THE IMPLICATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON WOMEN IN AYIPE PARISH, KULUBA SUB-COUNTY KOBOKO DISTRICT;

Abstract

The topic of study was the implication of domestic violence on women in ayipe parish, kuluba sub-county koboko district. The objectives of the study were; to establish the major causes of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish, to find out the effects of domestic violence on the women in Ayipe parish and to find out the measures that can be taken to curb domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish. The study sampled 55 respondents, these included 40 women, 5 division leaders, 5 government officials and 5 NGOs officials. The study also used purposive and random sampling technique in selecting respondents.

Some of the major causes of domestic violence include; Alcoholism, Poverty , men’s desire to control women and the effects of domestic violence include ; Physical injuries, Economic hardships, Divorce/separations,  Low self-esteem and lastly death of women and sometimes men as a result of domestic violence.

The study made the following recommendations; The government needs to set strictly laws on Alcoholism by specifically setting the time and the number of hours people should drink, while in terms of poverty reduction the government needs poverty alleviation programs to enhance productivity of the people and lastly the government also needs to educate the people through using mass media in fighting against domestic violence. The people who have sustained injuries as a result of domestic violence need to be given treatment in hospital to prevent permanent disability.

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Chapter one of these studies explores the historical background, the research topic, statement of the problem, significance of the study, study objectives, proposed methodology, theoretic theoretical framework.

 

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

 

According to Phillips, J & Vandenbroek, P (2014), domestic violence refers to violence, abuse and intimidation between people who are currently or have previously been in an intimate relationship. They say that in Australia, domestic violence includes physical assault, sexual assault, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, social and spiritual abuse and the perpetrator uses these forms of violence to control and dominate the other person, this can cause fear, physical harm, or even psychological harm and it is a violation of human rights.

 

Domestic violence is also defined as the range of sexually psychologically, physically coercive acts against adult and adolescents, women and some few men by current or former male intimate partners and few women. Growing evidence is highlighting the magnitude of the problem of domestic violence in developing countries. This evidence is got from the article of domestic violence in rural Uganda: evidence from a community-based study. (WHO)

According to various national surveys ,the percentage of women who were ever physically assaulted by an intimate partner varies substantially by the country: Barbados(30%), Canada,(29%),Egypt(34%), New Zealand (35%), Switzerland (21%), united states (33%), in Uganda, there is a steady increase in the incidences of domestic violence among women, children and the community. According to the Uganda Bureau of statistics report of 2012, Ugandans were ranging in a percentage of 379%.

 

Domestic violence has been so common in Uganda to the extent that some cultural belief socially accept the hitting of women as a way of disciplining them. However this has cost the economy billions of shillings annually. According to the gender based violence (GBV), report which was released on 30/01/2019 states that domestic violence has cost Uganda 77 billion shillings annually, 57 billion shillings is lost is lost in addressing the domestic violence problem according Tina Musuya the director of domestic violence prevention-CEDOVIP only to cover for physical violence but no other forms such as sexual and emotional violence. According to the study, 36 billion is used by the government to cover the cost for service providers including the police, LC, courts of law and health workers while individuals spend 21.9 billion shillings in lost time at work and out of pocket costs to address the effects of domestic violence in Uganda.

 

In England, domestic violence is a criminal offence; the law says that domestic violence can be physical, psychological, economical, sexual and emotional. It is estimated that total costs of domestic violence is £5.5 billion which comprises £1.6 billion for physical and mental health costs, £1.2bn in criminal justice costs,£268m in social services cost, £185.7m in housing and refugee costs, £366.7m in civil legal costs and £1.8bn in lost economic output. These figures reveal the huge financial impact of domestic violence has across every region and the stress it puts on everything from housing to social services this is a report by trust for London.

 

Domestic violence is in different forms/types .these are best known in the following forms which include  physical, sexual and emotional and economical this can be best explained below.

 

1. Physical violence

 Refers to any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person.  This involves the physical torture that a person undergoes for example burning of body parts with hot water, acid, fire, beating a person till he/she bleeds and sometimes even die, hitting, punching, shoving, shooting, throwing, and battering the person with heavy metal, big sticks. The majority of young adults 6 in 10 females (59%) and 7 in 10 males (68%) experience physical violence during their childhood, with nearly half experiencing it at the hands of parents or adult care takers .among those who were subjected to physical violence by an adult, their first experience was nearly always committed by a teacher (94% for females and 86% for males) this is a report from the Unicef (2018)

1. Sexual violence

This involves any sexual act or attempts to obtain sexual acts act by violence. We can also say sexual abuse involves forcing someone to have sex without his or her permission, when one is not interested in the act, frightened, even forcing others to watch the act, criticizing somebody’s sexual act or organ, starving a person sexually, sexual harassments which can be in words, dressing or even acts. There are many victims in this area for example the women and girls and elderly women are being sexually violated. fathers are sexually harassing their children, even some pastors have been accused of sexually harassing women and young girls, between 18-24 years, 1 in 3 females (35%) sexual abuse during their childhood. 1 in 4 young adults are reported to have experienced sexual abuse did it at the age of 13 and some women have mental distress than women who didn’t.(Unicef 2018)

 

1. Emotional violence

This is consistence in doing or saying things that are meant to insult or be  shame others for example, embarrassing your spouse ,demeaning ,calling a person names, withholding money this is common among stepmothers to children ,the husbands denying their wives money, children basic needs, women denying men sex, elderly people being called witches by the community members. This is a form of violence that affects the emotions of a woman.

 

1. Economic violence

 This is committed by individuals or groups preying on economically disadvantaged people individuals.in some circumstances the individuals may be service workers such as undocumented workers and food service workers, in others they may be spouses, or closeted gays. Economic violence includes denying a woman access to and control over basic resources such as food, shelters, land, cattle among others. Men who deny their women the access to financial services, refusing them from work or even refuse to give them money to take care of the home play a big role in promoting economic violence among the women. (PHEONA NATUKUNDA; women and domestic violence in Uganda2017)

1.1.2 The levels of domestic violence

Domestic violence has manifested in three levels that’s to say it has been manifested in a family, community and a state level

Family level

This is a stage where primarily domestic violence occurs and the family prepares the members for social life and there is some stereo typing in it and behaviors of abusers acquired through traditional practices such as initiation of children in to the clans, teaching them morals and cultural values, practices that help them to be accepted in the society. However these practices could be dangerous and can make these children to adopt them such as fighting, female circumcision, and tolerance of domestic violence in homes. (K.J., Hanson, R.F., Smith D 2009)

Community level

There is a lot of sharing on a number of issues like social, cultural, religious, power and equality are promoted. The community justifies traditional practices that are violent and women are vulnerable to sexual aggression. For example female genital mutilation among the Ssebei. The community since it has many people, there are different behaviors portrayed by different people. The community also has a tendency of tolerating social practices which are harmful and can lead to the injury, disability and death of a person such as female circumcision, man beating the woman as a sign of superiority and disciplining them among others. (Saunders, B.E & Kilpatrick 2009)

 

The state level

Violence at state level is demonstrated in many different ways, such as

Discriminating laws, tolerance of gender based violence, civil wars, and cultural wars, lack of democracy, unjustified killings of innocent people, over taxing of citizens among others. (Osman I Abdullah2013 domestic violence, national study and well-being of women)

 

Domestic violence has been caused by a number of factors which are economic constraints, culture, family, social factor, alcohol and drugs, which are portrayed in details below;

Economic constraints has led to DV in a way that incase of economic dependency, the perpetrator will always abuse the victim that’s to say in case the family is undergoing an economic constrain like they are always lacking basic needs, there will be an emotional violence were by lack of basic needs at home can make the family members vulnerable and these can cause conflicts hence domestic violence. When one family member has a lot of money, they tend to take advantage of others hence violating them in the family.

Cultural factors, in some societies, women are supposed to subordinate beating is regarded as assign of love; some sons of the families are more loved than girls, dominancy, especially in patriarchy society men must be superior to women hence interfamily conflict.

Alcohol and drug abuse has greatly contributed to domestic violence in a way that when there is use of them by a particular member, he/she is likely to practice domestic violence in the family or community for example the father who is using alcohol can come home to and decides to beat every person across his path hence injuring them and even killing them in the family or community while picking up a fight. Alcohol and drug abuse can also led to unnecessary spending of money which would have been used at home for basic needs and this can lead to family suffering. The abuser of the drug and alcohol can even disorganize the community by shouting, speaking in a vulgar language, can even defile or even rape women, girls and the elderly women; they can also end up sleeping with animals. This is very common in the rural areas

 

Families can also contribute to the domestic violence in a way that they are the smallest group that makes up the society and general discipline is expected to have been taught from the family as the saying goes, charity begins from home. Children are taught to respect, love, and are disciplined in case they are in wrong, they are being corrected at home. If this is not done well, the children will grow up to be disrespectful, unteachable and if they come from violent homes, they have a tendency of practicing the same with their fellow young ones. Therefore, it is very important to educate children in a way they should go so that when thy grow, they may not depart from it., parents should nurture their children very well.

