THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A CASE

STUDY OF MAKINDYE DIVISION,

KAMPALA DISTRICT

BY

AMWESIGA HILLARY

DPE/3761 1/121/DU

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OPEN

AND DISTANCE LEARNING (COEDL) IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A DIPLOMA IN

EDUCATION (PRIMARY) OF KAMPALA

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

AUGUST 2013
 DECLARATION

I, Amwesiga Hillary affirm that the work contained in this proposal is by my hard work, it
has never been submitted for any award here in or any other Institution of higher Education.

Sign:
Amwesiga Hillary
(Student)

Date: ~3OO 20(S

 APPROVAL

This piece of work has been under my supervision and now it is ready to be submitted for

examination.

‘4
Sign: 4~

Mr. Oketcho Pius

(Supervisor)

Date: ~
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this piece of work to my head teacher Kansanga Hill primary school Mr. Okello
George.

Secondly I would like to dedicate the same piece of work to the following: Otuke George,
Natukunda Vernice, Mr. Kirunda Isaac, Mr. Rukundo Godfrey and Mr. Otwara James for
their support, guidance and encouragement.

111
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to acknowledge the Principal of the College, my Supervisor Mr. Oketcho Pius
who spared his time for his endless guidance that has led to the success of this research.

I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Ssekisambu Jonathan, Ms. Kemigisha Sarah, Mr. Etalu
Anthony and Ms. Bitamisi Namboira for all their contribution towards my studies.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION
APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

LIST OF TABLES viii

ACRONYMS ix
ABSTRACT x

CHAPTER ONE 1
INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Background 1
1 .1 Statement of the Problem 2
1.2 Objective of Study 3
1.2.1 General Objective 3
1.2.2 Specific Objectives 3
1.3 Research Questions 3
1.4 Scope of Study 3
1.4.1 Conceptual Scope 3
1.4.2 Geographical Scope 4
1.4.3 Time Scope 4

1.5 Significance of the Study 4

1.5.INGOs 4
1.5.2 Government 4
1.5.3 Academicians 4
1.5.4 Local People 5
1.5.5 Stakeholders in Development 5

v
CHAPTER TWO .6
LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.0 Introduction 6
2.1 Forms of Domestic Violence 7
2.1 .1 Domestic Violence as an International Phenomenon 9
2.2 Causes of Domestic Violence 11
2.3 Effects of Domestic violence on academic performance 12
2.4 Conclusion 14

CFIAPTER THREE 15
METHODOLOGY 15

3.0 Introduction 15
3.1 Research Design 15
3.2 The Area and Population of Study 15

3.3 Sample Framework 15

3.3.1 Sample Size 15
3.3.2 Sample Technique 16

3.3.3 Sample Procedure 16

3.4 Data Collection Methods 16
3.4.1 Instruments 16
3.4.2 Sources of Data 17
3.5 Data Processing 17

3.6 Data Analysis 17

3.7 Ethical Considerations 17

3.8 Research Limitations 18

vi
CHAPTER FOUR .19
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS 19

4.0 Introduction 19
4.1 Demographic background of the Respondents 19
4.1.1 Sex 19
4.1.2 Age 19
4.1.3 Marital Status 20
4.1.4 Education Level 20
4.1.5 Occupation 21

4.2 Forms of Domestic Violence 21

4.3 Causes of Domestic Violence 22
4.4 Effects of Domestic Violence on performance 23

CHAPTER FIVE 24
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 24

5.0 Introduction 24
5.1 Summary 24
5.2 Conclusion 25

5.3 Recommendations 25
5.4 Area for Further Research 27

REFERENCES 28

APPENDICES 29
APPENDIX A: QUESTION1NJAIRES 29
APPENDIX B: INTERVIEW GUIDE TO THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL 31
APPENDIX C: INTERVIEW GUIDE TO THE NGO REPRESENTATIVE 32
APPENDIX D: BUDGET 33
APPENDIX E: TIME FRAME 34

vii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Sex of the Respondents 19

Table 2: Age of the respondents Age Group 19

Table 3: Marital status of the Respondents 20

Table 4: Education level of the Respondents 20

Table 5: Occupation of the Respondents 21

Table 6: Heard of domestic violence 21

Table 7: Domestic violence culprit 21

Table 8: Form of Domestic Violence 22

Table 9: Causes of Domestic Violence 22

Table 10: Effects of Domestic Violence 23

viii
 ACRONYMS

COEDL : College of Education Open and Distance Learning

FIDA : Federation of international Women’s Association.

NGO : Non-Governmental Organization

SPSS : Special Package for Social Scientists

USA : United States of America

UN : United Nations

ix
 ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at finding out the causes and effects of domestic violence on academic

performance of pupils in primary schools in Makindye Division in Kampala district, western

Uganda.

This study was directed by objectives and these include:

To identify different forms of domestic violence in Makindye Division, To identify the

causes of domestic violence and family instability among the people of Makindye Division,

To establish the effects of domestic violence on family welfare in Makindye Division and to

establish measures taken to reduce domestic violence in Makindye Division.

