An expoloratory study on the contributing factors related to domestic violence against women with households in Oshakati
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Date
2025
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Domestic violence significantly affects women through physical and
psychological harm, leading to cycles of trauma and fear that disrupt families. As
a result, social isolation, financial insecurity, and the continuation of violence
over generations, which harms communities. This qualitative study aimed to
explore the factors contributing to domestic violence against women within
households. The study had three main objectives: to identify these contributing
factors in Oshakati, to examine the impact of violence on women's lives, and to
propose potential strategies for reducing domestic violence in the area. The study
focused on three groups: women who are victims of violence, men who
perpetrate violence, and frontline healthcare workers who assist both victims
and perpetrators. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling method,
and the sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was collected
through one-on-one interviews with victims and perpetrators and focus group
discussions with professionals. The study utilises inductive thematic analysis in
conjunction with Dedoose software to analyze data. The study concluded that
alcohol misuse, financial-related problems, unaddressed childhood traumas,
infidelities, and cultural beliefs are some of the contributing factors to domestic
violence against women in their homes. Thus, these women suffer from PTSD,
miscarriages, fear, and alcohol dependency. In order to mitigate this, raising
awareness of the availability of services to community members and the
provision of shelters may reduce domestic violence in the homes.The study
recommends the development of educational programs on the link between
alcohol abuse and domestic violence by social workers, police officers, and
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nurses. It suggests that the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and
Social Welfare enhance policies that support women’s financial independence
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Social Work
Keywords
Women, Alcohol, Violence, Victims, Shelter, Trauma, Contributing factors, Households, University of Namibia, Namibia