The society can also influence domestic violence in a way that it has a tendency of tolerating offenders in them for example, its ok for men to beat up their wives and force them in to having sex with them. Some societies say a man should never be denied sex and they do not consider the feelings of the woman at all. If a man does not work in a society then a woman is expected to look for food, clothing, medical care, fees for children  however if she refused to do so, she will be blamed at the end and be called names this is common in west Nile region. In some societies, women have no right to report their husband’s abusive behavior and they fear to divorce because they may be considered to be a curse this forces her to remain in a violent home hence leading to suffering even her death in silent.

Domestic violence has many causes such as a person’s life style, the nature of their growth among others; however, the effects of domestic violence are many in different categories as analyzed below;

Violence committed against women is the most common in the world; this is any act of GBV that results to physical, sexual, psychological harm of women. The women are considered to be weaker or inferior to men so they take advantage of the women by raping them, beating, kicking, battering, forcing them to produce when they are not ready, send them out of the houses to sleep out among other violent activities. Many women have kept in silent because they are not even being helped by the family, society or even the law. The law has policies against domestic violence but many have not been implemented, this has led to the suffering of women and some have died in the process.

Violence against elderly persons this very common in this generation. It involves physical violence where by some are tortured by their grandson till they die, they can be hit on the head with a metal hence death. They also face psychological violence were by they are not being cared for by their children and grandchildren and the care takers may not know what these elder need. They also face material violence were by their properties are being grabbed from them by force. Some of them are sexually abused by the youth and the adult people. Some have even lost their lives in the process.

Violence against children in the community, they are the second group of people that suffer from violence like women. Violence against children includes defilement, child marriage, sexual assault, failure to dress them well, burning, feeding, education and failure to nurture the children. This leads to increase of the number of children in the streets, early pregnancy, disorganized generation, mental illness among others.

It is on this background that I decided to focus on domestic violence and its effects on children and the community. This is to help us find the possible solutions to the above problems.

1.2 THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

Women are considered to be the mothers of the nation and it is commonly said that educate a woman and you have educated a nation. This is because of their nurturing nature; they instill discipline, respect, teach children concerning religion, culture and nurture them to become better citizens in life and important people in the country. However, women have not been given a chance to play their roles as they are expected that’s to say, raise their children properly, participant in community affairs which may include contributing in meetings or joining politics because men have been dominating in every area and abusing women which is considered okay because he has a right over her.

The women have been abused by their husbands in a way that they are beaten, tortured, sexually harassed, economically denied to enjoy properties of their husbands.

Many societies have supported this form of violence because they believe that women are inferior and they do not have any right to express their views in public or report cases.

 

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.3.1 General objective

To assess the implication of domestic violence on women in Ayipe parish Kuluba Sub-county in Koboko district.

1.3.2 Specific objective

1. a) To establish the major causes of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish
2. b) To find out the effects of domestic violence on the women in Ayipe parish
3. c) To find out the measures that can be taken to curb domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish
   • 4 Research questions

1. a) What are the major causes of domestic violence in Kuluba Sub County?
2. b) What are the effects of domestic violence on women in Ayipe parish?
3. c) What are the measures that can be put in place to curb domestic violence among women in Ayipe?

1.5 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The results of the findings will help the society to have a change on the way they treat women and will change the status of the women.

The study will help to create a violent free society and hence help in raising children who are not violent.

The study will enlighten the higher authority about the dangers of domestic violence so that, solutions can be formulated.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

1.6.1 Content scope

The study will be basically based on assessing the impacts of domestic violence on the women in Ayipe Kuluba Sub County, Koboko district. It will be guided by three objectives which includes finding the major causes of domestic violence among women,  to I identify the effects  of domestic violence among the women and to find out the measures to be used to curb domestic violence,. The research will employ a total of 55 respondents from the area.

1.6.2 Time scope

This study is to last for four months that’s to say, confirmation of the topic  and writing chapter one in May and in June will be writing chapter two, July  will be writing  chapter three and then data analysis in august ,final submission of the research will report will be in august 2019.

1.6.3 Geographical scope

Ayipe parish is located in Kuluba sub-county in Koboko district in the west Nile region of Uganda .it is exactly 18km from Koboko town to Ayipe parish and can take one 15-17 minutes to reach there. Kuluba sub-county has total population of 27000 people according to the higher local government statistical abstract 2014. The study is to find out the different types of domestic violence, what the leaders and society think about the problem, where the victims go for help in case they are faced with the problem, how other agencies deal with this problem.

1.7 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK;

This portrays the theories that explain how and why domestic violence takes place. The theories that will be used include frustration-aggression theory and patriarchy theory which will help to explain the action of domestic violence.

 Patriarchy theory;

This theory was developed by Dobash and Dobash (1976), to explain family violence and especially domestic violence which has been systematically directed towards women. This theory is generally understood to be a system of the social relations and institutions that give men dominating power of control and advantages that are withheld from women.it consists of economic, legal political relations and of ideas, values, beliefs and norms. They also permit and encourage men’s domination, oppression, exploitation of females. This has led to wife beating, sexual harassment, and any other form of domestic violence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.8 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Independent variables                                                                      dependent variable

Causes of domestic violence; Alcoholism and drugs Poverty Social and cultural practices Nature of the family Need to be superior

Effects Physical injuries Mental health problems Divorce Death etc.

 

                                                   

 

 

 

 

Gender based policy set to fight violence UWEP to improve women’s financial status UPE & USE to equalize all children

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter focuses on the literature obtained from journals, books and other relevant documents relating to domestic violence and its implications on the women. It focuses on what domestic violence is, its causes, effects and different strategies which have been put forth to see that this problem is solved.

2.1 UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence refers violence, abuse and intimidation between people who are currently or have previously been in an intimate relationship. In Uganda, domestic violence includes physical assault, verbal abuse, and emotional abuse, financial, social and spiritual abuse. (Philips, J&Vandenbroek, p (2014)

Domestic violence is also defined as the range of sexually psychologically, physically coercive acts against adults, adolescents, women and some few men by current or former intimate male partners and few female partners. Growing evidence is highlighting the magnitude of the problem of domestic violence in developing countries. This evidence is got from the article of domestic violence in rural Uganda; evidence from a community based study by the world health organization (WHO2003)

According to Tina Musuya,(2018) the executive director, of center for domestic violence prevention in Uganda, domestic violence involves abuse by one person against another in a domestic context, such as in marriage or cohabitation. It can be physical, emotional, verbal, economic and sexual abuse which includes marital rape. She says that globally, female partners are commonly the victim of domestic violence, though the victim can also be the male partner or both may engage in abusive or violent behavior.

 

2.2 FORMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCLUDE;

There are various forms of domestic violence being experienced by women and below are some of the forms of domestic violence explained.

2.2.1 Financial violence

Financial violence includes not giving a woman access to her share of the family’s resources, expecting her to manage the household on an impossibly low amount of money and criticizing and blaming her when she is unable to monitor her spending and incurring debts in her name. Financial violence also includes denying the victim access to money which includes her own, making significant financial decisions without consulting the victim, selling the victims possessions and stealing her money to spend it on alcohol, other women other than the wife at home. (Pence E& Paymar M 1986, power and control: tactics of men who batter women)

According to Natukunda Pheona (women and domestic violence in Uganda 2017),financial violence  is committed by individuals or groups preying on economically disadvantaged people individuals.in some circumstances the individuals may be service workers such as undocumented workers and food service workers, in others they may be spouses, or closeted gays. Economic violence includes denying a woman access to and control over basic resources such as food, shelters, land, cattle among others. Men who deny their women the access to financial services, refusing them from work or even refuse to give them money to take care of the home play a big role in promoting economic violence among the women.

2.2.2 Physical violence

Physical violence is any actual or threatened attack on another person’s physical safety and bodily integrity. It involves smashing property, destroying possessions and throwing things, using intimidating body language such as angry looks, threating gestures and raised voices, pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, choking, punching or using weapons such as knives, panga, canes among others(Pence E & Paymar M 1986)

According to UNICEF (2018), physical violence refers to any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person.  This involves the physical torture that a person undergoes for example burning of body parts with hot water, acid, fire, beating a person till he/she bleeds and sometimes even die, hitting, punching, shoving, shooting, throwing, and battering the person with heavy metal, big sticks. The majority of young adults 6 in 10 females (59%) and 7 in 10 males (68%) experience physical violence during their childhood, with nearly half experiencing it at the hands of parents or adult care takers .among those who were subjected to physical violence by an adult, their first experience was nearly always committed by a teacher (94% for females and 86% for males).

According to the chambers world finders (1995), physical violence involves the infliction of pain and injury on the complainant’s body. It includes beating, punching, kicking, biting, burning, maiming or killing with or without weapons.

