ABSTRACT

This study sets out to examine the impact of religious affiliation on domestic violence against women and children in Vandeikya local government area of Benue State. Specifically, the study investigated the causes and patterns of domestic violence and also assessed the impact of domestic violence on women and children and the way forward. The theoretical framework for the study was the conflict theory. The study utilized descriptive survey research design and data was collected using interviews and questionnaires administered to one hundred and eighty (180) respondents. The sample was obtained using cluster sampling techniques. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings show that religious affiliation seriously has an impact on domestic violence against women and children in Vandeikya local government area of Benue State. It is therefore recommended that, the federal, State and Local government should initiate policies and programmes to alleviate poverty these policies and programes should be well executed to reach the target poor population and so as reduce unemployment rate. Moreso, marital counseling units should be set up to help couples with marital problems and the ministry of women affairs and other parastatals should help bridge the gap between men and women in order to enhance peaceful co-existence devoid of marital violence in the society.

LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1: Sex Distribution of Respondents

Table 4.2: Age Distribution of Respondents

Table 4.3: Occupational Distribution of Respondents

Table 4.4: Educational Distribution of Respondents

Table 4.5: Religious Affiliation of Respondents

Table 4.6: Marital Distribution of Respondents

Table 4.7: Causes of Domestic Violence against Women and Children

Table 4.8: Does Religious Affiliation facilitate Domestic Violence

Table 4.9: The Effects of Domestic Violence on Marital Instability

Table 4.10: The Effects of domestic Violence on the Health of Women and Children

Table 4.11: Does Domestic Violence Affects the Growth and Development of Women and Children