Causes, consequences and management strategies of gender based domestic violence: A case of central division of Kitui district, Kenya

Abstract

Gender based domestic violence is prevalent in both developed and developing countries. It is in fact a major constraint to development in many parts of the world. However, it seems that the causes, consequences and management strategies used in different places vary. In Kenya, surveys on gender based domestic violence have been done in areas such as Nairobi and Kisii. In effect, there is need to study this vice in other parts of the country. This study was therefore carried out in Central Division of Kitui District and its purpose was to analyse the causes and consequences of gender based domestic violence. More so, the study attempted to find out if there are management strategies used to address the problem. The research type was a descriptive study that used ex post facto research design. Sampling was done from a population of 24, 792 married men and women. The sample was composed of 200 married men and women. However, after data collection only 106 questionnaires were returned. On the other hand, eighty (80) respondents were interviewed making the total number of respondents used in the data analysis equal to 186. The main study instrument was a questionnaire and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s reliability coefficient, which was found to be 0.72. Data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the causes, consequences, and management strategies addressing gender based domestic violence. In addition, the Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient and the t-test were utilized to establish if there was a statistically significant relationship between the rate of violence and the level of education, level of income, and the rate of alcohol consumption. Further, the t-test was used to examine if there was a statistically significant difference between the rate of violence among men and women. The level of significance was acceptable at α = 0.05. Results from this study showed that alcohol consumption was a major cause of domestic violence. Mental stress, reduced family income and poor family health were some of the mentioned consequences of gender violence. There was a significant relationship between the rate of violence and the level of education, the level of income and the rate of alcohol consumption. The study findings also showed a statistically insignificant difference in the rate of violence between married men and women. Therefore, it was recommended that there is need for education on harmonious family living, provision of guidance and counselling services to the affected population, and formulation of policies that lead to legal procedures in settling of family disputes.