SPOUSAL VIOLENCE AND ITS PERCEIVED INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN IN EBUTE METTA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated spousal violence and its perceived influence on children in Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland, Lagos State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Population for the study was 326,700 households. Sample size for the study was 384 derived from the statistical table for determining sample size developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). Validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Data obtained was analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings indicated that the forms of spousal violence included physical violence and aggressiveness, sexual violence, emotional and psychological violence. Findings also showed that the causes of spousal violence could be attributable to individual, relationship and societal factors. The consequences of spousal violence on the victimized spouse could be physical, psychological and social. Findings also revealed that the perceived effects of spousal violence on children included among others nightmares, lethargy, frequent headaches, depression, aggressive behaviour, shame and guilt, fear of abandonment and short attention span in school. Among recommendations made was that spouses should seek effective mediation approaches towards resolving conflicts in marriages. Also, spouses should create a conducive and peaceful environment in their homes as children imitate what is seen in the home.