Key Triggers of domestic violence in Ghana: A victim centered analysis

Abstract

Background: Prominent among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the determination to put an end to all forms of discrimination against women and girls. Unfortunately, domestic and intimate partner violence constitute enduring and particularly traumatizing forms of gendered violence. Objective: In order to effectively address this crisis, it is important that this study investigates and identifies some key triggers of domestic violence in Accra, Ghana through the situational perspective of female victims. Methods: Using a survey research design, 385 questionnaires were administered with a 64.7 percent return rate, and in-depth interviews were conducted with willing female victims of domestic abuse. Results: The study identified alcoholism, patriarchal social structures, financial subjugation and male response to women’s growing economic independence as key triggers of domestic violence. Conclusion: It suggests the need for a focused interrogation of the changing causes, impact and policy implications of intimate partner and domestic violence.