequency Percentage

domestic violence
Yes 106 70.7
affects the level of
education and marital No 44 29.3
status of women?
Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 16 above, the result shows that 70.7% of the

respondents agreed that domestic violence affects the level of education and

marital status of women while 29.3% of the respondents disagreed.

39
TABLE 17: Do you think violence has a socio- economic impact on

women in Egor?

Do you think violence Response Frequency Percentage

has a socio-economic
Yes 113 75.3
impact on women in
Egor? No 36 24.0

Missing 1 .7

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 17 above, the result shows that 75.3% of the

respondents agreed that violence has a socio-economic impact on the women

in Egor, 24% disagreed that violence has a socio-economic impact on the

women in Egor while 0.7% of the respondents did not provide an answer to

this question.

40
TABLE 18: Do you think violence has a socio- psychological effect on

women?

Do you think violence Response Frequency Percentage

has a socio-
Yes 143 95.3
psychological effect on
women? No 7 4.7

Total 150 100

Source: Fieldwork 2016

From the table 18 above, the result shows that 95.3% of the

respondents agreed that violence has a socio-psychological effect on women,

while 4.7% disagreed that violence has a socio-psychological effect on

women.

41
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

5.1 SUMMARY

Research conducted over the years by the World Health Organization

and others, reveals that violence against women is a much more serious and

common problem than previously suspected. It is estimated that one out of

three women worldwide has been raped, beaten or abused. While violence

against women occurs in all cultures and societies, its frequency varies across

countries. Societies that stress the importance of traditional patriarchal

practices which reinforce unequal power relations between men and women

and keep women in a subordinate position tend to have higher rates of

violence against women. Rates tend to be higher in societies in which women

are socially regulated or secluded in the home, excluded from participation in

the economic labour market and restricted from owning and inheriting

property. It is more prevalent where there are restrictive divorce laws, a lack

of victim support services and no legislation that effectively protects female

victims and punishes offenders. Violence against women is a consequence of

gender inequality, and it prevents women from fully advancing in society.

42
 Almost all the respondents agreed that they know what domestic

violence is all about and a small percentage affirmed that they have

experienced some form of physical violence such as: bartering, men beating

their wives etc. While a high percentage of the respondents agreed that

domestic violence reduces the level of participation among women in the

society, also majority of the respondents agreed that domestic violence has a

socio-psychological effect on women as well as it affects the level of

education and marital status of women.

Conclusively, more than half of the respondents feel that domestic

violence has a socio-economic implication in the society.

5.2 CONCLUSION

Domestic violence is prevalent in various nations at an alarming rate.

Women are the sufferers and are subjected to physical, psychological and

sexual abuse in their home by partners, in-laws and in some circumstances by

their brothers and parents. The factors associated with domestic violence in

the country are low-economic status of women, lack of awareness about

women rights, lack of education, falsified beliefs, imbalanced empowerment

issues between males and females, male dominant social structure and lack of

support from the government. Integrated supportive services, legal

43
intervention and redress should be made available in situations of domestic

violence. Support and help for women to rebuild and recover their lives after

violence, should be a part of the intervention strategy, including counseling,

relocation, credit support and employment. In order to prevent women from

domestic violence and provide them medical as well as judicial and legal

support, new plans and interventional maps should be made in the societies

in collaboration with health team members, religious and societal leaders,

NGOs, police department and people from other similar groups. This strategy

implementation should be enforced.

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the conclusions stated above, the following are the

recommendations from the study for controlling

 There is a need of recognition at the national level of the issue and

consistent follow-up should be made mandatory.

 There should be enough educational programs in all societies and

cultures, both for women and men at the same levels.

 There should be enough opportunities of employments and

participation in political parties along with security and safety for

women and the seat allocation for recruitments of both genders should

44
 be considered on equality grounds. More funds should be allocated to

women's development in the country.

