Trends and patterns of gender-based violence and help-seeking behaviour in Zambia: A case of old market compound of Lukulu District
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Date
2016
Authors
Mutakwa, Earnwell
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
This study established the trends and patterns of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Old Market
Compound of Lukulu District of Zambia. Specifically, the study investigated the existence and
prevalence, causes and effects, and help seeking behaviour. Both quantitative and qualitative
techniques were used in collecting data. Purposive and interval sampling methods were used to
select respondents for the study. Focus Group Discussions provided qualitative data on
experiences of GBV, types and solutions. Structured Questionnaires were administered to 100
respondents. Qualitative data were analysed thematically while quantitative data was analysed
using MS Access, MS Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings
demonstrated that Gender-Based Violence like in any other district in Zambia exists in Lukulu.
Its major causes are environmental, socioeconomic and cultural practices. The established trends
and patterns show that physical GBV had the highest observable effects while emotional has the
most dehumanizing effect and longest in terms of experience, depending on one’s resilience.
Sexual violence was noted to have long lasting impact and led to unwanted pregnancies,
abortions, maternal mortality, school drop-out, STI and HIV and AIDS infections. It was noted
that the younger generation suffered more physical and sexual violence but reduced with
increase in age, while emotional violence increased with increase in age. It was also noted that
physical (76%) and emotional (18%) violence are more common than sexual (6%) violence, but
have not been receiving much attention as compared to sexual violence. Emotional and sexual
violence have psychological effects on the victim which lead to depression and trauma if not
well managed. The study has demonstrated that the experience of Gender-Based Violence is
higher among women of reproductive age especially those who are in a union of marriage with a
man who abuses alcohol and drugs. The study also realised that there is a strong relationship
between GBV and background characteristics. When the background characteristics are high or
favourable GBV will be low. However, it was also noted that the background characteristics are
influenced by culture. The study has revealed that help seeking behaviour among GBV victims,
especially among men was negative. Therefore, the study proposed to integrate GBV issues in
both formal and informal education and practices by providing primary institutions with
knowledge and skills to prevent GBV at grass root level.
Description
Keywords
Women--Violence against--Lukulu,Zambia , Women--Violence against--Zambia Africa--Prevention , Women--Services for--Zambia