Prevalence, Nature and Causes of Domestic Violence in Ekiti State

The study examined prevalence, nature and causes of domestic violence in Ekiti State. This study adopted descriptive cross sectional survey research design. It employed mixed methods which are qualitative and quantitative strands to gather information from a representative sample of the population under study. The target population was women from five selected wards in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area, Ekiti State. The sample size for this study was calculated using Fischer’s formula, this was considered appropriate because of the large population. Adjustment for a 10% rate of non-responses and invalid responses yielded a final sample size of 246. The research instrument used in collecting data for this study was a semi-structured questionnaire. The research instrument used in collecting data for the qualitative study was an in-depth interview guide. Validity of the instrument was based on both face and content validity. To ensure the reliability of the instruments, Cronbach alpha method was employed to determine the internal consistency which yielded a reliability value of 0.85. Quantitative data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data were transcribed and a full description of all verbal and non-verbal statements were generated. The study revealed that the proportion of domestic violence in Ekiti State was high while there was relationship between socio-economic status and level of domestic violence. Also type of family was related with the level of domestic violence. However, there was no relationship between educational level and level of domestic violence. It was recommended among others that public awareness should be created in social gatherings like churches, mosque, seminars, symposium and social media about domestic violence. Keywords: Prevalence, Nature, Causes, Domestic Violence