Factors associated with intimate partner violence in Katabi Subcounty during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The study was primarily aimed at factors associated with intimate partner violence in Katabi Sub County during the covid-19 pandemic. The study set to achieve different objectives such as establishing the conditions which facilitate the increasing gender based violence in families, and identifying the different forms of gender based violence in families The study was based on a qualitative research methodology hence in-depth interviews were used to collect data from a sample of 30 participants who were married women from Katabi Sub County during the covid-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used in data analysis while presentation and interpretation of data was based on the different themes contained from the data that was collected from participants. The study found out that IPV is common in communities because culture accepts male dominance hence females have been undermined and remain to exhibit permissive attitude towards violent acts. The study revealed that due the prevalence of IPV increased in homes to stress caused by the challenges of Covid-19 whereby inability to meet family needs during Covid-1p would I the end lead to high levels of IPV in homes. Death, diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and loss of trust between partners were also highlighted as one other consequence that arises from continued IPV during Covid-19. The study suggested that empowering women economically would enable them become independent and less dependent on women which in the long run would reduce IPV. It is recommended that more efforts are needed to dispel myths, misconceptions and traditional norms and beliefs about IPV in the community.