Examining the role of women in perpetrating domestic violence in households: A case of Layibi division, Gulu district

Abstract

This research was carried to out find out the role of women in perpetrating domestic violence in households in Layibi division in Gulu district. Data for the research was collected through the use of interviews, structured questionnaire guides and this study comprised of fourty (40) respondents drawn from community members, community leaders and police officials in Layibi Division. Through this study the researcher found out that women play a major role as instigators of domestic violence but in most instances their contribution is silent as they tend to present themselves as victims other than perpetrators and men fear to openly admit abuse by women. The researcher also found out that some of the reasons as to why women perpetrate domestic violence include the following; ignorance of the law, control and guarding of their marriage and self defense. The researcher also found out that the major forms of domestic violence perpetrated by women in Layibi division are; physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence. The study revealed that the major causes of domestic violence perpetrated by women in households in Layibi division were attributed to ignorance of the law, poverty and abuse of alcohol and drugs. The research further revealed that major challenges in controlling domestic violence perpetrated by women in Layibi Division are due to poverty, reluctance of the police, local leaders and NGO’s in addressing issues of domestic violence perpetrated by women. The research also found that robust community approaches such as coordinated community efforts in addressing domestic violence and strict punitive measures are important means of addressing domestic violence perpetrated by women. From the findings of the study, the researcher recommends the following; there is need to educate the community members on existing laws and policies and also ensure protection of whistle blowers, there is also need to expedite investigations and prosecution of cases of domestic violence perpetrated by women so as to encourage other victims to report, there is also need to establish strict punitive measures by the court to deter occurrences.