Experiences of children exposed to domestic violence Lusaka District
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Date
2015
Authors
Mwenso, Mwandu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Domestic violence is a pervasive and frequently lethal problem that challenges countries and
societies at every level and Zambia is no exception. Violence of this nature is often hidden
from view and devastates its victims physically, socially and emotionally. Directly or
indirectly it affects the quality of life of the whole society.This study aimed to explore the
experiences of children exposed to domestic violence in Lusaka District. The study
specifically examined the forms of domestic violence witnessed by the children, investigated
the reasons behind domestic violence from the children's perspective and analysed the effects
of domestic violence on the children. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted for the
study.The study population included children of domestic violence survivors and their parents
through the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Legal Aid Clinic for
Women and the Police Victim Support Unit. The study sample consisted of 52 participants
divided into 30 children (boys and girls) between the ages of 08-16 years, 16
parents/guardians and 6 key informants. The study sites were the Young Women's Christian
Association, National Legal Aid Clinic for Women and the Police Victim Support Unit in
Lusaka. Data was collected using in-depth interviews for the children and key informants,
while focus group discussions were conducted with the parents/guardians. Data was analysed
thematically. The findings from the study reveal that children were exposed to different forms
of domestic violence such as physical abuse, emotional abuse and economic abuse. In this
study it also became apparent that children were aware of the reasons behind domestic
violence. The reasons identified by the children were alcohol abuse, jealousy, infidelity and
arguments over children‟s needs. The study also revealed that exposure to violence had
negative effects on the children such as physical injury, fear and anxiety, loss of confidence
and self-esteem, educational failure and poor relationships with peers and parents. The
recommendations are that more research is needed that advances the current understanding of
the prevalence and effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence, so that policy makers
and practitioners can design interventions necessary to address the size, nature and
complexity of the problem. Curricula that teach non-violence, conflict resolution, human
rights and gender issues should be included in elementary and secondary schools,
universities, professional colleges, and other training settings. Adults who work with
children, including teachers, social workers, relatives, and parents themselves should receive
ongoing training on domestic violence to enable them recognize the impact of domestic
violence on children and refer children to appropriate services.
Description
Keywords
Family Violence , Children of abused Wives , Children and Violence