Police Officers’ Attitude Towards Gender-Based Violence in Kirkos Sub-City, Addis Ababa
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Date
2012-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of the study is to investigate police officers’ attitude towards gender-based violence in Kirkos Sub-City of Addis Ababa. To attain this objective, both primary and secondary data collectionmethods were used. The secondary data were gathered through critical review of related conceptual,
theoretical, empirical studies as well as policies at the international, regional and national levels.
The primary data were collected through quantitative and qualitative methods. The survey questionnaire
was used to gather the relevant quantitative data which were analyzed through statistical techniques such
as percentage, mean, median and standard deviation. The qualitative data were gathered through focus
group discussions, in-depth interviews with victims, key informants and police officers. Finally, the
findings of the study were thematically organized and analyzed through triangulation of various data
sources to increase the validity and reliability of the findings of the study.
It was found that gender-based violence is prevalent in the study area, but it is not adequately reported
since it affects the victims who are in a relatively lower status in terms of age, socio-economic status and
power relations. The police officers in the study area have positive attitude towards community policing
system, but they do not practice it to prevent and mitigate GBV crimes.
It was also found that there is no clear gender difference in the attitude of police officers towards GBV.
The police officers application and scope of GBV criminality is mostly related to the sexual violence only;
their attitude towards women and girls was found to be not positive in that they see women and girls as
subordinate to men and boys; viewing some of the victims as suspects, blaming them for the violence they
experienced and even being the perpetrators in some cases; it can be argued that the police officers do
not have positive attitude towards preventing and mitigating GBV crimes. Thus, the police officers under
study, especially those who are directly related to GBV in the study area do not have an attitude that
enhances the report rate and decrease the prevalence rate of GBV.
Finally, the study recommends the need for further investigation on issues related to police officers attitude towards victims and gender difference in the attitude of police officers towards GBV. Trainings should also be given for police officers in order to improve their understanding of the scope and criminality of GBV, their attitude towards victims, women and their attitudes about GBV
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Geography and Environmental Studies