2.2.3 Emotional violence

Emotional violence is a behavior that does not accord equal importance and respect to another person’s feelings, opinions and experiences. Even though emotional abuse can have a profound and long-term impact on victims it is often the most difficult form of violence to identify. Many emotionally abusive behaviors are not crimes, and therefore victims can find it challenging to obtain protection .emotional violence includes deliberately undermining the victims confidence, acts that humiliate or degrade, threats to harm themselves, the victim or another family member, ridicule and shaming aspects of a woman’s being such as her body, beliefs, skills, friends, occupation or cultural background and handling guns or other weapons in front of the victim. (Salt house S& Fronmader C 2004, domestic violence and women with disabilities)

2.2.4 Sexual violence,

This involves any sexual act or attempts to obtain sexual acts act by violence. We can also say sexual abuse involves forcing someone to have sex without his or her permission, when one is not interested in the act, frightened, even forcing others to watch the act, criticizing somebody’s sexual act or organ, starving a person sexually, sexual harassments which can be in words, dressing or even acts. There are many victims in this area for example the women and girls and elderly women are being sexually violated. fathers are sexually harassing their children, even some pastors have been accused of sexually harassing women and young girls, between 18-24 years, 1 in 3 females (35%) sexual abuse during their childhood. 1 in 4 young adults are reported to have experienced sexual abuse did it at the age of 13 and some women have mental distress than women who didn’t. (UNICEF 2018)

Sexual violence is any actual or threatened sexual contact without consent, such as unwanted touching, rape, exposure of genitals and making someone view pornography against their will. Women with disabilities are believed to have higher chances of experiencing sexual violence such as unwanted touching by carer ((Salt house S& Fronmader C 2004, domestic violence and women with disabilities) while some forms of sexual violence are criminal acts, for example sexual assault and rape. Rape includes being forced to perform unwanted sexual acts or to have sex with others, disclosing intimate knowledge, including threatening to share private photographs or information about sexual orientation to generate fear, causing injury to the persons organs among other things.

2.3 THE CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The causes of domestic violence are attributed to many factors which include alcohol and drug abuse, poverty, cultural and social factors, nature, need to control or feeling superior than the other partner. All these and more are explained below;

2.3.1 Alcoholism and drug abuse

Alcoholism and drug abuse are a major cause of domestic violence among the victims. Alcoholism and drug abuse refers to the excessive use of alcoholic products and drugs to switch ones mood from normal to an abnormal state where by one is either too excited or too aggressive and can cause harm to them or another person. These are liquor, sachets in lowest quantities of 30mls,marijuana among others.it has been estimated that the per capita consumption of alcohol in Uganda is 9.8 liters(WHO,2014),but with a population of 58.7% of abstainers from alcohol use, the total per capita consumption of the alcohol users only, shows worryingly high consumption levels. This has led to high crime rates among consumers. Men who consume alcohol have been reported to have been involved in domestic violence this is because these men tend to be violent and they can be violent to the children, wife, and displacing utensils and breaking them at home after consuming a certain quantity of alcohol which has led to massive increase in domestic violence.

Women whose partners often drink before sex experience risks of violence almost five times higher than non-drinking partners in that 52% and 27% of women who reported that their partners had  consumed  alcohol or had frequently consumed  respectively this supports the conclusion that alcohol and drug consumption plays role and it’s a major cause of domestic violence.(WHO 2003,81(1)).

2.3.2 Poverty;

  Poverty can be defined as the failure to provide the daily basic needs for a person for example water, food, shelter, clothing among others. The national level has increased from 19.7% in the financial year 2012/13 to 21.4% in 2016/17 the Uganda bureau of statistics) reveals the statistics on poverty in Uganda. The 2016 ( Uganda demographic and health surveys revealed that up to 22% of women aged 15-49 in the country had experienced some form of violence due to poverty. Domestic violence is very common among people living under poverty, this occurs due to failure to sustain the family’s needs. (STEPHEN SSENKAABA; African renewal 2018)

Danielle Cornish-spencer(2018)  violence against women and girls is a daily  reality, experienced in every country one in three women globally will experience  sexual or physical violence in their life time most likely at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends. living in poverty increases the risk of domestic violence.it is estimated that violence against girls in school leads to poor performance ,lower enrollment, absenteeism and high dropout rates while women who experience domestic violence by intimate partners are more likely to be covered into pregnancy, reducing their ability to earn income and forcing them to become  more reliant on their abusive partners this is because they will not have money to leave , find shelter or to buy food for them and their children and example of such a victim was Joyce(now attained volunteering action aid)  whose mother died the same your she was raped and the father was a drunkard, the community and her father were not able to pay her school fees therefore  forcing her in to marriage to the man who raped her.  She could not even support herself not to talk of the child due to the fact that they were living under poverty. Therefore this shows that poverty plays an important role in spreading, initiating of domestic violence which can lead to death.

2.3.3 Culture and social factors,

These have greatly contributed to the increase of domestic violence this can be analyzed in two forms which are female genital mutilation (FGM) and child/early marriages.

Female genital mutilation has been practiced in Africa and some parts of Uganda; it has been a cultural practice by the Ssebei culture to girls between the ages of 9-18 years of age. FGM   lies in the intersection of very sensitive issues; patriarchy, gender roles, women’s reproduction, and men’s perception of women’s sexuality. FGM is a clear example of violence that is sustained by woman practicing it.in an overview and exploration by UNICE, the most frequently cited reason for supporting FGM was ‘social acceptance’ this shows that if the society had not accepted the practice on the women, it means it would not be in existence therefor the society has played a role in supporting the practice which violets women’s sexuality.

Early or child marriages can be stated as another cause of domestic violence among women, a formal or  informal union  before the age of 18, is a form of domestic violence as it robs girls of their childhood, health, education and security. In 2014 ‘’state of the world population’’, UNFPA notes that every day, 39000 girls become child brides. The consequences of early marriages include domestic violence, rape, undesired pregnancies, illegal abortion which can lead to death, lack of pregnancy follow up like antenatal health care hence high risk of delivery and death to both mother and child. These early marriages often occur due to poverty and the support of society and culture. there are several cultures and society in Uganda that support the early child marriage as they believe that as long as a girl has reached the age of 9-15 or has developed breasts or has started her periods she is ready to go for marriage and many societies support fact hence leading to a high increase of DV among women. Sida (2007), action plan for Sida’s work against GBV2008-2010.

Violence is not a single kind of activity, generally, it involves socially category of activities that share some common features. Violence has been described as a social phenomenon. Rather than look inside the perpetrator for the causes of violence, social-cultural factors look in the situation for factors that may explain why violence varies in the frequency and intensity (Lawson, 2012). This is because the society contributes a very large part in tolerating the offenders of domestic violence and some activities are referred to as cultural yet in actual sense these activities cause physical harm, emotional, sexual violence to the people experiencing it and since the community and society support it, it contributes to the factors of domestic violence to women.

2.3.4 Nature of family,

 Family violence is when someone behaves abusively towards a family member.it is a part of patterns of behavior that controls or dominates a person and causes them to fear for their own or others safety and wellbeing. Violent abusive behavior includes physical and sexual violence, and financial, emotional, psychological abuse, slapping, hitting, rape, verbal threats, harassment, stalking, withholding money, and deliberate isolating of someone from others. This is commonly carried out by men against women. The 2016 Uganda demographic and health survey revealed that up to 22% of women age 15-49 in the country had experienced some form of sexual violence .the report also reveals that annually, 13% of women aged 15-49 experience sexual violence. This translates to more than 1 million women exposed to sexual violence in homes.

In 2014, Desire Luzinda a celebrated  Ugandan musician, made a public apology to after her ex boy-friend leaked her nude pictures on social media and since her incident, it has been noted that more than 10 women have had their nudes leaked  on social media by their  lovers resulting to shaming them. This shows that family plays a role in the case of domestic violence among women report was by Stephen Ssenkaaba (Africa renewal)

Social learning theory is under socio cultural perspectives which views children who either experience violence themselves or who witness violence between their parents are more likely to use violence when they grow up (Bandura, 1971; Mihalic &Elliot, 1997). Family intuition is crucial foundation in the whole framework of the construction and continuity of the social development in the community. The destruction of this institution means the destruction of the community itself. It I a place where people learn the roles of husband and wife, parent and child, learn how to deal with various stresses, frustrations and where a person first experiences violence as well.

2.3.5 Desire to control women

 Violence against women is widely believed to be motivated by the needs to dominate women; this view conjures the image of a powerful man who uses violence against women as a tool to maintain his superiority. power and control frequently underlie in intimate  partner violence but the purpose of the violence may also be in response to the man’s feelings  of powerlessness and inability to accept rejection(Browne and Dutton1990) it also has been argued that rape ,in particular represents fulfillment of sexual needs  through violence(Ellis,1989) but research has found that motives of power  and anger  are more prominent in rationalization for sexual aggressions than sexual desires(Lisak and Roth,1990;1994)

In Uganda, there has developed many cases of domestic violence when men wanted to show that women are inferior to them .this has been witnessed by beating of women, some men don’t want their women to work because they feel it’s a man to work while a woman stays at home and raises the children, women don’t discuss matters concerning home among others because of this, men resort to DV if the women disobey them because they feel superior to women.

