Experiences of Children Exposed to Domestic Violence in Lusaka District

Mwenso, Mwandu (2015) Experiences of Children Exposed to Domestic Violence in Lusaka District. Masters thesis, University of Zambia.

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Abstract

Domestic violence is a pervasive and frequently lethal problem that challenges countries and societies at every level and Zambia is no exception. Violence of this nature is often hidden from view and devastates its victims physically, socially and emotionally. Directly or indirectly it affects the quality of life of the whole society.This study aimed to explore the experiences of children exposed to domestic violence in Lusaka District. The study specifically examined the forms of domestic violence witnessed by the children, investigated the reasons behind domestic violence from the children's perspective and analysed the effects of domestic violence on the children. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted for the study.The study population included children of domestic violence survivors and their parents through the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Legal Aid Clinic for Women and the Police Victim Support Unit. The study sample consisted of 52 participants divided into 30 children (boys and girls) between the ages of 08-16 years, 16 parents/guardians and 6 key informants. The study sites were the Young Women's Christian Association, National Legal Aid Clinic for Women and the Police Victim Support Unit in Lusaka. Data was collected using in-depth interviews for the children and key informants, while focus group discussions were conducted with the parents/guardians. Data was analysed thematically. The findings from the study reveal that children were exposed to different forms of domestic violence such as physical abuse, emotional abuse and economic abuse. In this study it also became apparent that children were aware of the reasons behind domestic violence. The reasons identified by the children were alcohol abuse, jealousy, infidelity and arguments over children‟s needs. The study also revealed that exposure to violence had negative effects on the children such as physical injury, fear and anxiety, loss of confidence and self-esteem, educational failure and poor relationships with peers and parents. The recommendations are that more research is needed that advances the current understanding of the prevalence and effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence, so that policy makers and practitioners can design interventions necessary to address the size, nature and complexity of the problem. Curricula that teach non-violence, conflict resolution, human rights and gender issues should be included in elementary and secondary schools, universities, professional colleges, and other training settings. Adults who work with children, including teachers, social workers, relatives, and parents themselves should receive ongoing training on domestic violence to enable them recognise the impact of domestic violence on children and refer children to appropriate services.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions:	Africana
Depositing User:	Geoffrey Obatsa
Date Deposited:	28 Mar 2019 14:09
Last Modified:	28 Mar 2019 14:09
URI:	http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/9100

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