Examining traditional methods of handling domestic violence in a Southeastern Nigerian state: the imperative for social workers’ involvement

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the conventional methods used to combat domestic violence within cultural contexts in a local council in Nigeria’s Southeastern state. The study aims first to promote the use of traditional methods of resolving domestic violence that aim at ensuring family unity and second, the need for social workers’ engagement in conventional means of resolving domestic violence. A qualitative study methodology was employed, using in-depth interviews to elicit data from twelve adult Nigerians residing in a local council of a southeastern state. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the data. The study discovered significant factors, including poverty, anger, and patriarchal structures, as predictors of domestic violence with substantial repercussions on family cohesion and the mental health of those affected. The findings revealed that people in the study area are well-versed in traditional methods for handling domestic violence, with family elders and traditional and religious leaders playing a crucial role. The study reveals that people are unaware of social work professionals’ involvement in domestic violence management, mainly due to the relatively new and emerging nature of formal social work practice. We suggest the inclusion of social workers for effective and efficient use of traditional approaches in handling domestic violence. Their engagement becomes essential in propagating awareness about better system trust to encourage the use of conventional methods to ensure family protection, preservation, and reunification, unlike the formal legal system. The study, however, indicated that effective collaboration among social workers, policymakers, and community stakeholders is essential to develop comprehensive policies that effectively tackle the issue of domestic violence. Overall, the study recommends a collaborative effort by social workers and community stakeholders to develop strategies and identify adequate linkages to prevent possible social injustice resulting from patriarchal norms within the cultural context that may affect their intervention.