The study was descriptive where stratified sampling was used to select population. It

employed a total of 80 respondents as in chapter four. Data were analysed and presented

using statistical methods of data presentation where percentages were integrated into tables.

It was found out that there are effects of domestic violence on family affairs. There is a

multiplicity of factors that lead to domestic violence.

Among the factors discovered were; alcohol, lack of proper communication channel,

unbalanced gender power, sexual demands, unfaithfulness.

Among the recommendations given were, the need to provide lunch to pupils and students as

well as teachers, the need for the government to act accordingly in order to reduce domestic

violence and the people causing it to be punished and the community to socialize its members

with their beliefs, values, knowledge, customs and norms of domestic violence.

x
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background

Domestic violence involves use of force on members of the family for example by hitting,

beating, cutting or other ways of causing pain to a person, ways intended to cause suffering to

a person that is, denying a person basic needs or necessities of life such as food, medical

attention or using abusive language intended to humiliate that person (RDA. 2006).

Domestic violence is a very common phenomenon and universal which is on the rise in our

country. It is absurd that the victims have not got enough courage to speak against the vice

since at most it occurs behind curtains in homes. It is manifested in the political, social,

economic and private sphere of human life. It is inherent in the low status accorded to

children and women by society. At the political level, violence is manifested especially

during political upheavals, where in case of women, are raped and brutalized. At the social

level, domestic violence is manifested by the cultural legitimation of customs and practices

that affects women’s rights (Judith. 1999).

The woman is taken as property owned by a man who paid a bride price for her to the parents

of that woman. Still under cultural, there’s female circumcision which is customary practiced

and this legitimizes violence against women from that culture At the economic level, violence

is through the full control of ones income. For example a man may decided to have control

over her wife’s income because a woman or that woman is taken as a property due to bride

price paid as it is quoted by an Etesot man who said a property can not own a property

(Courier. 1995).

In the private sphere of human life, women are the mostly affected in that violence may take

form of defilement, incest, rape, murder, assault, mental torture and psychological violence.
Private sphere is taken as Household or compounded related environment hence perpetrators

of violence are members of the household or community where the victim lies. The victims

mostly women stay in such abusive relationship for the safety of their children, for fear of

being outcaste from society and with hope that the abuser will change (Courier, 1995).

Acts of domestic violence constitute an unpleasant subject, one, that many physicians do not

recognize or acknowledge. Domestic violence includes physical violence, emotional abuse,

marital rape, sexual abuse, neglect and verbal abuse. Domestic violence is gendered- hence

numbers of the victims will reveal that it is disproportionately directed against women

(Judith, 1999).

1.1 Statement of the Problem

There’s growing number of gender inequality and unfair treatment, the Media reports cases of

battered wives and slain husbands, children being denied basic necessities. Hospitals receive

many wounded spouses who do not wish to return to the domestic arena and church

pastorates find many cases of mental disputes that require their intervention. 60% of

Uganda’s women are victims of domestic violence (FIDA Uganda, 2008).

What is the explanation for this state of affairs, why is it ever on the increase? How do the

people of Uganda perceive this issue, are they aware that violence in home constitutes a

criminal act? Generally, victims of domestic violence do not report the abuse for fear of

retaliation and shame with some women considering physical abuse as part of marriage life.

It is common therefore to find that in spite of requiring medical attention for injuries

sustained, very few abused women report to their careers about it

There is a general absence of proper institutional channels available to victims in reporting

their grievances. This study intends to identify that domestic violence can be stopped, the

2
entire population will be asked to give their suggestions about what can be done within their

midst to curb down this problem.

1.2 Objective of Study

This study was guided by two sets of objectives

1.2.1 General Objective

The major objective was to assess the causes and effects of domestic violence on academic

performance in primary schools.

1.2.2 Specific Objectives

i. To identify different forms of domestic violence in Makindye Division.

ii. To identify the causes of domestic violence and family instability among the people

of Makindye Division.

iii. To establish the effects of domestic violence on family welfare in Makindye

sub- county.

iv. To establish the measures taken to reduce domestic violence in Makindye

sub- county.

1.3 Research Questions

i. What are the different forms of domestic violence in Makindye Division?

ii. What are the causes of domestic violence in Makindye Division?

iii. What are the effects of domestic violence on family welfare?

iv. What measures can be taken to reduce on the problem of domestic violence?

1.4 Scope of Study

This was carried out within both geographical and theoretical scope.

1.4.1 Conceptual Scope

The study emphasized on forms, cause effects and measures to reduce domestic violence
3
1.4.2 Geographical Scope

The research was conducted in Makindye Division, Kampala district, Makindye Division is

in the southern part of the district in Kampala. The people of Makindye Division are mainly

the Baganda who speak Luganda as their native language. These peoples’ lives are primarily

characterized by business activities done by both men and women.

1.4.3 Time Scope

The study was carried out from March to August 2013 since the researcher was in final year.

1.5 Significance of the Study

1.5.1 NGOs

The study will be useful to the policy makers, management in that it will provide useful

policy guideline for appropriate policy formulation and programmes for abolishing domestic

violence.

1.5.2 Government

Information on domestic violence will be useful to policy makers like Ministry of Gender and

Community Development, Women Organisation concerning with the rights of women and

welfare like HDA Uganda, on how they can empower women and create gender equality.

