Physical domestic violence against married women by their intimate partners in Nnewi South East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Gender based violence is very common in our environment supported by religious and cultural considerations and often justifiedby women.Objective: This study was carried out to determine the pattern of physical violence in the home among intimate partners with a view toascertain the magnitude of the problem and possible intervention strategies.Method: Women attending the child welfare clinic of the hospital were interviewed with structured questionnaires. Focus group discussionswere also held.Results: The peak age incidence of the 164 women studied was 25- 29 years (40.2%), 93.5% had secondary education or more while 80.0%were employed in one form or the other. Many (42.1%) had witnessed physical violence against a female member of the household while 25.6%have been physically abused by their husbands. Cane/belt/stick were used in 40.6%, hands and legs in 29.0% while 16.6% were sexuallyassaulted. One-third (33.0%) were beaten at least once a month, 12.8% were beaten during pregnancy while 8.5% of victims required hospitaladmission for injuries sustained from spousal abuse.Conclusion: Intimate partner violence is common in our environment. There is need to reach out to men while women should be empowered todevelop coping strategies to navigate through this phenomenon