A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL

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Date
2008-05
Authors
OWONIBI, OLA ELIZABETH
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Abstract
Domestic violence is a problem of multiple proportions. It's a product of social interaction. Domestic violence occurs at all levels of society. In view of the above, the study investigates through empirical research, using the interventionist and Marxist perspectives as theoretical guide, to examine the rate of domestic violence and its effects on families' members in Abuja Municipal Area Council. The method adopted in carrying out the research ireludes a simple random sampling of households as well as both government and non governmental organizations. The sample size for this study was 25 households each from four (4) districts, of Garki 11. Wuse 1. Manama and Nyanya. In all a total of 400 respondents were selected. Questionnaire were administered as well as in depth interview among the teenage children. Findings reveal that mean age of respondents who have experienced domestic violence is 32 years. Domestic violence increase with this age and drops as one get matured and become more elderly (41 years and above). This falls into a period when children are older and are accorded social respect and economic independence. The complex demands of middle age (21 41 years), especially as people combine familial and work roles lead to increase tension in homes. As families or couples graduate into adult life's (41 years and above), marriage either stabilizes or partners seek divorce or separation. The study reveals that domestic violence in Abuja Municipality reflects abus behaviour that one person uses against the other. It can happen to any of the family members. Domestic violence occurs in most subcultures, among the rich and poor, the highly educated and the illiterate, the working and not working, the unemployed, the devout and the non-religious, the alcoholics and the abstainers, the ethnic minorities and majorities, the married and the singles. The study documents the detrimental effects of domestic violence, especially as it relates to victim's health status and social esteem. The findings also show that domestic violence occurs frequently among family members. This is because children and women are more victimized than any other family members in the sample. It is evident from the data that domestic violence in Abuja Municipality deserves policy initiatives. Also, domestic violence should be criminalized wherein the perpetrators should be punished and victims compensated. It is suggested that domestic violence issue should not be regarded as a civil matter any longer. The promotion of the human rights, child rights, women's right and education for peaceful and meaningful living should be given legal support.
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A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.SC) SOCIOLOGY (CRIMINOLOGY) DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA. MAY, 2008.
Keywords
A SOCIOLOGICAL, ANALYSIS,, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,, ABUJA MUNICIPAL,, COUNCIL.
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