2.4 THE EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON WOMEN;

Domestic violence survivors can face on going and challenging effects after enduring physical, mental, emotional, sexual, economic and spiritual abuse.it can take time for a survivor to adjust to living in a safe environment, especially if the perpetrator was severely violent and committed the actions over an extended period of time .The effects of this trauma can vary from person to person due to individual responses to stress, age, the frequency and severity of the abuse. The following are some of the common effects of domestic violence;

Domestic violence as caused by alcohol has health effects such as physical injuries like broken arms, swollen face, pregnancy complications which may lead to miscarriages, emotional problems leading to suicide, some may even resort to use and addiction of drugs and alcohol as a copying method to the situation.(WHO intimate partner relations and alcohol 2017)

2.4.1 Death

Domestic violence can lead to death, injury, illness and disability among women. This is because the abusers tend to inflict pain on the victims which can cause them to suffer. Uganda demographic and health surveys 2016 has revealed that  up to 22%of women aged 15-49 in the country had some form of domestic violence. This shoes that most of the affected women have suffered from domestic violence and have sustained injuries resulting from the harassment of domestic violence.

2.4.2 Divorce

Domestic violence has contributed to failed marriages, many young women and girls have been forced into marriages that they do not want due to poverty, rape, among others, they have been abused by their partners and this has created problems for the family members, including children, it has affected the functioning of the marriage and the purpose of the family, some women have died in their homes in silence and others have abandoned their homes leaving children and raising abusive children.(PICCWED4,FEB,2018).

Realizing the impact of domestic violence against women to the society and the country, especially on the health and wellbeing of the victims and nation, prevention is always possible and essential .therefore various activities need to be implemented that suits the target group needs in different states. More emphasis needs to be placed in combating DV from pre phase, during and post phase of DV situation. Workplaces, government, NGOs, legislative intervention, communities are the most important bodies in combating domestic violence. (African renewal 2018)

2.4.3 Psychological problems

It has been estimated that women who suffer from domestic violence, experience psychological or mental problems, this is because the acts committed on them are usually severe and hence creates fear and mental unrest in them. This has made many women to even fear to engage in sexual activities with their men, fear of men and some have been hospitalized in the mental institution or rehabilitation centers. (Sarah Dokkedahl, Robin Niels Kok , 2019)

2.4.4 Physical injuries

Majority of women who experience domestic violence have experienced it through a physical form which includes hitting, slapping, kicking, pinching, pushing, burning, strangling among others. These and cause physical injuries on women like bleeding, wounds, broken arms or other body parts. Many women have even failed to report such cases because they live in fear of being killed or injured again.this has led to the disability of many women especially those that are silent about the act. (Jordan CE, et al Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2010)

2.4.5 Economic hardships

Majority of women have undergone economic or financial hardships because of domestic violence and this is witnessed by the fact that some men do not allow their wives to work and this has made it difficult for them to look after themselves and children, this means they cannot leave their abusive men because they depend on them for everything. Some women who work, their men take advantage of that and demand for the money forcefully if not given, they beat up the women and leave them poor and without money to look after  the family hence economic hardship ( felix asante, Stacey scriver, Gina Alvarado 2019 ).

2.5 STRATEGIES TO PREVENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence has been a major problem in Uganda committed against women. The efforts being put by the government,

The police, community leaders and the law.

Four in ten girls wed before they turn 18, even though Uganda has banned child marriage, according to the United Nations children’s fund (UNICEF), and few go behind primary schools. Ugandan policewomen held placards to protest violence against women at a March in Kampala November 2017.Thomson Reuter’s foundation /Thomas newton.

In 2016 and 2017 the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development budgeted to spend 1.68bilion shillings on VAW programs a great deal that has been coming from donors such as Irish Aid and United Nations populations’ fund. This shows that VAW has been carted for in Uganda and the Uganda police is doing its job to assist the victims of DV.

The government of Uganda launched a National Gender Based Violence (GBV) policy, specifying the roles each sector is supposed to play to ensure the prevention of and response to VAW. The assistant commissioner Kyomukama also says that the governments National Development plan 1 and 2have included comprehensive frameworks to address VAW. (African renewal Stephen Ssekaaba 2018)

In abide to address poverty, which usually plays a factor in VAW, the government through MGLSD last year launched the Ugandan  Women Entrepreneurship programme (UWEP) to improve  women’s access to  financial services  and equip them with  entrepreneurial skills. According to Brenda Kifuko Malinga, UWEPs national programme coordinator, so far 3,416 projects have been launched and 43,602 assisted throughout the country.

The UN and its partners have  made some improvement in the most heavily affected eastern  regions of Busoga, and Karamojong through the joint  programme on DBV funded by the Norwegian embassy and  through the government programme on GBV supported by Irish Aid ,the Irish government programme for overseas  development.

Uganda has a universal primary education policy (UPE) which makes primary education and (USE) secondary education free so that girls an access education and free 1.5 points have been given to girls joining university by the government. The mid-term review report (2010) on Uganda’s effort to attain the MDGs shows that the rate of ignorance on domestic violence has been reduced and girls have been sent to school. (Uganda national development plan)

Despite some success, a lot of work needs to be done to ensure a violence free country for Uganda

2.6 LITERATURE GAPS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

This explains the gaps in the literature review as discussed earlier above.

2.6.1 Culture and social

The information base on women sexual abuse is woefully inadequate, especially lacking research on sexual abuse in rural areas, research on the young girls and women is not effectively conducted. Methods to reliably measure sexual and emotional violence across cultures are less well developed than those available to measure other forms of domestic violence such as physical violence .generally we know less about the prevalence and etiology of sexual violence than in physical violence the government is less prepared to prevent domestic violence (Jacques-Tiura, AJ.and Lebreton, JM 2011, risk factors for sexual aggression in men)

 

2.6.2 Divorce

The marriage and divorce bill fixes the legal age for marriage for both men and women at 18, grants women the right to choose their spouse and right to divorce spouse for cruelty and prohibits the practice of widow inheritance. It also defines matrimonial property. Provides for equitable distribution of property in case of divorce and recognizes some property rights for that cohabit. However, the draft does not prohibit polygamy nor does it prohibit the practice of paying dowry or bride price. (National development plan)

2.6.3 Poverty

Poverty can be defined as the failure to provide the daily basic needs for a person for example water, food, shelter, clothing (Akindola 2009). The Uganda demographic and health surveys reveled that up to 22% of women aged 15-49 in the country had experienced some form of violence due poverty in Uganda. However this information was collected basing on few rural areas such as the western and southern Uganda and other parts such as west Nile region that’s why have decided to conduct this research to discover the effects of domestic violence and the other causes in the western region. It has been witnessed that only the  western and the south regions of Uganda  conducted this research however this research will show that poverty is not only on the cause of domestic violence and poverty is not only failure to provide daily basic needs but also  failure to inherit land, properties by the women(P.Spicker 2006)

2.6.4 Lack of enough evidence

The current evidence base is highly skewed towards individual level predictors of abuse. The next generation of studies should focus on establishing factors at the level of relationship and community that either heightens or reduce risk of victimization and perpetration. However this is not the case in Uganda, the police has been relaxed in that very few cases have been positively handled and most of the cases because they claim that there is lack of evidence to support the case and this has left many women suffering a lot and silently in and the community leaders have failed to handle and take this issues very seriously. (Stephen Ssenkaaba 2018)

There is a considerable need for more research to deepen understanding of VAW in various settings. However there is currently a strong-enough body of knowledge to inform the development and testing of prevention interventions in domestic violence.

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

• INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the research design, study area, study population ,methods of data collection, data collection instruments, sampling techniques, data collection procedures, data analysis, ethical considerations and limitations of this study.

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

The study used case study design in order to gain insight into a small case. Yin (2014), defines case study as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. A case study design was basically used because it is important and it brings out an understanding of complex issues and can extend experience or add strength to what is already known.

3.2 STUDY AREA

This study took place in Ayipe parish. Ayipe parish is located in Kuluba Sub County in Koboko district, West Nile region of Uganda. It is approximately 12km from the main town of Koboko and 3km from the main road heading to Oraba- Yei in South Sudan. The area has a population which consists of people from different areas such as South Sudan due to the war that broke out in 2014 to date, Congolese, people from Arua, Itesots by marriage, Baganda doing businesses among others which has led to population increase.

The majority of people living there are not educated and the major economic activity is farming which is done mostly by women. Majority of women are not able to make independent decisions as most times they are being controlled by men. They do not have a say in family matters which means even little girls can be taken to marriage and the mother cannot have assay in that issue.

Domestic violence is very common in Ayipe parish and it’s on this back ground that I decide to conduct research study on domestic violence in this area.

 

3.3 STUDY POPULATION

A population is a complete set of elements, persons or objects that possess some common characteristics defined by the sampling criteria established by the researcher (Banerjee, 2010). In this study, the population included women, division leaders, government officials and NGOs who have contributed to the prevention of domestic violence in Ayipe parish Kuluba Sub County in Koboko district since they are in position to give accurate and reliable information about the study.

