ABSTRACT

This research work analysed domestic violence in rural areas of Abia State. A set of interview schedule and questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. About 216 respondents, made up the sample size of which 108 were females (wives in their own households) and the other 108 were males (husbands in their own households). Secondary data were also collected from institutions for the research work. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, means, percentages and tables; and inferential statistics such as the Z test and Chi square. Findings in the study show that a greater percentage of male respondents were within the age range of 26-45 years, while a greater percentage (75.8%) of the female respondents were within the age range of 16-35 years. Also, about 75.8% of the female respondents were in their reproductive ages. About Sixty six percent ofthe male respondents had a household size of 5-8 family members. The study area was dominated by Christians. About 37% and 45% of the male and female respondents, respectively, living with their partners were not legally registered as married couples but cohabit. Results from the study shows that the female respondents in the study area were more vulnerable to different forms of domestic violence. The respondents believed and agreed that being an alcoholic, living in home where both parents hits one another and having a low paying job can contribute to domestic violence. The respondents agreed that domestic violence can lead to depression, death and miscarriage. There is no significant difference between the type of domestic violence experienced by male and female victims of domestic violence in the study area, also there is no significant difference between the social and economic effect ofdomestic violence between males and females in the study area. Based on the findings, it is recommended that government should create awareness on the effects of domestic violence on households as this would enable couples to adjust and reduce their indulgence in such, because ofits fatal and detrimental effects on the members of the households and the society at large. A forum for education and rehabilitation should also be created to help those who are affected with domestic violence to cope.