DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG WOMEN IN NIGERIA AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATION - REVIEW

Abstract

Purpose: All too frequent the media is filled with news of high-profile domestic violence cases. It is becoming a routine for one to wake up and hear or read the news of domestic violence. Wives are murdered by their husbands, unmarried ladies are daily murdered by a rejected lover and other form of inhuman treatment which are meted mainly on the female. Many women do not report the abuse because they are ashamed that their marriages are not working and for most women in Nigeria, divorce is not an option, so they suffer in silence. This work is aimed at reviewing the different types of domestic violence among women in Nigeria and its health implication, as well as proffered solutions. Methodology: The method used in the collection of these data was qualitative. Officially published literatures which included textbooks, journals, newspapers and surveys were reviewed. Findings: Factors associated with the occurrence of domestic violence occurrence in Nigeria included ethnicity, culture, religious practices, socio-economic dependence, gender inequality, psychological factors, power and control. Reports revealed high level of violence against women in Nigeria. Up to two-thirds of women in Nigeria’s Lagos state have experienced domestic violence. In South East, Nigeria, 70% of respondents reported abuse in their family, with 92% of the victims being female partners and 8% being male. A study on women’s perception of wife beating in Nigeria showed that 64.4% and 50.4% of ever married and unmarried women respectively expressed consent for wife beating. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship are the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear of the person they love. Domestic violence does not discriminate, it can happen among heterosexual couples and those in same-sex relationship. It can occur within all age range, ethnic background and economic levels. While women are more commonly victimized, men are also abused especially verbally and emotionally, though it can be physical at times. Domestic violence should never be acceptable, whether it is coming from a man or woman. It destroys ones self-esteem with other health consequences.