In Dark Days, in Dire Straits: Domestic and Family Violence in Ghana

Abstract

Domestic and family violence continues to be an issue which many people deal with across the globe. Research suggests that relationships among individuals experiencing violence are laden with problems which cause physical, economic, social, sexual, and psychological harm. Some studies have looked at the individual effects of domestic violence, however, the familial effects of domestic violence has remained largely unexplored qualitatively. Hence, the need to take a qualitative approach in looking at how domestic and family violence affects the family function as the family is the basic unit of every society and informs societal outcomes. This study was conducted in Tema and sought to examine how spousal victims of violence perceive the impacts of domestic violence on them and their children and consequently the family relationship. Interviews were conducted to collect data for the study using a semi-structured interview guide. In all, fifteen participants were recruited through purposive sampling and thematic analysis was used in analysing the data obtained at the end of the interview process. The study found that victims of domestic violence in the intimate relationship suffered psychologically, emotionally, economically and in certain circumstances physically. However, they were sometimes unable to adequately pinpoint how the violence affected their children. That notwithstanding, victims attested to the fact that the loving environment needed for a healthy family relationship and proper family functioning was largely absent and explained ways in which this played out. These ways included apprehension or grief experienced by victims and children due to abuse of a parent, ineffective communication within the family because of partner abuse, which in some cases, was coupled with the direct abuse of children and the absence of family synergy. This was because the division due to recurring abuse affected the ability of the family to achieve more as a group. The findings of this study point to the need for a more victim centred approach to handling domestic violence reports. This means not only stopping the deprivation or hurt because of abuse but also ensuring that victims find strength to live, as much as possible, a normal life again. More effective and robust counselling services at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, with easy accessibility, as well as financial empowerment programmes are a necessary. This is because victims of domestic violence as found in the study deal with a myriad of physical, psychological, and financial issues and need help to effectively live the life they envisage for themselves and their children. This would enable victims and their children to develop the mental strength and gain the physical and economic power to navigate their situations.