Determinants of spousal violence among married women in central Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the determinants of spousal violence among married women in central Uganda. It was guided by the following objectives; to identify the relationship between age and spousal violence among married women in central Uganda, to identify the relationship between educational levels and spousal violence among married women in central Uganda, to identify the relationship between marital status and spousal violence among married women in central Uganda and to identify the relationship between income levels and spousal violence among married women in central Uganda. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize characteristics of the respondents, and the results were presented in frequencies and percentages. Cross tabulations were used under bivariate analysis. Also, binary logistic regression was used under multivariate analysis.

The study found out that women who were aged between 45-49 years had the least experience of spousal violence. Findings from this study also indicates that Spousal violence was highest among women with primary education, with no education and least among women with higher education. The study also revealed that majority of the women who experienced spousal violence were from lowest income levels and the least were from the higher income levels. The study also found out that most of the women who experienced spousal violence were living with their partner/cohabiting. The study therefore recommends that Since freedom is a basic human right, policies to reduce spousal violence, strategies to improve education and empowerment of women should be emphasized. Campaigns against spousal violence should focus on all age groups of women, poor and less educated women as part of regional economic and social developments. There is a need for a policy to challenge the exercising of the control over women as a sign of masculinity. There is need for community-based prevention programmes targeted at breaking the cycle of abuse and transforming gender norms which support spousal violence.