Perception of Domestic Violence Among Married Adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Domestic violence among married adults is widespread, with women mostly
documented as victims. However, little is known regarding the perspectives of married
adults with respect to domestic violence, particularly in patriarchal societies such as
Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigates married adults’ perspectives on domestic
violence against women in Southwest Nigeria. Underpinned by the Social Learning and
Feminist theories, the study adopted a quantitative research design. The study sample
was 216 married adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were collected via a questionnaire
tagged ‘Perception of Domestic Violence Questionnaire (M-CPDVQ)’ and analysed
using both descriptive and inferential statistics on SPSS version 26. Findings reveal that
both spouses (Mean = 4.03) were reported as the major perpetrators of domestic abuse,
while with respect to perceived causes of domestic violence, lack of love (Mean=4.35),
infidelity (Mean = 4.35), irresponsible habits of a spouse (Mean = 4.35), and nagging
attitudes (Mean = 4.20). The most perceived effects of domestic violence, according to
the respondents with Mean ≥ 4.00, include threat to life and family stability, physical
harm, emotional trauma, psychological trauma, marital breakdown, and children’s
exposure to societal violence. The solutions to domestic violence as perceived by
respondents were counselling and psychological services, and family support services
from governmental and non-governmental organisations. Regarding the tested
hypothesis on gender difference in the perception that husbands are the most common
perpetrators of domestic violence more than their wives, the result was not significant
(χ²(1) = 1.209, p = 0.0271). A significant difference was found in the perception of males
and females about the causes of domestic violence, with females reporting that inherited
violent habits (U = 4008.00, Z = -4.229, p = .000) and poverty (U = 4614.00, Z = -2.725, p
= .006) are the major causes. The study recommends that the teaching of safe relationship
skills early reduces violence risk by promoting healthy communication and boundaries,
providing economic supports, such as job training for women, lessening dependency,
and empowering victims, among others.