Women’s perception on marital violence and its influence on wives staying in violent marriages: a study of Nairobi county, Kenya

Abstract

Violence against women in its various forms is endemic in communities around the world cutting across class, age, religion and national boundaries. It is one of the most pervasive human rights violations. It denies women equality, security, dignity, self-worth and their right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. It destroys a woman’s sense of self, and undermines healthy families and communities. Violence poses serious mental and physical health risks on the victims. This has far-reaching consequences on the stability of the family, wellbeing of the children and society by extension. Despite the consequences of violence, some women have opted to stay in marriages in which violence exists. This study explored women’s perception on marital violence and its influence on wives staying in violent marriages. It was conducted in Kileleshwa and Kawangware locations within Nairobi County, Kenya. It was a descriptive survey employing ex post facto causal comparative research design. The accessible population constituted thirty two thousand seven hundred and thirty one (32731) women from Kawangware location and fourteen thousand nine hundred and ninety five (14995) women from Kileleshwa location. A sample of nine hundred and eighty (980) women was used in the study. Purposive and systematic random sampling methods were used to select respondents for the study. The validity and reliability of the instruments were determined before the instruments were used to collect data. A Pilot study was carried out with a sample from Dik Dik and Kongo areas in Nairobi. Cronbach’s alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instruments. A reliability coefficient of 0.77 was obtained. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer program. The study found out that psychological violence was the most prevalent type of violence in Kileleshwa and Kawangware locations; that the women’s perception on marital violence was negative and therefore the women did not think that violence from a spouse is a crime against their rights; that lack of economic independence was the major factor that contributes to women staying in violent marriages in the two locations and that cultural practices and religion influences women’s perception on marital violence. The researcher recommends that government and Non-Governmental Organizations involve men in awareness campaigns and public education programs. This will help to challenge misconceptions on marital violence. There is also need for creation of a strategy aimed at perceptions and behavior change towards marital violence.