The influence of intimate partner violence on children’s growth at Liwale Township in Liwale District, Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.6.2.35Keywords:
Children’s Growth, Causes of DV, Consequence of DV, Intimate Partner ViolenceAbstract
This study examined the influence of intimate partner violence (IPV) on children’s growth and development at Liwale Township, Liwale District-Tanzania. Specifically, it assessed the causes and consequences of IPV on children’s growth, as well as strategies for reducing IPV in the community. The study was guided by social learning theory and control theory. The study adopted a case study design. This paper employed purposive sampling, particularly criterion sampling, to select participants with direct experience of IPV. Snowball sampling was also used to identify additional participants through referrals from social workers and trusted community leaders; a total sample size of 30 participants was targeted. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that the primary causes of IPV in Liwale Township were excessive alcohol consumption, poverty, and low levels of education. Additional significant triggers included women’s refusal to have sex with their spouses and women leaving home without their husband’s permission. These factors collectively contribute to the occurrence and persistence of IPV within the community. The findings showed that IPV has severe negative consequences on children’s growth and development. These include emotional distress, sleep disturbances, mental health decline, poor academic performance, increased levels of depression, anxiety, stress, behavioural disorders, and, in some cases, suicidal ideation. Furthermore, children raised in violent households often learn and model violent or abusive behaviours. The study concludes that the causes of intimate partner violence (IPV) are common and can be effectively managed by all stakeholders. However, the effects of IPV on children are devastating with some parents becoming sources of misery rather than caregivers for their children. The study recommends that Social Welfare Officers (SWOs) should conduct targeted workshops to educate villagers on the risks associated with IPV and the available legal protections. Furthermore, the government should strengthen collaboration with Social Welfare Officers (SWO), One-Stop Centre Officers (OSC) and Gender and Children’s Desk (GCD) to pool resources for community development and the protection of human rights.
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