Domestic violence against women perspectives of cohabiting and married women on marriage sustainability in the Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ashanti Region

Abstract

The study explored the perspective of women in the Atwima Kwanwoma District on domestic violence. The study employed the qualitative research approach hence the case study design was used to explore the issue based on its context. The target population included all matured married and cohabiting women who are in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region. The study employed an interview guide for collecting data from the participants. Qualitative data obtained were analysed thematically. The study found that too much intake of alcohol by men causes them to abuse their wives and the fact that these women were not economically independent and to make ends meet makes them more vulnerable to be abused by their husbands. The study also found again that cohabiting women and married women in the Atwima Kwanwoma District stay in this abusive relationship due to factors such as the children, childlessness, social status, marital gains, helplessness and vulnerability of these women. Based on these findings, the study was recommended that organizations such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the local council of chiefs, and Non-Governmental Organizations like The Ark Foundation should intensify their campaign against men who put women in danger. The study also recommended that cohabiting and married women should be educated to be aware of the Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) to enable them report domestic violence cases to DOVVSU officials for pre-emptive appropriate intervention.