PREVALENCE AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN AGUATA L.G.A.

Abstract

This study investigated the Prevalence and Perceptions towards Gender-Based Violence Against Women of Reproductive Age in Aguata L.G.A, Anambra state. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study participants were females who are 18 years and above residents of Aguata L.G.A. The sample size was 204 respondents. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the study. The major instruments of data collection used were a questionnaire and an In-Depth interview (IDI) guide. Quantitative data were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed using percentages and frequency distribution tables. Qualitative data were provided from the transcription of the electronically recorded interview and field notes and analyzed using the manual thematic content analysis technique. Findings indicated amongst others that forms of GBV include: Physical violence, Sexual violence, Female genital mutilation, domestic violence, and forced and early child marriage. It also found some socio-cultural factors affecting GBV such as: Poverty, patriarchy, lack of education/ ignorance, religious beliefs, and growing up in an abusive home. Consequences of GBV include Physical, sexual, and Psychological problems. The study recommends that there is a need for government to increase access to education and employment opportunities for women. The government and every other social institution involved in society should encourage victims of GBV not to die in silence but to speak out to be heard and helped. Furthermore, there is a need for proper socialization of children at the family level in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria.