University of the Western Cape Faculty of Natural Sciences Department of Statistics & Population Studies Socio-demographic analysis of domestic violence against women: evidences from DHS A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Magister Philisophiae in Population Studies By Judith D’or Donang Ngondiop 2013 Supervisor: Dr Nancy Stiegler ABSTRACT The right for every woman to live free of violence is one of the basic human rights. Nevertheless, this right is still subject to violation on a massive and systematic scale around the world. At least one of three women around the world has reported been physical, sexual and emotional abuse by an intimate partner in her lifetime. Although, gender inequalities and discrimination are considered as the underlying factors of domestic violence, little is known about the contributions of the presence of sons and daughters at home, age, gender, education, marital status, working status, place of residence. Despite the fact that recommendations have been made both at the international and national levels to reduce intimate female abuse, the issue is still rampant in developing countries. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the impact of women’s socio- economic and demographic characteristics on domestic violence across seven countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Haiti, Liberia, Moldova, Nepal and Philippines). Frequencies and bivariate analyses were performed using the latest Demographic Health Surveys from 2005 to 2011. The findings established that on average 33.37 percent of women across the seven countries are abused. Domestic violence is a high concern in Cameroon. The educational level still remains a predicting factor of domestic violence across the countries under investigation except in Liberia. The number of living children was also identified as a predicting factor across the studied countries. Finally, a woman having a son or a daughter at home is more likely to expose the woman to intimate violence in Cameroon, Haiti, Moldova, Nepal and Philippines. All the countries are entrenched in a culture of male domination whereby women lack the freedom to decide on marital issues. As a recommendation, the government of each of the studied countries should be more proactive in reinforcing judicial system, policies and education that will help to curb the scourge of domestic violence. Furthermore, improving the level of literacy for women and educating men as the perpetrators of domestic violence will go a long way in abating this social ill. i KEYS WORDS CEDAW Domestic violence Demographic Health Survey Demographic variables Eastern Europe Socio-economic characteristics Sub-Saharan, Southern Asia Violence against women ii DECLARATION I hereby declare that Socio-demographic analysis of domestic violence against women: evidences from Demographic health surveys is my own work, that it has not been previously submitted for any degree or examination in any other university or higher education; and that all the sources and quotations have been indicated and acknowledged by complete references Judith D’or Donang Ngondiop Date Signature iii DEDICATION To dad, mum, brothers, sisters and cousins for your undying love; continuous encouragement and support. iv ACKNOWL DGMENT To the almighty God for giving me the power and strength to overcome all the obstacles which came on my way during this study and seeing me throughout its completion. My heartfelt thanks are conveyed to my supervisor Dr Nancy Stiegler for her enormous assistance, guidance, constant encouragements and presence. Dear Dr Nancy, millions of thanks for your endless patience and constructive advices. Special thanks to the department of Statistics & Population Studies and to all my fellow students. I am also thankful to all my friends who provide me important advices, support, friendship at all times throughout the duration of my studies v Contents ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ i KEYS WORDS.................................................................................................................. ii DECLARATION.............................................................................................................. iii DEDICATION.................................................................................................................. iv ACKNOWLDGMENT ..................................................................................................... v LIST OF APPENDIX .................................................................................................. xviii LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ xx LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... xxiii LIST OF ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................... xxv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND SETTING OF THE STUDY ......................... 1 1.1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................1 1.2 Background to the study .................................................................................................3 1.3 Problem statement...........................................................................................................6 1.4 Significance of the study .................................................................................................7 1.5 Objectives of the study ....................................................................................................8 1.6 Research questions ..........................................................................................................8 1.6.1 General question ................................................................................................................. 8 1.6.2 Specific questions ................................................................................................................ 9 1.7 Definitions of the terms used ..........................................................................................9 1.8 Outline of the remaining chapters .................................................................................9 CHAPTER 2: RELATED REVIEW OF LITTERATURE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ..................................................................................................................... 11 2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................11 vi 2.2 Background ................................................................ ....................................................11 2.3 An understanding of domestic violence .......................................................................13 2.3.1 The concept and forms of intimate partner violence ..................................................... 14 2.3.2 Causes of domestic violence ............................................................................................. 17 2.3.2.1 Direct determinants of men intimate abuse against women ..................................... 18 2.3.2.1.1 Gender based violence ............................................................................................ 18 2.3.2.2 Factors leading to intimate partner violence by men on women .............................. 19 2.3.2.2.1 Individual level characteristics as risk factors of domestic violence .................. 19 2.3.2.2.2 Societal factors contributing to domestic violence ............................................... 21 2.3.2.2.2.1 Cultural factors ................................................................................................ 21 2.3.2.2.2.2 Alcohol consumption abuse ............................................................................. 23 2.3.3 Protective factors of women exposed to domestic violence ........................................... 24 2.3.4 Theories on causes and consequences of women intimate abuse .................................. 25 2.3.4.1 Public health approach ................................................................................................. 25 2.3.4.2 The criminal justice approach ..................................................................................... 25 2.3.4.3 The socio ecological approach ...................................................................................... 26 2.3.4.4 The feminist approach .................................................................................................. 26 2.3.5 Effects of domestic violence .............................................................................................. 27 2.3.6 Relationship between battered women and the perpetrator ......................................... 30 2.4 Women abuse and International Organizations ........................................................31 2.4.1 Importance of UN recommendations .............................................................................. 32 2.4.2 Evolution of guidelines...................................................................................................... 32 2.4.3 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) ......................................................................... 32 2.4.4 Proposed policies to prevent and eliminate domestic violence against women ........... 33 2.5 General