EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON MEN TO THEIR ROLES IN SOCIO- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Domestic violence has continued to be a global epidemic that kills and tortures physically, psychologically, economically and socially. This study seeks to investigate the influence of domestic violence on men to their socioeconomic development roles in kaptembwo Nakuru County. The study is meant to achieve four objectives: To investigate the nature and frequency of domestic violence on men in kaptembwo Nakuru county, find out the influence of domestic violence on men to their socioeconomic production roles, investigate the influence of domestic violence on men to their socioeconomic leadership roles and to determine how domestic violence on men affect their socioeconomic security roles. The prevalence of domestic violence is higher in Kenya as a developing nation. Gender Based Violence is a criminal offense and a moral indignation as provided in the Kenyan Penal Code, the Sexual Offenses Act 2006 and the Constitution 2010. GBV also contributes to health problems which ultimately translate into social and economic burdens for society members and the Government. It therefore impedes the achievement of developmental goals, for instance, in the context of the Millennium Development Goals and Kenya‘s Vision 2030. This research report is based on a research carried out in 3 locations within kaptembwo-Nakuru County namely, Githima, Mwariki and Kaptembwo. Generally, this research provides a better understanding of social conditions and social issues broadly and how these perspectives impact on society’s response. The theoretical framework that will guide this study was based on social learning theory which will provide insights on domestic-related violence. The overall design was a cross-sectional survey while a questionnaire and interview guide were used for data collection. The unit of analysis was the individual while the units of observation were individual community members and key informants. Individual respondents were selected randomly with a prior decision targeting a sample of 100 (20.0% women and 80.0% men) from a target population of 4,460. Key informants were drawn from Government Departments in the front-line of addressing GBV including National Police Service, Judiciary, Probation and Aftercare Service and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development and also local area chiefs. The existence/frequency and nature of GBV on men in the community was measured by respondents‘ awareness of forms and underlying causes of GBV on men. Individual level experience was measured: by self-reported experience of acts of GBV by men in one‘s lifetime and in the last 12 months from intimate partner; types of experience dis-aggregating for physical, sexual and emotional assaults; reporting of the acts; and institutional and community responses to GBV on men. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in tables and figures. The analyses were aided by EpiData and SPSS computer programs. Qualitative data were analyzed through identification of relevant themes and presented through descriptions and quotations. The findings of the study indicated that domestic violence is a vice that affects men from the region. It was quite prevalent from households where men had low educational levels and were unemployed. This study significantly contributed to new knowledge in order to assist researchers and policy makers in understanding of various issues which are related to domestic violence. It is also possible to understand and appreciate with an intention of reducing/curbing the various causes and effects of domestic violence. The study recommended that in order to curb this issue of domestic violence, men should be empowered through public awareness education, encouraging men to report crimes to police, supporting men through individual work and group work and supporting men through enabling disclosure.