3.4 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

A data collection method refers to tools used to collect data. Data for this study was derived from both primary and secondary sources. To investigate the variables of the study exhaustively, the researcher will use a combination of data collection methods by the way of methodological triangulation. This was done to enable the various methods to complement one another, thereby making up for the weakness in each method. As a result, the researcher will be able to capture a more comprehensive variety of information, to reveal more discrepancies in the data collection and to eliminate more biases than would have been in case the researcher had a single method (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). Primary data was obtained using two methods; the survey and key informative interviews and focus group discussion; secondary data was obtained by means of documentary review.

3.4.1 Survey

A survey refers to a research method used for collecting data from a pre-defined group of respondents to gain information and insights on various topics of interest. The data is usually obtained through the use of standardized procedures whose purpose is to ensure that each respondent is able to answer the questions. A survey involves asking people for information through questionnaires, which can be distributed.

3.4.2 Focused group discussions

A focused group discussion involves gathering people from similar backgrounds or experiences together to discuss a specific topic of interest. It is a form of qualitative research where questions are asked about their perception, attitudes, beliefs, opinions or ideas. In focus group discussion, participants are free to talk with other group members; unlike other research methods, it encourages discussions with other participants. Generally it involves interviewing small group of people usually 8 to 12 people and this is advantageous because it helps them people who fear to express themselves to gain confidence and this can help them to express themselves too and it also saves time. (Dr.Sushin Baral 2016)

3.5 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS

3.5.1 Questionnaire

Self-administered questionnaires with structured questions will be used in data collection. The instrument is adopted because it is time saving since it enables respondents to freely tick their opinions form predetermined ideas and many respondents can fill a questionnaire at the same time and in the absence of the researcher. Moreover because the study requires some confidentiality, respondents can freely participate without fear because they can compute the questionnaires in total privacy or with minimum guidance. As a result, this method will generate in-depth and relatively reliable data from a number of individuals in a relatively short time and at a minimal financial cost

3.5.2 Key informative interview

The interview method will be used on division leaders, government officials and NGOs officials in order to supplement the data obtained from the questionnaire. The reason why the interview method is preferred for these participants is because the researcher is intending to capture in-depth accurate and sensitive information which cannot be obtained using the questionnaire method. The interview will be conducted by blind learners. An interview guide as a checklist will be used in the interview process to ensure uniformity and consistency of information that will be provided. The interview guide will allow probing for the questions in addition to predetermined questions so as to elicit detailed and precise data. This will help in digging deep into the issues under investigation.( carter  A 1992)

3.5.3 Documentary review

Document analysis will be used to study the already existing literature and documents in order to either find gaps that can be filled by the study or evidence that can support or contradict the quantitative and qualitative findings.

3.6 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

The study will use purposive and simple random to select the participants.

3.6.1 Sampling size

A sample refers to a subset of the population and sampling means the process of selecting relevant numbers of elements from the population so that a study of the sample and its characteristics may enable the researcher to generalize such characteristics to the population elements (Sekaran, 2000). The study sampled 55 respondents. This included 40 women, 5 division leaders, 5 government officials and 5 NGOs officials as shown in the table below;

Table 1 Showing sample size

Category of respondents	Sample size
Women	40
Division leaders	5
Government officials	5
NGOs officials	5
Total	55

 

3.6.2 Purposive sampling

Purposive sampling is one of the sampling techniques where respondents are selected based on the knowledge of the population and the purpose of the study. This will involve identification and selection of individuals, groups of individuals that are proficient and well-informed with a phenomenon of interests (Cress well &Plano, 2011). Division leaders, government officials and NGOs officials will be selected because they are believed to be reliable and knowledgeable about the topic under study and so they will be able to give detailed information about the topic under investigation.

3.6.3 Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling will be used to select women in Koboko district Kuluba Sub County in Ayipe parish. This method will allow each respondent to have an equal and independent chance of selection there by reducing biasness.

3.7 Data collection procedure

The researcher will obtain an introductory letter from Kyambogo University after having developed a research proposal under the guidance of the supervisors that will introduce her to the relevant participants in Ayipe parish. The researcher will seek permission from Ayipe parish to allow her conduct her study. The researcher will construct questionnaires for data collection and obtain an accompanying letter to assure the participants that any information they give will be kept confidential and it is for academic purposes. Then I will proceed to administer the questionnaires, conduct interviews with the target population. The questionnaires will be administered by the researcher, filled by the participants and returned to the researcher there and then. While for the interviews, they will take some time and interview blind learners face to face and fill interview guide

3.8 Data Analysis

3.8.1 Qualitative data analysis

Data collected from key informants will be edited on a continuous basis in order to ensure completeness. Data for the interviews will be put in categories. Content analysis will be the main method to analyze the data. Data collected will be categorized according to the emerging variables. Variables such as sex, age will be computed using tables

3.8.2 Quantitative data analysis

Data collected from each day will be checked to ensure accuracy. Analyzing will be done according to the objectives of the study. Data from the questionnaires will be cleaned, edited and coded before analysis; data will be analyzed using SPSS (statistical package for social science). The researcher will analyze quantitative data by arranging, describing it and developing the list of key ideas and creating diagrams or use models that will explain the findings.

3.9 Ethical Considerations

The researcher ought to ensure that all the information of the clients/participants is kept confidential. This will be done by not revealing the names of the participants, not sharing their experiences to other members and ensuring them that this activity is strictly for education purpose. This will help the participants to trust the researcher with vital information which will help in the research process.

The researcher will portray self-determination; that’s to say let the respondents decide for themselves and participate freely without being forced to speak information. This will help during the research in a way that the participant wills that her opinion is being respected.

3.9.1 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

These are the limitations that I anticipate that may occur during the research.

3.9.2Time

There is a problem of limited time for the study. This may a raise because of unfair research study conditions for example some respondents requiring more time to complete filling of the questionnaire guides. This can be solved by giving the respondents deadline of collecting questionnaire guide.

3.9.3Finance

Limited finance is another limitation the researcher may face before she completes the study successfully. The researcher will use part of the savings which may not be enough to transport, make copies of the questionnaires, meals among others which may be a challenge during the study

3.9.4 Lack of confidence in the researcher

Some respondents may not expose all the important information about the study problem in fear of portraying a bad image of their area. However this can be overcome by ensuring that the respondents that the study is strictly for academic purpose and any information given will be kept confidential and the study will also be done anonymously and no one’s name will appear in the report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION.

4.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the data as analyzed from the study findings, interpretation and discussions of the findings. It presents the social-demographic data of the participants and the themes as regard to the study objectives.

4.1 social-demographic data of the participants

Table 1:  social-demographic data of the participants.

Characteristics	Number (n=55)	Percentage (100%)
Gender Male Female	10 45	18 82
Age 18-28 29-39 40-50 51-61 62+	30 10 9 5 1	55 18 16 9 2
Marital status Never married Married Widowed Divorced /separated Co-habiting	5 15 4 1 30	9 27 7 2 55
Education None Primary Secondary Tertiary	9 17 14 15	16 31 26 27
Religion Muslim Catholic Protestants SDA Born again	10 20 14 5 6	18 36 26 9 11
Occupation Housewives Farmers Teachers   Nurses	25 20 6 4	46 36 11 7

 

Gender

The study findings in the table above show that most of the study participants (82%) were females and (18%) were males. This is an indication that women have been of domestic violence and were willing to participate in this study.

Age

According to the study findings, 55% of the participants were aged 18-28, whereas 18% were aged 29-39. In addition, 16% were aged 40-50, 9% were 51-61 and 2% of them were in 62 and above years. This implies that 55% of the participants were youth who mostly experienced domestic violence in their young ages.

Marital status

From the table findings above 9% of the participants were never married, 27% of them were married, 7% were widowed, 2% were either divorced or separated and 30% of the participants were cohabiting. These findings show that most of the women were cohabiting and most probably experience DV in their homes.

Education

Also the findings in the table above show that 27% of the participants had reached tertiary level and obtain certificates and bachelors, 26% of the participants had reached to secondary level while 31% who were the majority stopped at primary level and 16% had not obtained any education. This implies that majority of the participants had obtained education.

Religion

From the findings in the table above18% of the participants were Muslims, 36% were Catholics, Protestants were 26% SDA were 9% and 11% were B.A Christians. This study shows that Catholics were the majority who participated in the study.

Occupation

From the table above, the finding shows the occupation of the participants which is 46% where housewives, 36% were farmers, 11% were teachers and 7% were nurses who treated women who had been victims to DV. However there were some participants who shared occupations such as housewives and farming, teaching and farming among others. Housewives (46%) participated more during the study than the teachers 11%.

4.2 Thematic analysis of the findings

The thematic analysis of the findings show the results of the responses in relation to the topic of discussion implication of domestic violence on women in Ayipe parish Kuluba sub county in Koboko district.

