Socio-economic and Cultural Processes Associated with Domestic Violence in Rural Nigeria: A Study of Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State

Although the pervasiveness of domestic violence against women in Nigeria is well documented, specific risk factors, particularly among rural dwellers, are not well understood. This study was based on cross-sectional survey design. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were used. In depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with married women from four rural villages in Uzo-Uwani Local government of Enugu state, Nigeria. The study examined domestic violence, and explored the pathways through which socioeconomic and cultural processes may influence women’s vulnerability to violence in marriage among rural dwellers. The sample size for the study was 490 respondents. Questionnaire and in-depth interview were the instruments for data collection. The questionnaire was administered to 450 married women of reproductive age while 40 women who were not part of the survey were interviewed. The findings show that 56% of the 450 women surveyed had experienced domestic violence, while 42% did not in the past one year. According to the qualitative data, women with more education and income are less vulnerable to domestic violence. The findings further show that early marriage and low income made women less vulnerable to violence in marriage. Only education was associated with significantly reduced odds of violence. The odds were greater for women who contributed more money to the household.