A Qualitative Study of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Nigeria

Abstract

Negative health outcomes caused by intimate partner violence (IPV) have been recognized as a public health problem with extensive effects on the society. Cultural and traditional beliefs that reinforce IPV in Nigeria need to be understood to guide public health approaches aimed at preventing IPV. The purpose of this study was to determine women's attitudes and societal norms that support IPV, causes and consequences of IPV, and coping strategies, and to document suggested measures to prevent it. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 56 women aged 15 to 49 years purposively selected from rural and urban communities in Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, Nigeria. The FGDs were conducted in Yoruba language, translated to English, and analyzed using thematic approach. Findings were grouped into six major themes: triggers, societal norms, attitude, consequences, coping strategies, and preventive measures. Women reported experience of physical, psychological, and sexual violence and controlling behavior. Major causes of IPV reported by the women were having more money than partner, and building a house or having a business without partner's knowledge. Most participants reported that social norms dictate that a woman should have full regard for in-laws, and submit to and agree with all that the partner says and does. Most of the discussants in both the urban and rural areas reported that violence in any form is not justifiable or acceptable. Participants mentioned various ways through which IPV negatively impacted on women's health such as depression, hypertension, and damage to the reproductive system. They were however willing to endure suffering because of their children. Women who experienced IPV reported to close relatives but did not seek legal redress because these were unavailable. Ending IPV requires long-term commitment and strategies involving contributions from the government, community, and the family.

An Integrative Review of Safety Strategies for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…Women believed that violence was triggered if they failed in their spousal duties; therefore, they did everything possible to ensure that their partner was happy and demonstrate submission (Kohli et al, 2015; Schuler, Bates, & Islam, 2008). Strategies in this category included the use of sex to resolve disputes, especially if this was a point of contention and abstaining was felt to increase risk of abuse (Balogun & John-Akinola, 2015; Decker et al, 2013).…”

Does Type and Severity of Violence Affect the Help-Seeking Behaviors of Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Nigeria?

“…Contrarily, resolving IPV through formal and legal channels seems challenging due to, for instance, inability to afford transportation to the police station and pressure from family to keep partner’s violence a private matter to avoid public embarrassment (Sedziafa et al, 2016). In the Nigerian context, it was found that victims of IPV unavoidably seek help from immediate family and community elders because of cost, distance, and the scarcity of police stations (Balogun & John-Akinola, 2014). Informal help-seeking is useful in rendering encouragement and emotional support to IPV victims, although formal assistance from public and law enforcement agencies can promote justice against perpetrators of IPV (Fugate et al, 2005).…”

Violence against rural women: conceptions of professionals in the intersectoral network of care

“…En esta perspectiva, un estudio observó que las mujeres relatan la existencia de normas sociales que determinan que sean sumisas a su compañero. (17) La mujer que convive con la violencia se siente presa a esa realidad, pues está incorporada en la construcción de su identidad a la condición de que las mujeres tienen el deber de aceptar y someterse a lo que es impuesto por los hombres. Esta naturalización hace al hombre dominar las diversas fases de la vida y el del cuerpo de las mujeres, con destaque para las del escenario rural.…”

“…La situación se agrava cuando tienen hijos (6) , por creer que éstos sufrirían si dejan la relación. (17) Otro motivo es el deseo de mantener la familia unida. (5) La privación de libertad es otro tipo de violencia contra las mujeres rurales relatadas.…”