Domestic violence in Ghana: incidence, attitudes, determinants and consequences

Abstract

Domestic violence – defined as abuse by one person against another in an intimate relationship including marriage, cohabitation, dating or relations within the family – is one of the most common forms of gender-based violence in the world (Abramsky et al., 2011; Ellsberg et al., 2008; Garcia-Moreno et al., 2006, 2013; USAID, 2006). International studies estimate that approximately 35 per cent of women across the world have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives, largely in the form of domestic violence (García-Moreno et al., 2013; Appendix A).1 A recent systematic review has reported that at least one in seven homicides and over one third of all female homicides worldwide are perpetrated by an intimate partner (Stockl et al., 2013). Physical and sexual violence are not the only types of domestic violence perpetrated against women: emotionally abusive acts and controlling behaviour are experienced by up to 75 per cent of women worldwide (García-Moreno et al., 2005). Domestic violence is also associated with persistent forms of gender inequality and adverse health and economic outcomes among victims, including poor physical and mental health, higher risks of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases, restricted livelihood options and choices, lower human capital and lower productivity (García-Moreno et al., 2005, 2013; Moosa, 2012).