Analysis of Self-Reports of Domestic Violence on Social Media by Nigerian Women: Spiral of Silence or Spiral of Revolt

Abstract

This study tested the applicability of the Spiral of Silence theory by analyzing self-reported cases of domestic violence on social media by Nigerian women following the death of Osinachi Nwachukwu in April 2022. Using a qualitative approach, the study textualised three purposefully selected self-reported cases and interviewed five survivors selected through a snowballing technique. Findings showed that public outcry and advocacy against domestic violence on social media following the death of Osinachi instigated the self-reported cases as it fostered a positive effect of increased public awareness and shaped survivors’ self-awareness, confidence and efficacy to freely share their experiences. Instead of silence, there was a “Spiral of Social media” breaking the culture of silence, secrecy, familism and fear of isolation. The study concluded that the higher the level of publicness of a contentious social issue, the more diverse the opinions and the more willing people become to express their opinions. The study recommended the need for governments to collaborate with non-governmental organizations and community leaders to create more awareness campaigns in rural traditional communities in Nigeria to educate residents on the negative impact of domestic violence and to stop the stigmatization of victims and survivors.