Trends, Drivers And Resolution Strategies Of Domestic Violence Among Couples In Nnewi, Anambra State.

Abstract

Domestic violence (DV), also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), remains a significant public health, human rights, and social justice issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, particularly women. This cross-sectional survey aims to investigate the trends, drivers and resolution strategies adopted by couples who have suffered domestic violence in Nnewi, Anambra State. A Snowball sampling technique was employed to recruit 186 participants. Self-structured and validated questionnaires were used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established using the split-half method on 19 participants outside the study population, with an acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.75. Generated data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 30, and results were presented in frequency tables and charts. Associations between variables were established using logistic regression. Findings from the study indicated that 100% of the respondents had been through DV incidents of one form or another. Physical abuse (39.8%) seems to be the most prevalent form amongst couples in Nnewi, Anambra State. Significantly, from the list of major factors fueling DV in Nnewi was unemployment/financial stress (21.5). Consequences of DV showed physical injuries as the most commonly reported outcome (43.6%), while pregnancy loss (31.7%) took the second unfair place. All the sociodemographic variables examined were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and associated with DV. Data arising from the findings suggest that for the prevention of DV among couples in Nnewi, Anambra State, we need integrated approaches (economic empowerment, alcohol reduction, emergency preparedness, and campaigns to change harmful gender norms).