The role of painting in raising awareness about domestic violence (Case study: Kaberamaido District)

Abstract

This research was conducted from Kakeramaido district aiming at finding out the root causes of domestic violence. its effects and ways by which it can be reduced through the use of paintings and other possible solutions that can be applied by different individuals. The study sought to answer the following research questions; what are the different forms of domestic violence? What are root causes of domestic violence in your society/community? What arc the effects or domestic violence? How can painting help to communicate to people about domestic violence and its effects? And, what are the other possible solutions for this vice of domestic violence that has affected most of households in the country? The study involved the use of questionnaires, interview guides and reading of related literatures to get adequate information concerning domestic violence. The study involved 30 respondents including community leaders such as Chairpersons local councils, councilors, community development officer, as well as concerned authorities for women and children's affairs. The family members were also included in the study, including mothers, fathers, children and the relatives. An investigation on the fight against domestic violence using paintings was also carried out. The study found out that Domestic violence takes various forms: Physical violence, sexual violence and psychological violence. It was further found that domestic violence is caused by poverty, illiteracy cultural attitude, food insecurity, substance abuse, government policy and unemployment among other major causes. No single cause may be held responsible for domestic violence, most causes are Interrelated and inter linked. The study concluded that women face many challenges in accessing social justice but the most prominent ones are: domestic workload, poverty, illiteracy and political imbalance. Women's limitation to make decisions makes them vulnerable to social injustices and limits their actions towards attainment and access of social justice. In recommendation, research has indicated that the police response to marital rape is also inadequate. Some times when police officers learn that the assailant is the woman's husband, they fail to respond to a call from a victim of marital rape, refusal to allow women to file a complaint, and/or refuse to accompany them to the hospital to collect medical evidence. So, there should be fairness and transparency among the police in handling the issues or domestic Violence. It was further recommended that use of paintings can clearly pass message about domestic violence and creating awareness about the vice. However, paintings cannot be used exclusively, but rather be alternated with other methods of fighting domestic violence such as sensitization of communities, enforcement of law against domestic violence by the police and other authorities like the local leaders, also encouraging good moral upbringing of the children and as well as responsible parenthood in families, encouraging children to knowledge through education, and also preaching the gospel to the people and encouraging them to desist from wrong doings and turning to God.