The research findings will be of great value to the Uganda Government and other institutions

whose goal is to improve violence situations.

1.5.3 Academicians

The study is expected to help the researcher in the fulfillment of the requirements for a

Diploma in primary education of Kampala International University.

The finding will provide up-to-date literature and open the field for further research to

academician and researchers who may be interested in area of domestic violence.

4
1.5.4 Local People

The study will be used to sensitize victims about their rights, that is, what to do when their

rights have been infringed on where to report those cases of domestic violence and many

others.

1.5.5 Stakeholders in Development

~ findings of the study will contribute information about stopping domestic violence which

has been a great danger to the women.

It will provide useful policy guideline for appropriate policy formulation and programmes for

improving women focused projects.

It will better provide a solid knowledge base to enable these institutions to design

intervention programs that will address women’s role in development in Uganda.

5
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

There is little that has been written concerning the causes and effects of domestic violence in

Makindye Division, therefore this chapter gives a related literature about the research topic.

Domestic violence has been a great problem in the family members for so long and it is still

persuasive. This problem appears in each and every family be educated family or uneducated

ones. Domestic violence occurs ranging from father to children, mother (step mother) to

children and from child to child within the same family.

Monitor 2/8/200 1 No. 312, Jonathan Akweteireho reported a young girl who was in primary

six who left home over forced malTiage in Mbarara. As she was reaching home from school

she found ‘the so called bride waiting for her, declining to malTy. Her father lost dignity and

respect in the village.

Domestic violence is used to describe a variety of actions and omissions that occur in

different relationships. The term is used narrowly to cover incidents of physical attack, which

may take the form of physical and sexual violations such as punching, throwing boiled water

and many other acts; the result of which can range from bruising to killing. Some people use

the term to include psychological or mental violence which can consist of repeated verbal

abuse, harassment confinement and deprivation of physical financial and personal resource:

contact with family member may be controlled (Craig 1985).

Domestic violence, defined as abuse involving intimate partners is the most common cause of

injury to women (Chambliss et al 1995). Domestic violence occurs and can involve men to

women, men to children, women to children and sometimes women to men. In other words

domestic violence is the violence between the members of the same family. Frequently, the

6
violence is a combination of physical, sexual and psychological abuse that occurs in a cyclic

and intensifying pattern that can ultimately result into serious assaults with weapons or even

death.

2.1 Forms of Domestic Violence

According to Marden (2007), domestic violence can happen in families from any class. Given

the limitations of existing research, it is difficult to generalize about the social position of

victims of domestic violence, some research show over representation of victims who are

economically disadvantaged or who might be described as lower-class or from young age

groups. There are many more domestic violence in families that are economically

disadvantaged or where the husband has had less education than the wife. Since he does not

give us the reason for this trend, we should ask ourselves why there is more violence in

families which are economically disadvantaged and why are less educated husbands more

violent?

According to Amnesty International (2006), in Russia woman dies from domestic violence

every 40 minutes in Russia. And every day around 36,000 women in Russia are beaten by

their husbands or partners. Each year in Russia, about 14.000 women die at the hands of their

husbands or intimate partners. In the United States, by comparison, this number stands at

about 1,200, according to the 2001 Bureau of Justice Statistics Report. Russia’s population is

144 million; the U.S. population is 293 million. Russian women 2.5 times more likely to be

murdered by their partners than American women. However, American women are already

twice as likely to be killed by their partners as women in Western European countries. ma

2003 Russian Ministry of the Interior report that polled victims of domestic violence. 76

percent of the women said they had suffered from abuse for a long time before reporting it to

the police or making it public in some other way. Some of their given reasons were: “Didn’t

7
believe that the law enforcement would help,” “Was afraid of revenge.” “Was afraid of losing

housing, had nowhere to go.” “Was afraid of public scorn.” “Didn’t want to leave the kids

without a father.” In Uganda 41% of women reported being beaten or physically harmed by a

partner; 41 % of men reported beating their partner.

According to Mukasa (1994), the attitude of the law enforcement agencies towards incidents

of domestic violence is private and therefore, outside their spheres of operation is another

crucial areas to be addressed in mapping out the framework to address the problem. Despite

her good research, she remains an escapist and does not address the problem squarely. She

did not give a solution to such a problem which adfnits as regards police officers handling

their clients “that is a private matter, go and sort it with your husband”. It would have been

better if with the experience she has to give a strategy of escaping from such predicament

Smith (2004) says it is difficult to estimate the actual incidence of violence in the household,

communities deny the problem fearing that an admission of its existence is as assault on the

integrity of the family and few official statistics are kept. Current methods of estimating

number of women assaulted by their husbands are questionable.

According to Wilson (2000) in her book entitled violence against women crisis in Eighties,

the statistics are based on reported incidents of abuse obtained from police, welfare and

hospital records on number of victims. Victims are often reluctant to report that they have

been violated, they may fail to report because they feel ashamed of being assaulted by their

husbands, they may have sense of family loyalty. This therefore raises the question, should

the woman or the victim sleep on his or her rights because they want to uphold the integrity

of the family and have sense of family royalty? There is need therefore to sensitise people

about their rights and the dangers which they are likely to face if they just sleep on them.

