The issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) is a matter of worldwide concern that has a notable impact on public health. According to the definition provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) encompasses any conduct exhibited by an intimate partner that results in physical, psychological, or sexual harm to the other partner involved in the relationship. This phenomenon is widely recognized as a prevalent form of violence against women (Ogboghodo , Omuemu, & Okojie, 2017). Most reported incidents of intimate partner violence (IPV) are committed by male perpetrators against female victims. While it is acknowledged that men can also experience IPV, the present study centres on the experiences of female victims. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding worldwide and regional approximations of violence against women, it was discovered that the overall lifetime occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women who have had a partner was 30%, while for Africa, this figure was 37%.
Approximately 25% of women in Nigeria have encountered intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. On a global scale, the proportion of women affected is one out of every three. Empirical studies have demonstrated that variables such as a female’s age, level of education, geographic location, and financial status exert an impact on her encounter with intimate partner violence. In Nigeria, similar to other African nations, physical punishment of wives and children is commonly accepted as a means of correction, according to UNICEF’s report in 2001. Hence, when parents resort to physical punishment of their children, they hold the belief that it is an effective means of discipline. The act of instilling discipline in individuals can be likened to the practise of husbands physically punishing their wives. In this context, wives are viewed as childlike figures who are susceptible to exhibiting unruly behaviour that must be controlled (Okenwa, Lawoko, & Jansson, 2009).
This phenomenon is particularly evident in cases where the female partner is reliant on the male partner for financial support. The societal structure is predominantly patriarchal, with women occupying a subordinate position within it. Domestic violence serves as a mechanism for enforcing adherence to the traditional societal expectations of women’s roles. Consequently, the economic dependence of a woman does not hold significance in determining her subordinate position, which is akin to that of children.
According to a multi-country study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), women who have encountered intimate partner violence (IPV) have reported experiencing adverse health outcomes such as decreased physical well-being, heightened emotional distress, and increased incidence of suicidal ideation and attempts, in comparison to those who have not experienced IPV. Intimate partner violence (IPV) can curtail a woman’s autonomy in making decisions pertaining to her reproductive health, thereby exposing her to the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and experiencing unintended pregnancies. The perpetuation of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigerian society can be attributed to deeply ingrained cultural norms and beliefs. Conventional gender norms frequently assign men to dominant roles, while women are anticipated to adopt a subordinate position. Gender inequalities have the potential to create a setting that is favourable for the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) (Owoaje, & Olaolorun, 2012). Moreover, the cultural sanctioning of intimate partner violence poses a significant obstacle for female victims seeking to report such incidents to the relevant authorities. Similarly, victims often resolve such matters within their extended kinship networks, thereby potentially resulting in inadequate legal repercussions for the perpetrator. Likewise, incidents of intimate partner violence (IPV) are stigmatised by society, resulting in the social exclusion of victims and contributing to a lack of reporting of such occurrences. There exist several factors that hinder women from reporting incidents of abuse. The normalisation of abuse in Nigeria has resulted in a dearth of awareness regarding human rights in relation to intimate partner violence (IPV) (Gordon, 2016). Consequently, women often refrain from characterising their encounters as abusive. The accessibility of sensitive care poses an additional obstacle, whether it be in terms of physical access to medical or legal facilities (such as distance or travel expenses) or a lack of access resulting from providers overlooking or disregarding instances of abuse. Insufficient understanding or confidence in the legal system is also a contributing factor to this circumstance. In addition, perpetrators frequently employ intimidation tactics to dissuade women from reporting incidents of abuse or retracting their accusations (Gordon, 2016). These tactics may include threats of harm to children, removal of children from their care, or abandonment. The presence of economic challenges and financial strain may intensify conflicts within intimate relationships, thereby elevating the likelihood of experiencing intimate partner violence. The presence of unemployment, poverty, and imbalanced allocation of resources can potentially give rise to feelings of discontent, anxiety, and a perceived lack of agency, which may ultimately manifest as instances of domestic violence.
There exists a significant correlation between the misuse of alcohol and other substances and incidents of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria. The use of substances has the potential to compromise cognitive abilities, diminish self-restraint, and intensify hostile conduct, consequently amplifying the likelihood of domestic violence. In other words, there is a high tendency for women to be abused by their partners if the partners are users of these substances (Mapayi, Makanjuola, Mosaku, Adewuya, Afolabi, & Aloba, 2013). Intimate partner violence (IPV) causes significant physical harm to its victims, resulting in a spectrum of injuries that range from minor contusions to critical medical conditions. In addition, individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) frequently endure enduring psychological consequences, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), anxiety, depression, anxiety, and it births suicidal thoughts.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) has the potential to disrupt familial structures and sever interpersonal connections. The exposure of children to violence within their domestic environment can result in adverse psychological effects, hindered social capabilities, and academic underachievement (Benebo, Schumann, & Vaezghasemi, 2018). Moreover, the apprehension of being judged or stigmatised can impede survivors from seeking assistance and backing from their respective communities. Notably, children who grow up in abusive homes may end up isolating themselves from their peers and they could end up performing poorly in school. Similarly, these children could grow up hating men generally.
RECOMMENDATION
The phenomenon of intimate partner violence in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted issue that can be attributed to a range of factors, including sociocultural, economic, and individual determinants. The ramifications of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) are not limited to the direct targets of such abuse but rather have far-reaching consequences that affect families, communities, and society as a whole. To tackle this widespread issue, a holistic strategy is necessary, encompassing legal modifications, educational initiatives, financial enablement, and provision of assistance resources. It is recommended that the government establish and allocate funds towards the implementation of counselling centres at both the community and Local Government levels. These centres should be staffed with professional counsellors who can provide assistance to both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence.
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REFERENCES
Benebo, F., Schumann, B., & Vaezghasemi, M., (2018). Intimate partner violence against women in Nigeria: a multilevel study investigating the effect of women’s status and community norms. BMC Women’s Health 18, 136.
Gordon, C. (2016). Intimate partner violence is everyone’s problem, but how should we approach it in a clinical setting? South African Medical Journal, 106(10), 962–965.
Mapayi B., Makanjuola R., Mosaku, S., Adewuya O., Afolabi, O., Aloba, O. (2013). Impact of intimate partner violence on anxiety and depression amongst women in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Archives Women’s Ment Health 16(1):11.
Ogboghodo E., Omuemu V., & Okojie O., (2017). Prevalence and pattern of intimate partner violence in Edo state, southern Nigeria. Sexual & Reproductive Health, 1(2):36.
Okenwa L., Lawoko S., Jansson, B. (2009). Exposure to inti- mate partner violence amongst women of reproductive age in Lagos, Nigeria: prevalence and predictors. Journal of Family Violence, (24)517-530.
Owoaje E., & Olaolorun F., (2012). Women at risk of physical intimate partner violence: a cross- sectional analysis of a low-income community in southwest, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 16(1), 43-54.
UNICEF (2001) Children and Women’s rights in Nigeria: A wake up call situation assessment and analysis. Edited by Hodge. Abuja: National Population Commission and UNICEF.
World Health Organization (2013). Global and regional estimates of violence against women Prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence. Geneva: World Health Organization.
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