THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Domestic violence is a global phenomenon, a human rights violation and an important public health problem that has negative effects on women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive wellbeing. It is a social illness that cuts across all races, religions, and class status. Many societies, including Nigeria, have accepted domestic violence as normal and a part of women’s life. Culture, on the other hand, has shaped people’s perceptions towards the menace of domestic violence. The rate of violence against women in Nigeria is alarming, and it needs to be addressed. This study aimed to examine the influence of cultural practices on the prevalence of domestic violence in Nigeria through the lens of feminist theory. This study utilized primary sources from fieldwork study where interviews have been conducted with women to collect data across the study area of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas of Kogi State, Nigeria, and secondary sources of literature from published journals, articles, textbooks, and internet resources, to analyse the influence of culture on domestic violence in Nigeria. Findings from this study revealed that socio-cultural practices such as norms about marriage system, the predominant position of male children, and forced marriage, have exposed women to domestic violence in Nigeria. Ending domestic violence, therefore, requires concerted efforts and commitment from the government and the community to address the patriarchal system at all levels