Main Article Content
Abstract
The study analyzed domestic violence and the health of women in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. Four research objectives were used to guide the study. The radical feminist theory was used. The research design used was a method design involving the administration of questionnaire and oral interview.150 respondents mainly women who had experienced domestic violence or currently in such a relationship were sampled. The cluster sampling technique was used. Two women were orally interviewed to provide in-depth information on the subject. Findings revealed that domestic violence is prevalent in Obio-Akpor, and the results showed that 55(37%) of the respondents strongly agreed that jealousy problems cause domestic violence, 56(37%) respondents strongly agreed that suspicion of infidelity is a cause of domestic violence, 45(30%) respondents strongly agreed that economic dependence on partners causes domestic violence, Furthermore, 60(40%) respondents also strongly agreed that that verbal third party interference is a cause of domestic violence, while 57(38%) respondents strongly agreed that lack of trust causes domestic violence. Finally, 63(42%) respondents strongly agreed that kicking out of anger is a cause of domestic violence. Also some that have experienced intimate partner violence experienced internal and external health problems such as physical injuries, high blood pressure, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, isolation, and suicidal tendencies. The study recommends that women experiencing domestic violence should report to the authorities, seek counselling and psychosocial support, and if that proves abortive and the situation becomes life threatening, they can leave such relationship for health and life sakes.