THE EFFECT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES OF RURAL WOMEN IN ANIOCHA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effect of domestic violence on the socio-cultural activities of rural women in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. To guide the study six research questions were raised. The study employed a descriptive survey research design with a sample population of 200 respondents randomly selected from four (4) communities. A self designed questionnaire validated using expert judgement approach was used for the study. The Instrument was tested for reliability using the test- retest method and analyzed with Pearson product moment correlation statistics which gave a coefficient of 0.86. Data were analyzed using frequency count and simple percentages. The findings of the study revealed that domestic violence has negative effect on women. Also domestic violence has negative effect on the emotional state of women, consequences on social life of the victim and negative effect on their health. Based on the findings, it was recommended that programmes to eliminate domestic violence should be put in place by both government, religious groups and non-governmental organizations, such programmes should target the male population because in most cases they are prepetrators of violent acts against women. All concerned bodies must undertake collaborative action in exposing the danger of domestic violence against women.