8
Cultural practices offering bride price which at times very high this makes women be treated

as property of a man which they can use as they want including venting their anger.

The women are often trapped because leaving her husband implies returning the bride price

(Connie 2004).

2.1.1 Domestic Violence as an International Phenomenon

Instability due to violence between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups in both Burundi and

Rwanda has led to mass migrations. Most Hutu have fled Bujumbura and some have gone to

Rwanda. Thousands of persecuted Rwandan Tutsi have crossed into Burundi.

In the past 28 years campaign against gender-based violence was established at the UN’s

decade for women meeting of 1985, women’s groups and individual activities across world

have campaigned vigorously against abuses such as rape, wife beating, sexual harassment

most especially in war affected zones, for example in western Uganda where women and

young girls are being abducted and raped. Persistent lobbying by feminists has recently

succeeded in establishing official international recognition of gender-based violence as a

fundamental violation of women’s and children’s rights, yet throughout the world, violence is

still very much a hidden problem whose scale is vastly underestimated everywhere (Denis

2007).

The discovery of domestic violence as a problem rooted in the structure of the social order,

rather than the pathological psyches of individual as important component of feminists’

theories has taken different paths in different paths in different parts of the world, it was a

major issue in Europe and North America. In other parts of the world, it was the UN decade

for women 1975-1985 that became the primary catalyst for discovering domestic violence

against women (Connie 2004).

9
Gray Ford’s study showed that the women had been punished, kicked attacked with knives

and broken bottles, beaten with belts and buckles, burned and sealed.

In the USA, it is estimated that one third to one half of all women who live with male

companies experience forms of brutality such as threats of severe harm, degradation, beatings

and torture.

In the world the idea of regarding man as superior to woman has not yet been eliminated and

under estimation and dissemination of women still exists. In Ghana, social customs have been

a major factor of the gender issue as men claim that evening is the creation of the world. God

made woman out of the rib of a man thus man enjoying the domination in the family thus

enhancing violence against women (Elizabeth 2000).

In Bangladesh the most serious problems associated with domestic against women include

illiteracy. Economic dependency and the social and religious attitudes and beliefs as it is a

male oriented society.

According to the FIDA Kenya chapter’s 2001 reported domestic violence was the most

common human-rights violation in Kenya. Of a total of 62 murders reported between January

and September 2001, 29 involved a man killing his wife. “This then means that 47 percent of

all murders nationwide were the result of domestic violence. Other manifestations of

domestic violence included breaks and fractures, amputations, other visible marks, and

missing hair and teeth,” said Martha Koome, FIDA-Kenya’s chairperson, in a recent speech

received by IRIN.

In conclusion therefore, after looking at the domestic violence as an international

phenomenon, it is important to note that the problem is prevalent worldwide touching all

aspects of women’s lies and the victims at large. Despite the momentum to no definitive

10
framework have yet emerged for conceptualizing effort to understand the nature and global

extent of violence.

2.2 Causes of Domestic Violence

There are many theories to explain the existence and extent of the problem. Various causes

range from drunkenness to those that are oriented within traditions and those related to

gender power relations. Some of the causes are as follows:

Some men especially those in cohabitational unions do not attach value to their women well

knowing that they can always replace them. They treat their spouses in a rough manner, their

concern being the mere fulfillment of society’s expectation of a man to have a woman in his

house. And some men always say that “the home of the man never disintegrates if one

woman goes, he can gear another one”. To this the women pressurize their men into wedding

which the men are not ready for and therefore does not stop incidents of domestic violence

(Elizabeth 2000).

Alcohol has been high lightened as the cause of domestic violence in marital relationships.

When men are so irritable and their tempers flare at the smallest opportunity wanting all

things to be done by their command. There is one incident or case where a female brought a

complaint against her husband to the law society for assaulting her physically whenever his

husband is drunk, she further complained that he assaulted even the children as he locked

them in the house and threatening to kill them (Elizabeth 2000).

Lack of communication by way of dialogue and discussion between spouses. Some partners

express their dissatisfaction through physical violence without waiting to get explanations

from their wives. In such instances the male physical strength is what legitimates violence

over the weaker female (Connie 2004).

11
It is clear that the unbalanced gender power relations sustain and legitimize domestic

violence by maintaining that the man is always right. Some religious beliefs such as Muslim

wives submit yourselves to your husband, the head of every woman is a man thus manifesting

why men feel the way they do over their wives which attitude has less to quite a number of

women living miserably.

Women are expected to be submissive to sexual demands even when unreasonably made.

They are expected to tolerate physical abuse within marriage because it is believed to be part

of the marriage life. There is a tendency by in-laws to play down the gravity of incidence of

domestic violence when reported. Often cases of domestic violence do not reach the formal

dispute resolution because of under reporting and tacitly condemnation which fuels domestic

violence to a large extent (Connie 2004).

In case of women, they face forced continuous reproduction. If they mention use of

contraceptive, the men want to beat them up. Like there is one incidence where a man told his

wife to leave if she was tired of bearing children because she was good for nothing else. It is

therefore clear from this response that, some men consider it to be their natural right to solely

make decisions on the number of children their wives should have. The women comply to

this social construction and continue to endure this form of violence due to fear of

replacement (Denis 2007).

