'Small small quarrels bring about happiness or love in the relationships': Exploring community perceptions and gendered norms contributing to male perpetrated intimate partner violence in the Central Region of Ghana.

Phyllis Dako-Gyeke,Deda Ogum Alangea,Esnat Dorothy Chirwa,Rachel Jewkes,Yandisa Sikweyiya,Dorcas Coker-Appiah,Adolphina Addoley Addo-Lartey,Richard Mawuena Kofi Adanu,Mellissa H Withers

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0225296

Phyllis Dako-Gyeke, Deda Ogum Alangea + Show 7 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225296

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Abstract

In this paper, we explore gender norms held by men and women that might contribute to male perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ghana. This qualitative research was conducted at the pre-intervention stage of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Our intervention uses community-based action teams to change social norms on gender and violence. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted within communities. We found that male perpetrated IPV is a common phenomenon within the study communities, yet it is complex and experienced differently depending on the context. A woman’s non-compliance with gender norms provided context for the male partner to enforce societal conformity through IPV. Also, male partners’ misbehavior (e.g. alcohol abuse) may exacerbate IPV. Whereas the former is socially acceptable, the latter may be contested. Victims may challenge/counteract IPV using varying tactics (e.g. threats), which were mainly directed toward male partners’ immoral behavior. We conclude that there is a need to assess IPV with key considerations for female agency, as some victims may respond with violence. Moreover, some communities have the tendency to demonstrate more gender-equitable attitudes regarding male perpetration of IPV, as indicated by laws instituted by some traditional leaders to deter perpetrators. These are key learnings that can inform the design and delivery of various interventions that seek to address IPV.

Highlights

Eliminating violence against women (VAW) requires legal and legislative initiatives coupled with community-based interventions, which target social norms [1]
The co-occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) forms has been reported previously [29,30,31], community members described these practices as being cyclical in manner, which may lead to complex and possible interactional sequences associated with the violence [32]
The authors constitute a team of African women and men researchers, who are located within both academia and practice on the continent

Summary

Introduction

Eliminating violence against women (VAW) requires legal and legislative initiatives coupled with community-based interventions, which target social norms [1]. The prevalence of lifetime experience of VAW among women and committed by intimate partners ranges between 15–71% [4]. In Ghana, it was reported that 92% and 34% of women experience sexual and psychological violence, respectively, from their partners [7]. At societal level IPV may be shaped by, law, policy, social norms and power relations which contribute to the public’s understanding and practical responses [8,9]. This is closely related to the community level, which focuses on context (e.g. unemployment and mobility). At a lower layer individual considers personal histories and biological factors, which influence how individuals behave and or may increase their likelihood of becoming either a victim or a perpetrator of violence (e.g. victim of child maltreatment, psychological or personality disorders) [4]

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