Factors Determining Domestic Violence among Rural Women in Uganda

Abstract

Women experience violence in many different forms. It may be physical, psychological, sexual, economic, social or cultural abuse but most commonly is the combination of these. Studies have shown that the rate of intimate partner violence is still a public health problem in informal settlements. It has both physical and psychological consequences to the victim. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence/magnitude, attitude, characteristics of perpetrators and help seeking behaviour of women who have experienced intimate partner violence. The study was conducted using UDHS 2016 but in consideration of the female/ women dataset from different regions of the country. The findings showed the rate of intimate partner violence is still high in this rural areas compared to urban areas. An education and income level of women was significantly associated with gender based violence among women. The study findings indicate that the prevalence of intimate gender violence in Uganda is high. The majority of women who experienced gender and domestic violence did not take any action. The Ministry of Education, science and technology should establish information-giving channels to the parent students and support staff. There should be educational curriculum that supports proper family living. Lessons on good family practices and general family life education should be emphasized in schools. The government should consider training of family counsellors and dispatch them to serve in the local communities even at the divisional levels. There should also be policies and laws which limits people from alcohol abuse. Furthermore health policy makers should also plan for possible interventions on prevention of Gender violence including provision of education. Together with forming stations for providing counseling especially to young families. More ever stiffer measures should be taken to perpetrators of intimate partner violence to prevent others from practicing such kind of violence.