Causes and effects of domestic violence. Case study of Kamwokya Slum area Kampala Central Division

Abstract

Domestic violence still continues to manifest in many homes in Kamwokya slum area. Women are battered, emotionally tortured, insulted and abused while some men also complain of similar maltreatment from their wives. It is against this background that Kamwokya slum area was purposively selected for this study. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative study design. Document review, survey questionnaire and key informants were used to collect data. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 14 by use of frequency tables. The reported causes of domestic violence in Kamwokya slum included lack of mutual trust, dispute over property, poor communication, lack of sexual satisfaction, alcohol or drugs abuse, food insecurity, cultural, norms and beliefs, character or personality, marital infidelity, relatives and friends among others. Through this study, the researcher identified body injury or harm, loss of family property, divorce or separation, adultery, loss of respect, psychosocial problems (emotional and mental destabilization), death, drunkenness, suicidal feelings and sexual starvation as the major effects of domestic violence. As a result, the study highlighted the need for couple sensitization, mediation with family members, strong penalties to offenders, strong religious indoctrination, support formal education, effective media campaign and frequent communication. Furthermore, policy measures such as need to recognize domestic violence against women as an important issue and enhancement of educational and health facilities for the prevention and control of violence with combined awareness programs including non-governmental organizations through stakeholders. In addition, comprehensive laws need to be developed and enforcement against alcohol abuse is required in Uganda. In conclusion, it was found out that the prevalence rate of domestic violence in Kamwokya is high. Women suffer and are subjected to physical, psychological and sexual abuse in their home by partners, in-laws and in some circumstances by their brothers and parents. The factors associated with domestic violence in Kamwokya are loweconomic status of women, lack of awareness about women rights, lack of education, imbalanced empowerment issues between males and females, male dominant social structure. Integrated supportive services, legal intervention and redress should be made available in situations of domestic violence. Support and help for victims to rebuild and recover their lives after violence should be part of the intervention strategy, including counseling, relocation, credit support and employment. In order to prevent women from domestic violence and provide them medical as well as judicial and legal support, new plans and interventional maps should be made in the societies in societal leaders, NGOs, police department and people from other similar groups.