An assessment of the influence of alcohol on domestic violence; A case Study of Igayaza Parish Kibale district

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of alcohol on domestic violence in Igayaza Parish, Kibale District. The objectives of the study were; to examine the various causes of increasing alcoholism, to examine the rate of increasing alcoholism in relation to domestic violence and to examine measures put in place to minimize the effects of alcohol and domestic violence. Literature on the various causes of alcoholism, the rate of increasing alcoholism in relation to domestic violence as well as measures that can be adopted to reduce alcoholism and domestic violence was reviewed as presented by various scholars. The findings reveal that there are a number of factors that contribute to the high incidence of alcoholism in Igayaza Parish Kibale District as also confirmed by 46% of the respondents who mentioned that alcoholism is mainly caused by culture and traditions that embrace alcohol consumption as part of praising their gods and spirits. According to the research conducted, drug and alcohol abuse have a direct correlation between these emerging domestic violence issues. The findings on the effect of alcohol consumption on married people reveals 42% mentioned domestic violence as the major effect of alcoholism whereby the when the family members resort to alcoholism they become violent and they cannot control their tempers, hence this increases emotional and physical abuse in homes. The researcher concluded that there is a strong linkage between alcoholism and domestic violence since majority of the families with alcoholic partners many cases of domestic violence where reported compared to families without alcoholic parteners. The researcher recommends that there is need for non governmental organization, government, schools and religious institutions to educate people on the effects of drugs. Stringent rules and regulations (laws) must be legislated so as to reduces and deter people from abusing drugs; hence reducing domestic violence. There is a need for guidance and counseling programs to be introduced in all villages, churches and schools as a way of helping people who are already drug addicts and those who have been physically or emotionally abused in the past.