Psycho-social impact of domestic violence on mothers and children: A case study of Katabi Sub-County in Wakiso District

Abstract

A study was carried out in Katabi sub-county, Wakiso district to establish the psychosocial impact of domestic violence on mothers and children. A total of 20 mothers and 20 children affected by domestic violence were selected using both simple random and purposive sampling techniques, and interviewed using interview guides. The study revealed that mothers and children who are victims of domestic violence suffered four categories of domestic violence, namely physical, emotional, economic and sexual. Main forms of physical abuse experienced by both mothers and children were slapping and beating with sticks. Verbal abuse was the major form of emotional abuse (95%), lack of financial and material support was the main economic abuse. Sexual abuse was also reported, though its rate was not alarming in children.

The abuses that mothers and children suffered impacted them physically, emotional, economically and sexually. Major physical effects were chest pain and ulcers. The main emotional effect was low esteem with 80 and 100% in mothers and children, respectively. The main effect that resulted from sexual abuse for mothers was failure to enjoy sex with their husbands due to the bitter experience they went through when they were being sexually abused. For the case of children, the effects of sexual abuse were loss of interest in sexual relations due to the pain which they experienced when they were raped and stress caused by early child birth.

The study revealed that the victims of domestic violence needed support. Mothers suggested that the government should force husbands to support their families, provide safe homes where they can run to when chased away by their husbands, and to set up strict laws against domestic violence. The children suggested that government and charitable organisations should set up shelter homes for children who run away from violent homes, schemes for providing fees and scholastic materials, and provide counseling services for the children who are not supported by their parents.

Basing on the results, it was recommended that the government should set up strict laws to deal with perpetrators and programmes for educating the public about the dangers of domestic violence. In addition, parents should train their children on how to develop successful relationships. Community members should be alert and ready to assist any victim of domestic violence instead of blaming and judging them for whatever happened to them. The respondents advocated for establishment of shelter homes for people experiencing domestic violence. However, due to the African cultural set up, there is need to carry out research to find out the impact such homes have on the people that go there for services.