Another reason is the men always suspect their women to be unfaithful especially when the

woman is working.

2.3 Effects of Domestic violence on academic performance

Bryan (1970) asserted that the causes of marriage breakups especially in America can also be

traced from the domestic violence in family and in stress of that he gives some figures about

the domestic violenc e which are committed against women in America. He says in 30
12
seconds a woman is beaten in 1978 it was reported that 1 .8m women were beaten by their

husband. Some parents are irresponsible and they can’t tell their children to revise books

when they break up hence poor performance.

Domestic violence may result in lacerations, bruises, and other more severe physical injuries,

including miscarriages in the case of pregnant women. It also causes long-term psychological

damage: victims often suffer from low self-esteem and many blame themselves for their

treatment It is common for victims to find themselves unable to leave their attacker, both for

psychological reasons and because of the difficulty in finding alternative accommodation. In

a number of well-publicized, extreme cases this situation has resulted in the killing of the

abuser by the victim (Jane de Gay 2000). When a child is with bruises he or she can’t

concentrate as his or her fellow classmates laugh at her/him.

Although domestic violence is a form of assault and so is technically illegal worldwide,

victims have often found the criminal law unhelpful, because legal systems in many countries

maintain that the law should not intervene in private relations within the home. it is not

possible for a wife to bring charges of rape against her husband in some countries, such as

Brazil. The main means of legal redress for victims generally is to take civil action, in the

form of a court order either to forbid a partner from molesting the applicant or their children,

or to bar the attacker from the family home. However, this is a complex process and court

orders are difficult to enforce: a party may be punished for contempt of court if the abuse

persists. but the courts have no way of actively preventing further violence. Help for victims

may be sought from housing authorities and social and medical services, as well as from

refugees run by charities. Such refugees may provide the victim with alternative

accommodation in the short term, but victims do not have a statutory right to permanent

rehousing from governments. Child victims may be monitored by child protection agencies

13
and if this proves ineffective, may be removed from their parents and placed in local

authority care.

Gilbert Omeda of African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse

and Neglect (ANPPACAN) New vision October 6 2010) said most children have taken to

street life as a result of child labour which includes among others domestic violence, sexual

harassments or outright neglect by parents or guardians, most children think it is better to be

on streets than face the mistreatments at home.

Abraham Were, the Jinja district Education Officer (New Vision Oct. 6, 2010) said, “children

between six and twelve years of age go to school in the morning and come out at 10:00am to

cut sugarcanes, fish in lakes and rivers and wash cars to earn a living which in turn affect

their academic performance, hence dropout from school.

Byron Twesigwe a field operations officer in the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (New Vision

October 6, 2010) said, ‘poor service delivery in the education sector in Busoga region is

caused by the high rates of child labour in the area which has resulted into poor academic

performance and dropout rates in the region.’

2.4 Conclusion

On the whole, changing attitudes towards domestic violence have led to new initiatives to

help victims in certain countries. For example, in Australia, the Domestic Violence Crisis

Service was set up to enable volunteer helpers to work with the police, providing support for

victims (including children) and organizing counseling for perpetrators. In Canada a Federal

initiative on Family Violence was launched in 1991, aiming to improve legal remedies and

rehousing options. There have also been moves towards an international response to domestic

violence- For example, the 4th United Nations Women’s Conference, held in September

1995. called for a worldwide campaign against domestic violence.

14
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the methods that were used during this study. These included target

population, sample size, methods of data collection, data editing and data analysis. It

addresses the area of study, the population covered and the problems to be encountered.

3.1 Research Design

The study employed descriptive design, since domestic violence can be described easily, in
the collection of data, the research design is preferred because it enabled the researcher
systematically collect and present data to give a clear picture regarding domestic violence.

Both quantitative and qualitative data were used because they involved carrying out
interviews and conducting group discussions. Under quantitative method, questionnaires
were used to establish the parties affected and how they are affected.

The design of the study enabled the researcher to examine the causes and effects of domestic
violence on family stability in Makindye Division.

3.2 The Area and Population of Study

The study was conducted in Makindye Division in Kampala district. The

Division is dominated mostly by the Baganda most of them do business. The study covered
four schools namely; God cares primary school, Green hill academy, Victoria Montessori and
St. Stephen primary school.

The study focused on local people, NGOs and government officials in the division so as
to get issues about domestic violence.

3.3 Sample Framework

3.3.1 Sample Size
From the proposed study, the actual total number of the 80 respondents was interviewed.

They were as 55 local people, 10 government officials, 10 NGO representatives, and 5 local
council leaders.
15
3.3.2 Sample Technique

Simple random sampling technique was used to select the population under study. Different

strata was formed. Key information was purposively sampled because they have information

and knowledge in the area of the study.

3.3.3 Sample Procedure

The researcher first defined the population, listed the elements of the population, determined

an appropriate sampling methodology, decided an adequate sample size and selected a

representative sample of 80 respondents.

