An Analysis of the Contribution of Civil Society Organisations in Combating Domestic Violence in Peri-urban Centres: A Case of Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention in Rubaga Division, Kampala District.

Abstract

NAMUSOKE LILLIAN (2009-M092-20037) An Analysis of the Contribution of Civil Society Organisations in Combating Domestic Violence in Peri-urban Centres: A Case of Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention in Rubaga Division, Kampala District. The study analysed the contribution of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in combating domestic violence against women in peri-urban areas with a case study of the Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) in Rubaga division. The study focused on domestic violence that is perpetrated by intimate partners. The independent variable was the contribution of civil society organisations, while the dependent variable was domestic violence against women. The intervening variable was the laws aimed at fighting domestic violence. The general objective was to analyse the contribution of CSOs in combating domestic violence against women in peri-urban areas. This was achieved through three specific objectives and, thus, three research questions. The research was carried out using the quantitative research approach. The study involved 400 men and women between the ages of 18 to 49 years in five parishes of Rubaga division. The primary data-collection method was used in the study and questionnaires were used as a tool of primary data collection. After collection, the data was coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study discovered that there is a high level of domestic violence against women in Rubaga division. This was reached at after studying the frequency and severity of the abuse that women are subjected to. The study also discovered that, on what peri-urban residents consider as domestic violence, respondents strongly agreed (with no doubt at all) that they considered it domestic violence if the abuse happened often or if the abused woman gets severe physical injury, such as getting deformed, burnt or battered to death. The respondents also agreed, although simply, that they considered it domestic violence if it involved physical and psychological abuse, for example, a woman being battered, verbally abused or threatened to be harmed. However, respondents had doubts when it came to sexual abuse and controlling behaviour; for example, a woman being forced to have sexual intercourse or perform a sexual act against her will and a woman being prohibited from going anywhere without permission, talking to other people or working. Respondents did not consider it domestic violence if the abused woman is given a gift after being beaten. It was also established that CEDOVIP has made a significant contribution in combating domestic violence against women in Rubaga division. This was achieved through studying the needs of abused women and the extent to which CEDOVIP provides for such needs. Key Words: Civil Society Organisations, Domestic Violence, Peri-urban Centres Prevention, Kampala District.