Intimate partner violence: experiences of victims and survivors in Kisoko Sub-County

Abstract

The study examined experiences of victims and survivors of intimate partner violence in Kisoko sub-county Tororo district. The objectives of the study were to explore community attitudes and perceptions towards intimate partner violence, to examine the drivers of intimate partner violence and to assess the community social support system for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence. The study drew a sample of 57 participants using simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data were collected using survey, while qualitative data were collected using FGDs and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using Jamovi statistical software whereas qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach. The findings revealed that intimate partner violence is real and manifests in different forms. There was a misconception of intimate partner violence where by people think that it is similar to domestic violence, gender-based violence and violence against women. Most survivors and victims’ experienced IPV of being slapped, kicked, choked and threatened by their partners in the past 12 months. It was noted that poverty is the main driver of intimate partner violence. Poverty also triggers other drivers of IPV such as alcoholism because the individual thinks that it is the main source of comfort and helps them to forget their problems. It was found out that family is the main social support structure for victims and survivors; especially through counseling and teaching of basic ways of controlling intimate partner violence. The study recommends the need to sensitize communities about IPV through local group’s structures and mass media. Strengthening community livelihood activities is vital to reduce poverty which is the main driver of IPV. Informally, there is growing evidence that programs aimed at good parenting practices including home visits and education can reduce IPV especially perpetrated by men.