3.4 Data Collection Methods

3.4.1 Instruments

in order to achieve the objective of this study, the researcher used the following methods of

data collection to get information on causes and effects of domestic violence. The methods

generated enough information so as to make conclusions.

(1) Questionnaire

The questionnaires were administered to local leaders, government officials and Non

Government Organizations members so as to get more sensitive information about the issue

of domestic violence.

(ii) Interview Method

The researcher conducted face-to-face interviews with local people both illiterates and

literates on issues pertaining to the respondents’ background and domestic violence in

particular.

Also govermnent officials were interviewed in order to get their views about domestic

violence.

16
3.4.2 Sources of Data

(i) Primary data source

This is the raw data that was collected from the respondents by use of questionnaires and

interviews. This availed to the researcher the different views of people on domestic violence.

(ii) Secondary data source

Text books and other related works of outstanding scholars whether Published, Magazines.

Written data sources included published and unpublished documents, agency reports,

newspaper articles, internet sources and so forth were referred to as to get more information

about domestic violence in western Uganda.

3.5 Data Processing

After the data collection, qualitative data obtained from the interview was coded. Quantitative

data was coded and tabulated on a scale and was entered in the computer using Statistical

Package for Social Scientist (SPSS).

3.6 Data Analysis

Data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. SPSS was used in analyzing data

collected. Bar graphs were used to give a clearer outlook on domestic violence in western

Uganda.

Bar graphs and other graphs were done in Microsoft Excel. Recommendations were made

using the outcome of the result of the analysis.

3.7 Ethical Considerations

Bearing in mind the ethical issues, the researcher first got a letter of introduction from the

university that introduced him to the respondents during the data collection process. The

researcher provided the respondents with the necessary information as regards the main

purpose of the research, expected duration and procedures to be followed, and was in position

17
to keep privacy and not disclose the confidentiality of respondents and researchers

responsibility.

3.8 Research Limitations

Respondents sometimes were not straight forward in answering questions, this was overcome

by giving them reasonable assurance that the responses were strictly for academic purposes.

There were difficulties in accessing the respondents due to their busy schedules however, the

researcher scheduled with them earlier in advance.

Financial constraints limited the researcher from having a thorough research process for

instance: undertaking pretexts and piloting studies had to be foregone. Again data collection

and processing was done in bits because the researcher was not able to raise the required fund

in lump some, however this was overcome by getting funds from relatives and well wishers.

Problem of distance between the researcher and his supervisor while in the field impeded

proper continuous assessment of research, thus research process was only dictated when its

already late.

18
 CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction

In this section, a core of the study is presented. Data collected from the respondents is

analysed. The discussion is presented in accordance with research question and objectives of

the study.

4.1 Demographic background of the Respondents

4.1.1 Sex

Table 1: Sex of the Respondents

Sex Frequency Percentage

Male 38 47.5
Female 42 52.5
Total 80 100
Source: Respondents

From the study it was revealed that most of the respondents were female with 42 (52.5%) of

the total respondents. Males were on 38 (47.5%).

4.1.2 Age

Table 2: Age of the respondents Age Group

Age group Frequency I Percentage

20-29 39 48.75
30-39 28 35.00
40-49 8 10.00
50+ 5 6.25
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents
From the table above it is revealed that most of the respondents were between 20-29 age
group with 48.75% followed by 3 0-39, 40-49, and 50+ with 3 5.00%, 10.00% and 6.25%
respectively.
19
4.1.3 Marital Status
Table 3: Marital status of the Respondents

Marital Status Frequency Percentage

Married 24 30.00
Single 35 43.75
Divorced 15 18.75
Never Married 6 7.50
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents

From the study. it was found out that most of the respondents were single with 43.75%

followed by married, divorced, never married with 30.00%, 18.75%, and 7.50% respectively.

Through the informal interview with the respondents, most of the respondents were in single

as some of them had left their marriage because of their rights being violated by their loved

ones and some had divorced their loved ones.

4.1.4 Education Level

Table 4: Education level of the Respondents

Education Level Frequency Percentage

No Education 15 18.75
Primary 19 23.75
Secondary 39 48.75
Tertiary 7 8.75
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents

From the study it was found out that most of the respondents were secondary drop outs with
48.75% followed by primary, not educated and tertiary with 23.75%, 18.75% and 8.75%
respectively.
Through the informal interview with the respondents it was found out that many dropped out
of school as they had no money for school fees to enable them proceed with their studies.

20
4.1.5 Occupation

Table 5: Occupation of the Respondents

Occupation Frequency Percentage

Civil Servants 19 23.75
Business people 30 37.50
Self employed 23 28.75
Other 8 10.00
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents

From table 5 above it was established that many of the respondents were business people
with 3 7.50% followed by self employed, civil servants and others with 28.75%, 23.75% and
10.00% respectively.

Business people were many as they constituted all those who did not make it to tertiary level

because their rights to education were limited.

4.2 Forms of Domestic Violence.

Table 6: Heard of domestic violence

Heard —~ Frequency Percentage

Yes 59 73.75
No 21 26.25
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents

From the study it was found out that most of the respondents have ever heard of domestic
with 73.75% and 26.25% have never heard of it.
Table 7: Domestic violence culprit

Culprit Frequency Percentage

~ 43 53.75

No 37 46.25
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents

21
From the study it was found out that most of the respondents were culprit with 53.75% and

46.25%. Many of the respondents have ever suffered with domestic violence.