4.2.1 The causes of domestic violence

The study findings have indicated various causes of domestic violence on women in Ayipe, below are the results that were discovered from the study:

Alcoholism

The study findings indicate that 80% of the population are addicts to alcohol this means that not only men but also the women. It also indicates that whenever alcohol is consumed in large quantities, the consumers tend to be violent and aggressive to whatever that surrounds them including utensils, children, their partners or even animals.

Women whose partners often drink alcohol experience risks of violence almost five times higher than non-drinking partners in that 52% and 27% of women who reported that their partners had consumed alcohol or had frequently consumed respectively this supports the conclusion that alcohol and drug consumption plays a role in the  cause of domestic violence.(WHO 2003,81(1)).

The women also explained that whenever their men consume alcohol, they abuse them in every kind of way .This is backed up by a statement by one of the women.

‘’ my husband is obsessed with alcohol and every time he comes home, he first shouts in the compound, insults everyone and yells at the children telling them to go and get married he is tired of keeping them. After that he will come in the house, kick everything he sees and start his trouble of beating me and the children or even use force on me when he wants sex. If I refuse, that day me and the children sleep in the kitchen or outside.’’ (Participant in FGD)

‘’ when I first married my husband, I never knew he was an alcoholic because I moved from another village, I started seeing it two weeks after the marriage. It became worse after the birth of our second child. He started beating me at every point of provocation, however every time he has not taken alcohol, he was a very good person but it’s hard to see that side since he is now the chairman for the drinking group in the village.( participant in the FGD)

It has been reported that alcoholics have contributed highly in the cause of domestic violence, many criminals have been found under the influence of alcohol or they have been addicts an use it as an excuse to harm other people. This is also backed up by the statement made during the study.

‘’ alcoholism has become a major problem in Ayipe parish this is because every week a case is presented to our officer concerning domestic violence in an accord to alcoholism and its either the victim being seriously injured or the abuser.’’ (KII)

Poverty

The responses during focused group discussions and key informative interviews indicate that poverty has greatly led to domestic violence in Ayipe parish. Many families are affected by poverty and are living below the poverty line. They basically depend on agriculture carrying out subsistence farming for their families. Women do most of the garden work and men have a tendency of selling the produce and at the end of it, the women and the children who worked hard do not get anything. This is backed up by a statement below.

‘’me and my family depend on farming, my husband is not working because he was not educated and i stopped in primary 4,inorder to survive, we dig but my husband sells all the things  sometimes he sells the crops even before they mature, he does not provide anything at home. I am the mother and the father at home and i feed him like my own child and at the end of the day he still beats us i am tired of him’’ (participant in FGD)

‘’most families have been affected by poverty and that’s the reason as to why domestic violence occurs. Women always complain due to lack of money, things , food stuffs and so on, in defense, the men decide to mistreat them the more and applying physical force on them.’’ (KII)

Unfaithfulness

According to the responses got from the study, women have complained that men have been unfaithful to them even after them accepting to be in polygamous marriages, these men have been going out to have relations with other women who are not married to their husbands.

‘’my husband has been cheating on me with different women and several times I catch him with them but incase i confront him with the issue, automatically he gives me the beating of my life. I fear being infected with HIV/AIDS’’ (FGD)

Another exclaimed ‘’ my husband married four of us but he is still running after young girls, if we confront him about the issue, he can be violent and threatens to chase anyone who brings the subject again so we keep quiet but knowing he may infect us too’’ (FGD)

Producing one sex children.

When it comes to marriage issues especially in African culture, a male child is treasured more than a female child. This is because they are considered to be heirs to the family properties unlike girls who will be married off to their husbands. (Alison Koski, Shelley Clark population and development 2007).

Most women have been violated in their homes because of producing children of the same sex. A man who has only girls is not considered man enough and this has forced them to pressurize their wives in to giving them male children.

‘’I have been  married for 14 years with 7 children 6 girls and 1boy my husband has never been happy with me, he insults me and the girls calling us useless, on several occasions he has forced me and  my children to leave home, he never educated them. I use the little money from farm to take them to school but he still does not care for us except the young boy.’’(FGD)

Social factors

The society has played a very big role in contributing to domestic violence. The society has set rules, traditions and norms which allow violence to be practiced for example, women are not involved in deciding in matters concerning the society, polygamy is allowed and battering of women , women not owning properties among others.

‘’the society of Ayipe has rules that has made it easier for men to violet their wives, women have no say, men do not provide for the family as it’s the work of the woman to do so, farming among others are some of the activities women carryout and at the end of the day they are denied access to money, properties and others.’’ (Kii)

‘’the men of this society are untouchable and are superior to any person here, if you try to report a case, you are considered to be a bad person because you don’t have the right to report your own husband therefore you can’t change tradition.’’  (FGD)

Men’s desire to control women

Men in Ayipe have the tendency to show that they are superior and can do anything they want which includes beating, marrying as many women as they want and this has caused them to be violent to their women. This is revealed in the statement below.

‘’ men have been behaving in a funny way; they want respect but don’t give it to anyone. For example, my husband wants to be carried like a child yet he does not accord anyone with respect. He insults every one he sees and beats anyone he calls himself a  man and no one has a say in his family.’’

Major causes of domestic violence in Ayipe

The study findings indicate that there are two major cause of domestic violence in Ayipe parish.

Alcoholism is one of the causes that have been identified during the study, almost 80% of the population are alcoholics and have been involved in consuming alcohol and it’s in this case that most of the violence activities have been witnessed. This has been identified both during the focus group discussion and key informant interviews.

Poverty

Poverty has been the root cause of all the domestic violence cases as identified during the focus group discussion and the key informant interviews as it’s estimated that most of the women have experienced all forms of violence due to their financial status. If they had been financially stable it’s estimated that men would not abuse them in any way.

The effects of domestic violence on women in Ayipe parish.

Physical injuries

The study findings indicate that majority of women who experience domestic violence have experienced it through a physical form which includes hitting, slapping, kicking, pinching, pushing, burning, strangling among others. These and cause physical injuries on women like bleeding, wounds, broken arms or other body parts. Many women have even failed to report such cases because they live in fear of being killed or injured again. this has led to the disability of many women especially those that are silent about the act.  This was a reflection from Jordan CE, et al Annu Rev Clin Psychol. (2010) during the study, a woman cited that

‘’I went to my co-wife’s place where our husband had been staying for weeks, they were drinking alcohol and the wife was cooking meat. When I approached them, he was not happy that I had come to visit since I was sick; I wanted to talk to him so that he can give me some money for treatment, but he pretended as if he had not seen me. So I started shouting and he chased me out of the compound I went straight and kicked the pot of meat and that’s when everyone ganged on me and they started beating me. My eyes were swollen, and these were the scares I had, my had was dislocated. When I reported to the chairman, he said it was my fault, my husband paid 30,000, the wife and the sons paid 20,000 while me I was fined a goat, and 20,000 which was not fair to me’’(FGD)

Economic hardships

Majority of women have undergone economic or financial hardships because of domestic violence and this is witnessed by the fact that some men do not allow their wives to work and this has made it difficult for them to look after themselves and children, this means they cannot leave their abusive men because they depend on them for everything. Some women who work, their men take advantage of that and demand for the money forcefully if not given, they beat up the women and leave them poor and without money to look after  the family. This was a reflection from the findings of Felix Asante, Stacey scriver, Gina Alvarado (2019). This is backed up by the statement

‘’I farm to get food, clothes and fees for children, but every time my produce is ready my husband removes it from the store and sells it to other people and sometimes he asks them saying he will pay back the money but it’s a lie, if he gets the money, he uses it for alcohol, young girls and eating in a restaurant its becoming hard for me to care for the family when he is doing such.’’ (FGD)

‘’women have been involved in all sorts of business from selling foodstuffs, charcoal and sometimes mangoes in their seasons but they are always the ones who dress badly and men are always in bars drinking, this can only mean they get the money from the women and leaving them economically unable to care for themselves.’’(Kii)

Psychological effect

According to the study findings, it has been estimated that women who suffer from domestic violence, experience psychological or mental problems, this is because the acts committed on them are usually severe and hence creates fear and mental unrest in them. This has made many women to even fear to engage in sexual activities with their men, fear of men and some have been hospitalized in the mental institution or rehabilitation centers. This reflection from the findings of  Sarah Dokkedahl, Robin Niels Kok, (2019). From the study, women have experienced psychological effects and this is backed up by the statement

‘’ we receive clients who are normally traumatized and even fear to express themselves, some fear to go back to their homes in fear of what might happen to them. Sometimes we advise them to go to their relatives homes and rest a bit before going back home but it still does not help because at the end of the day they need to go back and face the terror at home’’ (KII)

‘’I fear having sex with my husband ever since that time that he used force on me. He can never be gentle with me and I fear to tell him because he says that’s the reason he married me and produce children. My friend was raped by some men on her way back to home from the market and it’s like a nightmare to her, she says she can’t get married and I support her because men are animals even dogs are better than them.’’(FGD)

Divorce/separations

The study findings indicate that divorce and separation have been caused by failed marriages, in this cause we look at divorce and separation as a result of domestic violence. Many couples have given up their marriages just because of it.

