The gendered impact of intimate partner violence on primary teachers college students : a case of Bushenyi Core Primary Teachers College

Abstract

This study aimed at establishing the gendered impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on college students drawing on Bushenyi Core Primary Teachers College. It explored the forms, causes, consequences and survival strategies of IPV survivors. It employed a case study design that was explanatory and targeted second year students. A sample of 50 participants was covered using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data was analyzed using content and narrative analysis and presented using graphs and pie-charts. The findings indicated sexual violence (26/50) and stalking (13/50) as key forms of IPV, with major causes being limited support (35/50), family of origin (32/50), cheating and unfaithfulness (30/50), alcohol and substance abuse (24/50) and lack of respect for one another (20/50). These impacted the students in a number of ways including poor academic performance (39/50), abortion (37/50), unwanted pregnancies (36/50), social torture and stigma (33/50) and psychological torture (23/50). Counseling and guidance (32/50); avoiding greed for money (26/50); emphasizing college rules and regulations (25/50); reporting cases of violence (23/50) and observing respect for one another (19/50) were survival strategies adopted. Conclusively, IPV is a serious problem among college students, highly affecting their academic performance. The tendency of thinking that college students are mature exposes them to unwanted pregnancies and abortion which adversely affect their health. Therefore, emphasizing college rules and regulations, behavior change, monitoring behavior and allowing girls who conceive to complete their studies will help to reduce intimate partner violence among college students.