An Investigation into the Causes of Domestic Violence and Their Effects on Learning in Early Childhood Development Centres in Lugari District, Kenya

There has been growing recognition of the prevalence of domestic violence in our society. Domestic violence is a social vice that is likely to have far reaching consequences to children and to the society. The exposure of children to violence at home affects children’s socialization. This study sought to investigate the causes of domestic violence and their effects on the learning of children in ECDE centres in Lugari District. The objectives that the study sought to establish were; causes of domestic violence; establish the effects of the factors of domestic violence on the learning of ECDE children; establish the performance of children who had been victims of domestic violence and suggest possible solutions to domestic violence in communities. The study employed the descriptive survey design. A sample of 15 ECD centres, 15 ECD teachers, 60 ECD children, one Chief and one Church elder was taken through purposive and random sampling techniques. Secondary data was collected from available literature such as books, journals, periodicals among others. The data for this study was collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and observation method was also used. Data gathered was analyzed through descriptive statistics and results presented in frequency tables using frequencies and percentages. Majority of the respondents identified poverty within the society as a cause of domestic violence, together with drunkard ness, unfaithful within the family and by drug abuse. Exposure to immorality comprised of the highest rating of the forms causing domestic violence followed by abusive language rated secondly high and the exposure to violent scenes were rated thirdly high. The battery of children and exposure of children to harsh environment were rated the highest and low factors respectively for the existence of domestic violence. Exposure to violent scenes, the use of abusive language and the exposure to immorality were the least forms of domestic violence experienced. All forms of domestic violence have one purpose, to gain and maintain control over the victim.The effects of domestic violence were poor performance rated highest, followed by dropping out of school, reported cases of indiscipline and least being brain damage. The tragic reality is that anytime a mother is abused by her partner, the children are also affected in both overt and subtle ways. The children’s performance of school tasks and tests varied significantly during the study with majority of the children performing below average compared to those who perform above average in their learning. The solutions towards domestic violence identified guidance and counselling as a major solution towards domestic violence victims. Majority of them were of the opinion that creating community awareness on the disadvantages of domestic violence was important. The creation of employment opportunities and formation of community based organizations were the least solution identified. The researcher recommends that there is need for the empowerment of children at home and school to enable them make good decisions, interpret school tasks and perform well in school tests. There is no easy solution to the problem of domestic violence as its elimination requires changes in the very nature of society