Prevalence of various forms of domestic violence and their effects on students classroom behaviours in Bungoma county, Kenya

Introduction: There is an assumption that domestic violence only affected women. However, studies have shown that domestic violence has repercussions equally for children who witness it. Purpose: The study was set up to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence in Bungoma County, Kenya, and the influence on classroom behaviour of students in secondary schools. Methodology: Descriptive survey design was used on a target population of 576 students, 36 principles, and 36 guiding and counseling teachers, including 18 parents. The instruments used for data collection were open and closed-ended structured questionnaires for the students, an interview schedule for the principals and guiding and counseling teachers, and a focus group discussion guide for the parents. Results: The study established that domestic violence prevailed in society, and some students were victims while others were witnesses. Secondly, domestic violence manifested in the students’ classroom behaviours. Recommendations: The study recommended more sensitization of the public, creation of a workable hotline number to enable easier reporting and schools’ personnel to try and identify symptoms in the students who are victims for early rehabilitation.

State agencies and stakeholders' views on strategies of curbing domestic violence in Bungoma county, Kenya

Introduction: Domestic violence (DV) has been on the rise in Bungoma County, costing the lives of many. The violence spilled over to the schools, which triggered the state agencies and stakeholders to establish strategies to curb domestic violence. Purpose: The study was set up to investigate strategies to curb domestic violence in Bungoma County, Kenya.  Establish a solution to the menace which was developing into a circle of abuse. Methodology: Descriptive survey design was employed. The target population was 160,000 Forms 1 to 4 students, 400 head teachers and 400 guidance and counseling teachers.  The study also targeted 1,125 parents registered as social groups within the Ministry of Social Services in Bungoma County.  The study sampled 576 students randomly, purposively sampled 36 principles and 36 guiding and counseling teachers. Then two members (male & female) from the registered social groups were purposively sampled from the nine sub-counties. The instruments used for data collection were open and closed-ended structured questionnaires for the students, interview schedule for the principals and guiding and counseling teachers, and focus group discussion for the parents. Results: The study established that as much as the highest (90%) of the respondents recommended police punishment for the perpetrators' other studies opined that it was not the best option. Hence the study settled on the second option of having open forums to sensitize people on the dangers of domestic violence. Recommendations: The study recommended more emphasis on the establishment of practical strategies to eradicate poverty, which was exposed as one of the leading factors in domestic violence.  Second, the public's awareness of the various dangers of DV should be increased.  Thirdly to encourage the religious institutions to stress and facilitate the moral ethos to the people

Domestic Violence and its Influence on Students: the Prevalent of the Various Forms of Domestic Violence in Bungoma County, Kenya

The study aimed to investigate the influence of domestic violence on students’ classroom behaviour in secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study explored this by examining the extent to which various forms of domestic violence (DV) influenced students’ classroom behaviour. The research utilized the theory of behavioural psychology, which emphasizes that behaviour is acquired or learnt from the surrounding. Descriptive survey design was used. The target population comprised of 1600 individuals, from which 648 were sampled using purposeful, stratified and random sampling. The study sampled 36 principals, 36 guidance and counselling teachers and 576 students. The research tools were: questionnaires for the students, interview schedule for the principals and guidance and counselling teachers. The questionnaires were analysed quantitatively and the interviews data was analysed qualitatively. The findings reveal students are victims of DV. Secondly their personality is affected. The study recommends measures to be taken against the perpetrators depending on individual differences and schools to be facilitated with rehabilitation facilities for student victims