Effects of intimate partner violence on women in informal settlements: a case study of Katanga, Kampala District

Abstract

Intimate partner violence remains a major concern affecting women’s wellbeing, safety and participation in everyday life, especially in informal settlements where poverty, overcrowding, stigma and limited support services may increase women’s vulnerability. This study examined the effects of intimate partner violence on women in Katanga informal settlement, with specific focus on Kimwanyi Zone, Kampala. The study was guided by six objectives: to explore the psychological effects of IPV, examine the social effects, analyse the economic effects, analyse the physical health effects, barriers that women face when seeking help and examine the coping mechanisms and support systems available to women experiencing IPV. A qualitative case study design was adopted. Data were collected from 14 participants, including 10 women survivors of intimate partner violence through in-depth interviews and 4 key informants through key informant interviews. The key informants included community and service providers knowledgeable about IPV in the study area. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data according to the study objectives. The findings revealed that IPV affected women in multiple and interconnected ways. Psychologically, women experienced fear, anxiety, trauma, sleeplessness, hopelessness, low self-esteem and loss of confidence. Socially, IPV led to isolation, withdrawal from friends and community activities, stigma, shame and weakened support networks. Economically, IPV reduced women’s income, disrupted small businesses, increased financial dependence and limited opportunities for education, training and livelihood improvement. Physically, women experienced bruises, burns, swelling, chronic pain, reproductive health risks and delayed care-seeking. Women used coping mechanisms such as silence, endurance, avoidance, prayer, secret savings, continued work and support from trusted relatives, neighbours and friends, although help-seeking was limited by fear of retaliation, stigma, financial dependence, concern for children, lack of information, mistrust of institutions and lack of safe places to go after reporting. The study concludes that intimate partner violence is a serious psychological, social, economic and public health problem affecting women in Katanga informal settlement. It recommends strengthened community sensitization, confidential support services, counselling, safe spaces, economic empowerment, improved referral systems, and coordinated responses by community leaders, health workers, police, NGOs and government. It also recommends engaging men, families and the wider community in IPV prevention to reduce stigma, harmful gender norms and the normalization of violence within intimate relationships