Table 8: Form of Domestic Violence

Form Frequency Percentage
No Basic needs 29 36.25
Assault 18 22.50
Beating 21 26.25
Others 12 15.00
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents

From the study, it was established that most of them had no access to basic needs with
36.25% followed beating, assault and others with 26.25%, 22.50% and 15.00% respectively.
Most of the respondents said that their rights to basic needs were violated by either their

family members, or other residence. Beating was most occurred between couples.

4.3 Causes of Domestic Violence

Table 9: Causes of Domestic Violence
Causes Frequency Percentage
Alcohol 25 31.25
Lack of communication 4 5.00
Unfaithful 25 31.25 —

Unbalanced gender power 16 20.00

Sexual demands 10 12~50
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents
From the study it was found out that most of the respondents gave alcohol and unfaithful as a

leading a cause of violence with 31.25% followed by unbalanced gender power, sexual

demands, and lack of communication with 20.00%, 12.50% and 5.00% respectively.

In marriage, domestic violence occurs mostly when one is unfaithful to the other and sexual

22
demands like when one wants sex by force. In children it mostly caused by lack of

communication between them and their parents.

4.4 Effects of Domestic Violence on performance

Table 10: Effects of Domestic Violence

Effects Frequency Percentage

Marriage breakups 17 21.25
Bruises 38 47.50
School drop outs 25 31.25
Total 80 100.00
Source: Respondents

From the study it was found out that most of the respondents gave bruises as the commonest

effect of domestic violence with 47.5 0% followed by school drop outs and marriage breaks

with 3 1.25% and 21.25% respectively.

When couples fight one is left with many bruises in the face and all over their bodies and

children who are always corporal punishments victims.

23
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

5.0 Introduction

This chapter includes the general summary recommendations and conclusions to the study.

They are derived from the study findings that are based on the objectives of the study.
4

5.1 Summary

From the study it was revealed that most of the respondents were female with 42 (52.5%) of

the total respondents. Males were only 38 (47.5%) and most of the respondents were between

20-29 age group with 48.75% followed by 30-39, 40- 49, and 50 with 35.00%, 10.00%

and 6.25% respectively.

From the study, it was found out that most of the respondents were single with 43.75%

followed by married, divorced, never married with 30.00%. 18.75%. and 7.50% respectively

of whom most of the respondents were secondary dropouts with 48.75% followed by

primary, not educated and tertiary with 23.75%, 18.75% and 8.75°o respectively.

From the study it was established that many of the respondents were business people with

37.50

followed by self employed, civil servants and others with 28.75%, 23.75% and 10.00%

respectively.

From the study it was found out that most of the respondents have ever heard of domestic

violence with 73 .75% and 26.25% have never heard of it and most of the respondents were

culprit with 53.75% and 46.25%.

From the study, it was established that most of the had no access to basic needs with 36.25%

followed beating, assault and others with 26.25%, 22.50% and 15.00% respectively.

24
From the study it was found out that most of the respondents gave alcohol and unfaithful as a .~

leading a cause of violence with 31.25% followed by unbalanced gender power, sexual

demands, and lack of communication with 20.00%, 12.50% and 5.00% respectively. From

the study it was found out that most of the respondents gave bruises as the commonest effect

of domestic violence with 47.5 0% followed by school drop outs and marriage breaks with

31.25% and 2 1.25% respectively.

5.2 Conclusion

From the research findings, it’s evident that there are effects of domestic violence on family

affairs. There is a multiplicity of factors that lead to domestic violence. 1-lowever, the factors

differ in proportions.

Among the factors discovered were alcohol, lack of communication, unbalanced gender

power, sexual demands, unfaithful. As a result many get bruises and marriage break ups for

children it leads to school dropout.

There is need for further research about the effects of domestic violence on family affairs and

on a large scale. This information will likely help the government to formulate policies

aiming at reducing the dropout.

There is need for improving school infrastructure, provide all necessities in schools, teachers

need to teach effectively. The community must be sensitized such that pupils who leave

schools are not given freedom to sit and forget all about school.

5.3 Recommendations

There is need to provide lunch to pupils and students as well as teachers. The government

should at least allow or enforce parents to start paying for meals at schools. The meals should

25
be uniform to reduce school dropout and eliminated pupils inaccessibility to food as a basic

need.

The government should act accordingly in order to reduce on domestic violence, and the

people causing it should be imprisoned.

There is need to health inspectors to visit schools and give some advice on how to stop

diseases. Similarly schools should be given nearby dispensaries. In those dispensaries, there

should be medicine as well as qualified attendants.

The community should socialize its members to the beliefs, values, knowledge, customs and

norms of domestic violence. This would help to reduce domestic violence.

fhe pupils should continue to be at school in order to get employed and acquire skills

necessary for employers.

The pupils should not commit crimes that may lead them to be heavily punished in order to

curb heavy punishments.

