Domestic Violence and Livelihoods of Women in Arocha Division, Apac Municipal Council

Abstract

The study analysed the effects of domestic violence on the livelihoods of women in Arocha Division, and the study findings show 100.0% agreed that domestic violence results in depression and self-destructive behaviours among women. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics report published in 2020, recent statistics in Uganda show that 65% of women or one out of every three women are victims of physical and/or sexual domestic violence at least once in their lifetime. The majority of victims experience multiple assaults rather than just one (UBOS, 2020). The study aimed to analyse the effects of domestic violence on the livelihoods of women in Arocha Division, Apac Municipal Council. A cross-sectional study design was adopted where both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. The target population was 80 participants, and 78 respondents were sampled purposively or randomly to constitute the study samples. Questionnaire and interview methods were used to collect primary and secondary data. Tool validity was ensured through pre-testing. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. A total of 97.1% agreed that alcohol and drug abuse cause domestic violence. 100% agreed that domestic violence causes physical effects such as lacerations, bruises, broken bones and also results in depression and self-destructive behaviours among women. 100% agreed that community awareness-raising on domestic violence solves the vice and strengthening laws and protection against domestic violence solves domestic violence. The study concluded that the Covid-19 Pandemic, cultural factors, men as breadwinners, family issues, mass media activities, poverty, legal factors, political factors, and environmental factors are the causes of domestic violence. Physical effects, depression and self-destructive behaviours, financial insecurity/poverty, stigmatization, pregnancy-related effects/death during pregnancy, hindering participation in socio-economic activities, HIV/AIDS infection, and marginalization and gender inequality were some of the effects of domestic violence on women. Empowerment of women, harsher punishments, capacity building/ training of police and authorities, community awareness-raising, strengthening laws and protection against domestic violence, and improving education opportunities for girls/women can help to solve the problem of domestic violence. The study recommended that the government should initiate income- generating projects that target women at the grassroots level so as to enhance their capacity to provide for their families other than waiting for their husbands.