‘’ I was married for five years but it was a lie because I was never happy, this man could beat any time he felt like it, he could do it. It was too much for me I decided to leave everyone was against it but my life was at stake now am single and happy, I don’t need a man to destroy my life.’’ (FGD)

Low self-esteem

Many women have been affected by domestic violence and many of them have even failed to gain self- confidence, they can’t fight for themselves, they can’t report and this has kept many of them down and feeling inferior at all times. This is backed up by the statement

‘’ every time I see my sister in tears because of the mockery she receives and failure to defend herself in front of other people or her husband I just feel bad for her. She can’t even get out of her compound to meet other friend or even discuss, her body is badly injured. Domestic violence is very bad, women should not experience such no human deserves it.’’ (FGD)

Death

The findings indicate that domestic violence can lead to death, injury, illness and disability among women. This is because the abusers tend to inflict pain on the victims which can cause them to suffer. There have been a few cases of death due to domestic violence.

‘’I was ten years when my dad beat up my mom, she fell on the ground and he picked up his coat and left ran to our neighbor who carried her to the hospital, she stayed there for a week and died but dad didn’t step in the hospital. He was arrested but now he is free and mom is dead, I will never forgive him for what he did she said.’’ (FGD)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STUDY

5.1 Discussion of the study

The study was discussed in line with the following objectives;

5.1.1 The causes of domestic violence

The study results indicates that Alcoholism is one of the major causes of poverty since majority of the respondents agreed with the findings, the results further indicates that whenever alcohol is consumed in large quantities, the consumers tend to be violent and aggressive to whatever that surrounds them including utensils, children, their partners or even animals, this view was also shared by WHO,(2014) who indicates that alcoholism and drug abuse are a major cause of domestic violence among the victims. Alcoholism and drug abuse refers to the excessive use of alcoholic products and drugs to switch ones mood from normal to an abnormal state where by one is either too excited or too aggressive and can cause harm to them or another person. These are liquor, sachets in lowest quantities of 30mls,marijuana among others.it has been estimated that the per capita consumption of alcohol in Uganda is 9.8 liters, it was further Noted that women whose partners often drink alcohol experience risks of violence almost five times higher than non-drinking partners in that 52% and 27% of women who reported that their partners had consumed alcohol or had frequently consumed respectively this supports the conclusion that alcohol and drug consumption plays a role in the  cause of domestic violence.

The study response also indicated Poverty is one of the major causes of domestic violence, the results further indicated that many families are affected by poverty and are living below the poverty line. They basically depend on agriculture carrying out subsistence farming for their families. Women do most of the garden work and men have a tendency of selling the produce and at the end of it, the women and the children who worked hard do not get anything, this view was also in line with African renewal, (2018) which indicates that up to 22% of women aged 15-49 in the country had experienced some form of violence due to poverty, Domestic violence is very common among people living under poverty, this occurs due to failure to sustain the family’s needs.

According to the research findings majority of the women have stated that Unfaithfulness is one of the factors that have caused domestic violence to the families, the response further indicated that women have complained that men have been unfaithful to them even after them accepting to be in polygamous marriages, these men have been going out to have relations with other women who are not married to their husbands.

The study findings also indicates that Producing one sex child is one of the causes of domestic violence when it comes to marriage this view was also shared by Alison Koski, Shelley Clark population and development (2007) who indicates that in African culture, a male child is treasured more than a female child. This is because they are considered to be heirs to the family properties unlike girls who will be married off to their husbands.

The study findings also indicates that Social factors has played a very big role in contributing to domestic violence. The society has set rules, traditions and norms which allow violence to be practiced for example, women are not involved in deciding in matters concerning the society, polygamy is allowed and battering of women, women not owning properties among others, this view was also shared by Sida (2007) further indicates that Early or child marriages can be stated as another cause of domestic violence among women, a formal or  informal union  before the age of 18, is a form of domestic violence as it robs girls of their childhood, health, education and security.

The study results also indicates that Men’s desire to control women is one of the causes of domestic violence  for example Men in Ayipe have the tendency to show that they are superior and can do anything they want which includes beating, marrying as many women as they want and this has caused them to be violent to their women

 

 

5.1.2 The effects of domestic violence on women;

The study results further indicates that Physical injuries are one of the consequences of domestic violence on women, this view was also in line with Jordan, Annu, Psychol (2010) who indicates that majority of women who experience domestic violence have experienced it through a physical form which includes hitting, slapping, kicking, pinching, pushing, burning, strangling among others. These and cause physical injuries on women like bleeding, wounds, broken arms or other body parts. Many women have even failed to report such cases because they live in fear of being killed or injured again, this has led to the disability of many women especially those that are silent about the act.

The study results also indicated that domestic violence has led to economic Hardships this has further frustrated the economic these families this view was also shared by Gina (2019), who indicates that Majority of women have undergone economic or financial hardships because of domestic violence and this is witnessed by the fact that some men do not allow their wives to work and this has made it difficult for them to look after themselves and children, this means they cannot leave their abusive men because they depend on them for everything.

The study results further indicates that domestic violence has negative influence on the Psychological wellbeing of the women who have been abused, this view was also shared by Niels Kok, (2019) who indicates that according to the study findings, it has been estimated that women who suffer from domestic violence, experience psychological or mental problems, this is because the acts committed on them are usually severe and hence creates fear and mental unrest in them. This has made many women to even fear to engage in sexual activities with their men, fear of men and some have been hospitalized in the mental institution or rehabilitation centers.

 

 

 

The study results further indicates that Divorce/separations are one of the causes of domestic violence this was also shared by PICCWED4,(2018) who indicates that Domestic violence has contributed to failed marriages, many young women and girls have been forced into marriages that they do not want due to poverty, rape, among others, they have been abused by their partners and this has created problems for the family members, including children, it has affected the functioning of the marriage and the purpose of the family, some women have died in their homes in silence and others have abandoned their homes leaving children and raising abusive children.

The study findings also indicates that domestic violence has caused low self-esteem, this is because women who have been affected by domestic violence and many of them have even failed to gain self- confidence, they can’t fight for themselves, they can’t report and this has kept many of them down and feeling inferior at all times.

Due to domestic violence many women have died as a result of injuries they have faced from domestic violence. This is because these women are hacked to death, their spouse. The spouse can sometimes use a Panga or an axe.

 

 

 

5.3 Conclusion of the study

The study made the following conclusions;

Some of the major causes of domestic violence include; Alcoholism is one of the major causes of domestic violence since whenever alcohol is consumed in large quantities, the consumers tend to be violent and aggressive to whatever that surrounds them including utensils, children, their partners or even animals.

Poverty is also one of the major causes of domestic violence. Due to poverty the men fail to provide the basic needs at home and this prompts them to be aggressive there by making them to become aggressive and then they start beating up their children. Other causes of domestic violence further included Unfaithfulness of the marital partners and also Producing one sex children, since the African culture favors male children therefore a woman who produced on girls faced a risk of being beaten by their spouses.

Lastly men’s desire to control women is one of the major causes of domestic violence since men always looked at themselves as superior humans to women this therefore made them to force women either through physical beating or psychological abuse to ensure that they succumb to the inferiority complex.

The study also indicates that the following are the effects of domestic violence on women in Ayipe parish, these included;

The women in Ayipe as a result of domestic violence sustained various Physical injuries this was mainly as a result of the beating, hitting, slapping and punching. These and cause physical injuries on women like bleeding, wounds, broken arms or other body parts. Many women have even failed to report such cases because they live in fear of being killed or injured again.

Domestic violence has also worsened the Economic hardships of this is exacerbated  by the fact that some men do not allow their wives to work and this has made it difficult for them to look after themselves and children, this means they cannot leave their abusive men because they depend on them for everything.

Domestic violence has also further increased on the cases of Divorce/separations, divorce and separation have been caused by failed marriages, in this cause we look at divorce and separation as a result of domestic violence. Many couples have given up their marriages just because of it.

And lastly domestic violence has also led to Low self-esteem among many women this is because they lose self-confidence and  they can’t fight for themselves, they can’t report and this has kept many of them down and feeling inferior at all times.

More to that they are cases of death of women and sometimes men as a result of domestic violence. This is because the abusers tend to inflict pain on the victims which can cause them to suffer. There have been a few cases of death due to domestic violence.

5.4 Recommendations

The study made the following recommendations;

The government needs to set strictly laws on Alcoholism by specifically setting the time and the number of hours people should drink, while in terms of poverty reduction the government needs poverty alleviation programs to enhance productivity of the people.

The government also needs to educate the people through using mass media in fighting against domestic violence.

The people who have sustained injuries as a result of domestic violence need to be given treatment in hospital to prevent permanent disability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Abbey, A., L.T. Ross, and D. McDuffie 1995 Alcohol’s role in sexual assault. In R.R. Watson, ed., Drug and Alcohol Abuse Reviews, Vol.5; Addictive Behavior’s in Women. Totowa, N.J; Humana Press.