There should be set and enforced laws protecting the rights (rights to education) and freedom

of children in the community. These should be done through the parliament where democratic

means should be done by fail political representative.

Research should be made and coordinated about the causes and effects of domestic violence.

The findings should be nationally published and broadcasted through various national and

private media channels to sensitize the public about the importance of education.

There is need to sensitize the community about the urgency of education in the developing

Uganda. All the stakeholders focus in promoting adult education should be established in the

area and other rural areas where drop out is still a problem.

26
5.4 Area for Further Research

The study investigated the effects of domestic violence on family affair. Though this study

examined the causes, effects and so many areas that deem relevant to this study that was not

dealt with to establish the magnitude of the study. The researcher therefore recommends other

researcher to also take further studies about this topic to make the subject more colorful.

27
 REFERENCES

Arise (June 1994). A woman Development Magazine Published by Acfode, Kampala.

Country report (1993). Seminar paper on improvement of the statue of women II F.V. FIDA
Kampala Uganda.

Courier (1995). The children and women in Uganda; A situational analysis. Macmillan
Uganda.

Craig, J. & Harding (Eds) (1985). Girls and science and technology and 3 conference
report. Theme III: Women, society, science and Technology, Kings College. London.

Denis Mukasa (Dec 4th 2007). Gender violence: how men can make a difference. New
Vision Publications, Kampala Uganda.

Joshua Kato (December 5th, 2000). She was abandoned due to triplets. New Vision
Publications, Kampala Uganda.

Jonathan Akweteireho (August 2, 2001) A girl free home over forced marriage. Monitor
publications, Kampala Uganda.

Kakande and Aladdin (1995) An assessment of women participation in income generating

activities in Nabweru Division, Mpigi District.

Lorna Smith (2004). Domestic violence page 11.

Stella Mukasas (December 13th 1994).

http://www.Jindcounseling. com/journal/domestic_violence/domestic_vioience_refrrences. ht
ml,kampalauganda.

Vernon .M. Briggs (1984). Labour Economics, Richard D. IRWN Inc. Homewood Illinois.

28
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRES

Dear Respondents;

I am a student of Kampala International University, carrying out a study on the topic “An

assessment of the causes and effects of domestic violence in Makindye Division,

Kampala district.”

The purpose of this questionnaire is to collect data on the topic. Your response will be treated

with confidentiality and the information obtained is strictly for education purposes.

Instruction: This section concerns you and please tick the most appropriate boxes of your

choice and fill in the space provided.

SECTION A: PERSONAL DATA

1. Sex: (a) Male El (b) Female El

2. Age of the Respondent: (a) Below 19 ~ (b) 20-24 ~l (c) 25-29 El
(d) 3 0-34 ~ (e) 3 5-39 ~ (f) 40-44 ~ (g) 45+ ~

3. Marital status: (a) Married ~ (b) Single ~ (c) Divorced El

(d) Never married El
4. Education Background: (a) Primary ~ (b) Secondary ~ (c) Tertiary ~

(d) Never been to school ~

5. Occupation of the respondent: (a) Farmer LII (b) Civil Servant El

(c) Self employed ~j (d) Teacher El (e) Others (specify)

SECTION B: DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

6. Have you ever heard of term domestic violence? (a) Yes El (b) No El
If yes, how do you define domestic violence2

29
SECTION C: FORMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE . .

7. Have you experienced with domestic violence? (a)Yes ~ (b) No.

If yes. then how were you harassed7

8. What other forms of domestic violence do you know2

SECTION D: CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

9. What do you think are the causes of domestic violence2

10. What should be done to minimize domestic violence7

SECTION E: EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

11. What are the effects of domestic violence on the lives of people2

12. What are your recommendations to the government in its efforts against domestic
violence?

13. Which group of people is largely affected by domestic violence?

14. What organizations are helping to solve domestic violence?

15. How are they helping you?

16. What are your recommendations to the government in its efforts against domestic
violence?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

30
 APPENDIX B: INTERVIEW GUIDE TO THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL
4

L How do you define domestic violence?

2. Are there many cases of domestic violence?

3. If yes in which region are they?

4. Who are those who are affected?

5. What are the causes of domestic violence?

6. What are the effects of domestic violence in the welfare of families?

7. What could be done to stop domestic violence?

8. What have been done to fight domestic violence?

9. What recommendations or opinion do you have for the government?

31
 ;.

APPENDIX C: INTERVIEW GUIDE TO THE NGO REPRESENTATIVE

1. How do you define domestic violence?

2. How do you define domestic violence internationally?

3. How do NOOs react against domestic violence?

4. What are the causes of domestic violence?

5. What are the effects of domestic violence?

6. What have been done to fight domestic violence?

7. What do you recommend the government in order to curb domestic violence?

8. What recommendations do you have for the government?

32
 APPENDIX D: BUDGET

ITEMS COSTS IN UGX

~ Stationary 50.000

Printing / binding 80.000

Facilitation /meals 30.000

Transport 60.000

Miscellaneous 30.000

Total 300.000
 • •

APPENDIX E: TIME FRAME •

Activity March June July August

Proposal development

Proposal approval

Data collection

Data Analysis

Dissertation

34