Domestic Violence against Women: The Case Study of Kolfe Keranyo Sub-City
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Date
2007-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Domestic violence against women is one of the most pervasive human right violations, social and health problem. However, studies on the issues are recent phenomena, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia; there is still lack of basic information on the magnitude, the understanding of its root causes and the factor that prevent it. Despite the limited research, there are some studies, police and media reports indicate that its prevalence and seriousness in the country. The study was conducted with the objective of exploring and gaining insight into women’s experiences of violence in their own words; therefore, the researcher primarily used qualitative methodology, based on feminist perspectives. It was conducted at Kolfe Keranyo sub-city between September and November of 2006, involving women victims of domestic violence who were clients of EWLA, married women, legal enforcers and coordinator of legal aid at EWLA. Three focus group discussion and 15 in-depth interviews were carried out with purposely selected subject. Moreover, as supplementary survey has been conducted in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city. The surveys utilized a questionnaire administered to 150 married women. The result revealed those women’s accounts of abuse is a complex phenomenon because it includes various forms, ranging from humiliation, threats and social isolation to forced sex and battering. Violence against women runs along a range, often escalating from milder forms to more serious acts. The finding indicates that men who are physically abusive are also psychologically, economically and sexually abusive.
In this study, poverty and transgressions of gender role were found to be as the main cause of domestic violence. Alcoholism, jealousy and masculinity linked to dominance were also mentioned as factors of violence. In fact all of the causes are interrelated and the manifestation of unequal power relationship between women and men. Domestic violence has profound consequences on women’s overall well-being. The experience of domestic violence puts women at greater risk of physical, social, mental and health problems, and lately transmission of HIV/AIDS. With regard to response to domestic violence, the study shows that most abused women are not passive victims but rather adopt active strategies to maximize their and their children safety. It includes avoiding, enduring, and some fighting back while still others attempt to keep the peace by giving in to their husbands’ demands. A women's response to abuse is often limited by the options available to them. Where women sought help, they primarily turned to informal sources of support, particularly family, friends, and neighbors rather than to formal sources. The findings revealed that they didn't mostly receive the kind of support or service they needed. Despite many obstacles, there were women decided permanently to leave the violent husbands. Divorce is one of the active coping strategies for abused women; however, after divorce they face a lot of social and economic problem. In general, although domestic violence is serious problem, it is still largely considered as 'norm' and private matter. Thus, in Ethiopia by giving visibility to the experience of abused women this study aims to contribute for new and broader polices to prevent it
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Gender Studies