Acosta, M. 2002. Collecting evidence for Domestic and sexual Assualt: Highlighting violence against women in Health Care System Interventions: international journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 78 (supplement 1): S99-104

Abbott,J.,R. Johnson ,koziol-Mclain, and S.R.Lowenstein 1995 Domestic violence against women: incidence and prevalence in  an emergency room population. Journal of the American Medical Association 273(22):1763-1767.

Abel, G.G., J.L. Rouleau, and J. Cunningham-Rathner 1986 sexually aggressive behavior. In W.J. Curran, A.L. McGarry, and S.A Shah,eds., Forensic Psychiatry and Pschology: pesspectives and standards for interdisplinary practice .  Philadelphia: F.A.Davis.

Adams ,D. 1988 Treatment models of men who batter: a profeminist analysis. Pp.176-200 in K. YIIo and M.Borgrad,eds., Feminist perspectives on wife Abuse. Beverly Hills, cali.: Sage.

Adams, D.C., and A.J. McCormick1982 Men unlearning violence: A group approach based on the collective model. Pp. 170-179 in M, Roy, ed., The Abusive partner. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

American Medical Association 1992 Diagnostic and statistical manual of Mental Disorders, 4^th ed. (DSM-IV). Washington, D.C.: Author.

Archer, J.1991 the influence of testosterone on human aggression. British journal of psychology 82:1-28.

Asberg,M.,P. Thoren, and L. Traskman 1976 serotonin depression. British journal: A biochemical subgroup within the affective disorders? Science 191:478-480.

Avery-leaf, S., A. Cano, M. Cascardi, and K,D.O’Leary 1995 Assessing Attitude and Behavioral change after Dating violence intervention programs. Paper presented at the 4^th international Family violence Research Conference, Durham, New Hampshire, July 21-24. Department of Psychology, State University of New York.

Bachman, R., and L.E. Saltzman 1995 violence against women: Estimates from the Redesigned survey.NCJ-154348. Washington. D.C.: Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice.

Bachman, R. 1994 violence Against Women: National Crime Victimization Survey Report.NCJ-145325. Washington, D.C.: Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice.

Baker, K., N. Cahn, and S.J. sands 1989 Report on District of Columbia Police Response to Domestic Violence. Joint project of the D.C.: Coalition against Domestic Violence and the Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program at Georgetown University Law Center. Washington, D.C.:D.C. Coalition against Domestic Violence.

Campbell, J., M. Baty, R. Ghandour, J. Stockman, L. Francisco and J. Wag man. 2007. The intersection of violence against women and HIV/AIDS. Background paper for the IOM workshop on violence prevention in low and middle income countries. Washington D.C.: institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences.

Dunkle, K,. R. Jewkes, H. Brown, G. Gray, J. McIntyre and S. Harlow. 2004. Gender based violence, Relationship power and Risk of HIV infection in women attending antenatal Clinics in South Africa. The Lancet 363(9419):1415-1421.

 

 

 

 

APENDIX 1

QUESTIONAIRE FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

I am Akalo Juliet, a student of Kyambogo University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social work and Social Administration carrying out a research on assessing the implications of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish Kuluba Sub County in Koboko district. I kindly request you to take part in this survey which is voluntary and it involves no harm to you. All the information that you will give will be kept confidential and will be useful to reduce domestic violence among women. The questionnaire/interview will take 10-20 minutes to fill. Do you agree to take part? YES/NO

Date ………………………….

Signature………………………

INSTRUCTIONS

Section A

Do not write your name, tick only one correct response and multiple where applicable. Only women aged 20-45 years are eligible for this study.

BIO DATA

Sex

Male or female

Marital status

Married

Single

Divorced

Profession

SECTION B

Major causes of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish.

1 .Have you ever experienced cases of domestic violence presented to your office?

1. Yes
2. No

2 .what do you think are the major causes of domestic violence among women in Ayipe?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3. What is the common type of domestic violence that is committed?
4. a) Physical violence
5. b) Sexual violence
6. c) Economical violence
7. d) Psychological violence
8. How often does domestic violence occur?
9. a) Always
10. b) Sometimes
11. c) Never

SECTION C                         

Effects of domestic among women in Ayipe parish

1. What are some of the common effects of domestic violence that the women of Ayipe face?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2. How does domestic violence affect the productivity of these women in their homes and family?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. How has domestic violence affected the health of these women?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SECTION D

Measures towards curbing domestic violence against women in Ayipe parish.

What do you think can be done to reduce or eliminate domestic violence against women in Ayipe Parish?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

END

THANK YOU

 

APENDIX II

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR DIVISION LEADERS.

I am Akalo Juliet, a student of Kyambogo University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social work and Social Administration carrying out a research on assessing the implications of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish Kuluba Sub County in Koboko district. I kindly request you to take part in this survey which is voluntary and it involves no harm to you. All the information that you will give will be kept confidential and will be useful to reduce domestic violence among women. The questionnaire/interview will take 10-20 minutes to fill. Do you agree to take part? YES/NO

Date ………………………….

Signature………………………

INSTRUCTIONS

Section A

Do not write your name, tick only one correct response and multiple where applicable. Only women aged 20-45 years are eligible for this study.

BIO DATA

Sex

Male or female

Marital status

Married

Single

Divorced

Profession

SECTION B

Major causes of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish.

1 .Have you ever experienced cases of domestic violence presented to your office?

1. Yes
2. No

2 .what do you think are the major causes of domestic violence among women in Ayipe?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3. What is the common type of domestic violence that is committed?
4. a) Physical violence
5. b) Sexual violence
6. c) Economical violence
7. d) Psychological violence
8. How often does domestic violence occur?
9. a) Always
10. b) Sometimes
11. c) Never

SECTION C                         

Effects of domestic among women in Ayipe parish

4. What are some of the common effects of domestic violence that the women of Ayipe face?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

5. How does domestic violence affect the productivity of these women in their homes and family?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6. How has domestic violence affected the health of these women?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SECTION D

Measures towards curbing domestic violence against women in Ayipe parish.

What do you think can be done to reduce or eliminate domestic violence against women in Ayipe Parish?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

END

THANK YOU

 

APENDIX III

INTERVIEW FOR WOMEN

I am Akalo Juliet, a student of Kyambogo University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social work and Social Administration carrying out a research on assessing the implications of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish Kuluba Sub County in Koboko district. I kindly request you to take part in this survey which is voluntary and it involves no harm to you. All the information that you will give will be kept confidential and will be useful for academic purposes. The questionnaire/interview will take 10-20 minutes to fill. Do you agree to take part? YES/NO

• Do you experience domestic violence in your community?

1. Yes
2. No

• What do you think could be some of the causes of domestic violence in your community?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

• What are some of the effects of domestic violence?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

• Have you ever reported these cases to any authority?

1. Yes
2. No

• If yes, did you get any help from the authority?

1. Yes
2. No

 

 

• Is there anything that has been done to cub domestic violence in your community?

1. Yes
2. No

7What do you suggest should be done to reduce this habit in your community?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

 

 

END

THANK YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOCUSE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE:

Hello and welcome to our session. Thank you for taking the time to join us to talk about the implications of domestic violence in Ayipe. My name is Akalo Juliet, am from Kyambogo University and with me I have some people who will assist me in collecting the information.

You were invited to this discussion because some of you are victims of domestic violence and others are a witness to this incidence and have seen how this affects your fellow women.

There are no wrong answers rather differing points of view. Please feel free to participate and share your point of view with us. All views are welcome, positive or negative though negative are more of help for me.

We shall have tape recorder to get everything said because many people often say important things and we miss them because we write slowly or didn’t hear it well. We shall take notes using pens and note books to ensure all information given will be used.

Questions

1 What do you think of domestic violence?

2 What do you think are the causes of domestic violence in this community?

3 How has domestic violence affected the women in this community?

5 How did you feel when you experienced domestic violence?

6 What did you do when you experienced domestic violence?

7 Where did you go for help after experiencing or witnessing this?

8 What do you think can be done to curb domestic violence in this community?

9 suppose you had to meet the minister of ethics and integrity, to talk about this discussion, what would you say?

10 of all the things we have discussed what do you think was the most important or most beneficial to prevent violence among women?

11 is there anyone who wants to add anything or have we left out anything and you would like to share with us?

 

END

Thank you for participating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEY INFORMATIVE INTERVIEW GUIDE;

To be filled by interviewer

1 Introduction

This interview aims at assessing the implication of domestic violence among women in Ayipe parish Kuluba Sub County in Koboko district. It looks at the main causes and the effects of domestic violence on women.

Read the form to the respondent and ask them to sign.

1.1 Are you a representative of ;

1. a) Government official
2. b) Division leaders
3. c) NGOs
4. d) Women leader

1.2 In your opinion, what do you think could be the main cause of domestic violence?

1.3 In your opinion, what do you think are some of the effects of domestic violence on women in Ayipe parish?

1.4 Have you received any causes of domestic violence being reported in your office?

1.5 What do you think can be done to reduce on the effects of domestic violence?

1.6 do you have any suggestions that will help to prevent domestic violence in this community?

END

Thank you