The Influence of Gender-based Violence on Women Involvement in Criminal Acts in Uganda: A Case Study of Luzira Women Prison.

Abstract

ASIIMWE KAZOORA DOREEN (2013-M062-20016) The Influence of Gender-based Violence on Women Involvement in Criminal Acts in Uganda: A Case Study of Luzira Women Prison. The study was carried out in order to assess the influence of gender based violence on women criminality in Uganda using a case study of women in Luzira prison. The specific objectives of the study were: to indentify the nature and forms of gender based violence faced by women in Uganda; to examine the extent of female criminality in Uganda and to assess the influence of gender based violence on female criminality in Uganda. The study was conducted using a cross sectional research design. The study had 30 respondents from the targeted population of 37 while using qualitative research methods. At the end of the study, it was found out that there is a high rate of gender based violence faced by women in Uganda and these were mostly exemplified in physical, socio-emotional, economic and sexual domestic violence. Secondly, it was found out that there is a growing extent of female criminality in Uganda which is mostly done in form of theft, abortion, shoplifting, prostitution, child abuse and assault. Thirdly, the study discovered that gender based violence is among the primary factors behind women criminality in Uganda. It was, thus, concluded that gender based violence generally influences women criminality in Uganda. Therefore, this study recommends that there is a need to empower women through training in order to see themselves as important stakeholders in contributing to household income and expenses in order to enhance their status and self-worth in marriage and family life. Key Words: Gender-based Violence, Criminal Acts, Luzira Women Prison.