EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN VICTIMIZED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1.1 Introduction

Domestic violence refers to interpersonal violence which takes place in domestic settings, family relationships and intimate relationships. It is also known as family violence or spousal abuse. Any one (men or women) can become a domestic violence offender or victim. Domestic violence is destructive behavior in an intimate relationship where one person tries to dominate and control the other in a dating or marital relationship or in cohabitation, which causes physical, psychological or sexual harm to those in that relationship. It includes acts of physical aggression like slapping, hitting, kicking or beating, psychological abuse such as intimidation, constant belittling or humiliation, forces sexual intercourse or any other controlling behavior like isolating a person from family and friends, monitoring their movements and restricting access to information or assistance (Krug E. et. al. 2002).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Domestic violence has been a long-standing problem in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. A study conducted in 2003 explored the factors associated with physical and sexual abuse, on a sample of 4,876 married women aged 15-49 years in the Kenya demographic survey. The results indicated that almost half of the married women interviewed reported at least one type of violence 36% was physical and 13 % were sexual (FIDA Kenya 2009).

Various factors contribute to high occurrence of domestic violence against women. This includes economic factors that render women sorely dependent on their husband. Economic dependency diminishes a woman's ability to have a say in a relationship or take action in the occurrence of domestic abuse. Cultural factors also contribute to the marginalization of women making it more acceptable for domestic violence to exist in the society. Lack of effective government initiatives discourages women from seeking protection. Social acceptances of domestic violence against women and deeply engrained cultural beliefs on the inferiority of women as well as gender roles have encouraged the practice (Cooper et al. 2005, 120).

In a survey conducted in 2010 by a district education office in Nigeria obtained information on the incidence of domestic violence in Nigeria. The survey indicated that violence against women is widespread and occurs among all social economic groups. There is however lack of information on accurate estimates of domestic violence against women due to largely unreported cases. In America, a national survey conducted among 6000 families concluded that a significant number of men assaulted their spouses (FIDA Nigeria 2010).

Agbarho Society in Nigeria is a Non-government organization organized by women for women. The purpose for the organization is to create a helpline for women who have been abused and suffered from advanced effect of domestic violence. The organization offers legal representatives to the buttered women as well as psychological and physical therapy. The women at Agbarho society share common experiences of spouse abuse. Various approaches are used by Agbarho society staff to equip the women with coping skills. Sharing experiences with individuals whom have shared a similar situation is considered to be a mile stone in the healing process.

Various activities are organized by the institution as well as by the women themselves in order to facilitate self-expression. These activities include; sewing, baking as well as pottery. The activities also provide distraction and necessary skills that some of the women may need for self-employment. The women are grouped according to their progress into small help groups where they can share stories and experiences with others on the same path.

Domestic violence against women and girls continues to be global epidemic that kills, tortures and maims-physically, psychologically, sexually and economically. It is one of the most pervasive of human rights violence, denying women and girl’s equality, security, dignity self-worth, and the right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. Although violence against women is ubiquitous, cutting across boundaries of culture, class, education, income, ethnicity, and age, domestic violence is the most prevalent, yet relatively hidden and ignored form of violence against women and girls.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Experiences of Women Victimized by Domestic Violence.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the incidence of domestic violence against women in the family is a regularly occurring phenomenon. Violence or at least the fear of violence is a part of every woman’s life. Each woman knows someone who has been the victim of a violent involved at one time or another. The mystique of the family as the private peaceful cradled of safety and emotional support has influenced the lack of attention given to the violence that does occur, especially to women. And in many societies, paddling a wife for misbehavior by the husband is the norm.

Violence against women in such societies is thus, condoned and has become institutionalized by it. Battering is viewed as a private, family affair, and beating ones wife is considered to be a marital prerogative. A battered woman finds it difficult to take action against her husband. She often finds herself in a financial blind. Living with a violent husband is thus seen as better than trying to make it alone (Owen, 1975).

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to identify the Experiences of Women Victimized by Domestic Violence. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To examine the experience of victimized women by domestic violence.
2. To identify the effect and prevalence of domestic violence on Women.
3. To establish the attitudes and barriers to identifying and discussing with women with domestic violence experience.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• Are there any significant effects on the experience of victimized women by domestic violence?
• What are the effect and prevalence of domestic violence on Women?
• What are the attitudes and barriers to identifying and discussing with women with domestic violence experience?

1.6 Significance of Study

This work investigates the prevalence and types of Domestic Violence among women living in Nigeria to inform policy, practice and future research. Domestic violence against pregnant women to create awareness is still baffling to note that the problem is not being given the due attention it requires. It is hoped that this study would in explicit terms educate and inform the women at risk and other shareholders, of protective measures available in them.

This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This research contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this research is focused on the Experiences of Women Victimized by Domestic Violence in Nigeria using Agbarho Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State as a case study.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
3. Lack of Initial Cooperation from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Domestic:

As used herein, refer to the types of relationships involved rather than the place where the violent act occurs.

Domestic Violence:

It includes violence against women and girls by an intimate partner, including cohabiting partner, and by other family members, whether this violence occurs within or beyond the confines violence of the home.

Family:

It refers to a social group whose members are united by ties of blood, marriage, or adoption and who live together, cooperate economically, care for the young and create a new culture.

Marital Violence:

It refers to threat or actual physical assault by husbands or male partners upon their female counterparts wives.

Wife Battering:

It refers to infliction of violent assaults frequently upon a woman to whom one is married to.