 Government should make it compulsory to incorporate the programme

in all health care facilities in the nation for proper screening of all

types of domestic violence and abuse. Adequate emergency treatments

with rehabilitative measures should be provided. All health

professionals should be made aware of domestic violence, its factors,

possible treatment and moreover the preventive measures. Along with

medical facility, government also can have crisis centers for violated

women in the main health care centers like Rural Health Centers

(RHC), Basic Health Unites (BHU) and tertiary hospitals throughout

the country. Furthermore, specialized health care professionals should

be introduced in the crisis centers who could easily handle any case.

All of the facilities should be easily accessible to all women in any

setting throughout the country.

 Awareness programmes should be conducted for both women and

men. It should be done by using the resources like nurses, doctors and

psychologists, working under governmental and non-governmental

organizations (NGOs). This could easily be done either by direct or

indirect teaching. The direct methods would include one to one

45
 teaching, counseling, or group based teaching. Indirect methods would

involve the use of media, pamphlets, role plays, drama and talk shows.

 There should be religious definitions of the basic rights of women like

autonomy and freedom in the nation on federal levels and the

government needs to evaluate all of the basic rights of women. For this

a central committee can be made which should include religious

leaders, and scholars who can consensually define the rights of women

in the lights of Islamic teaching and literature. But, for this the other

ethnic and minority religious groups should be considered when

finalizing any package for basic rights of women. Government should

also ensure that every citizen of the country is following the main

themes defined by the religious committee.

 Government should to make sure that women have enough access to

reach any political opportunity and there should be a training

programme available for their capacity building on politics.

 There is also a need of reforms in the police departments and judicial

processes which place constraints on women from accessing justice.

Women police should be trained to deal with women facing domestic

violence so that women could feel safe and protected. Indeed the

46
 presence of a nurse or doctor in the police department team would

facilitate a pleasant environment for the sufferers.

 Alcohol production, transport and drinking should be banned or

regularized in the country. Government can take help from social

groups, religious leaders and even they can strengthen their law and

order situation to decrease alcohol and other addictive material usage

in the country.

 Government should develop recreational programs like family parks,

and other entertaining places where women along with their family can

enjoy and relax.

47
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51
 APPENDIX

QUESTIONNAIRE

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN EGOR LOCAL

GOVERNMENT AREA. BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

I am a 400 level student of the above named institution and department. I am

conducting a research on the above topic and I request that you assist as one of my

respondent by providing information on the following questions. The research is strictly

for academic purpose and the information supplied will be treated as a confidential one.

Please tick ( ) in the box that best suit your opinion.

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA.

1. Sex: Male ( ) Female ( )

2. Age: Below 20( ), 21-30yrs( ), 31-40yrs( ), 41 and above ( )

3. Marital status: single ( ) Married ( ) Separated ( ), Never Married ( ), Divorced (

), Widowed ( )
4. Religion: Christianity ( ), Muslim ( ), African tradition ( ),Others
(specify)______________
5. Occupation: Civil servant ( ), Technician ( ), Trader ( ), Others (specify)
__________
6. Educational Level: No formal Education ( ), Primary education ( ), Secondary
education ( ), Tertiary education ( )
SECTION B:

7. Do you know what domestic violence is? Yes ( ), No ( )

52
8. Have you heard of its occurrence before? Yes ( ), No ( )
9. Have you experienced any form of domestic violence before? Yes ( ), No ( )
10. If yes, what form of Domestic violence have you experienced?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
11. What do you suggest are the likely causes of domestic violence against women in
Egor?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
12. Does domestic violence against women reduces the participation of women in the
society? Yes ( ), No ( )
13. If yes how?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
14. Does an individual’s culture expose them to domestic violence? Yes ( ), No ( )

15. If yes how?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

16. Do you think domestic violence affects the level of education and marital status of

women? Yes ( ), No ( )

17. Do you think violence has a socio-economic impact on women In Egor? Yes ( ),

No ( )

18. Do you think violence has a psychological effect on women? Yes ( ), No ( )

53