Qualitative reappraisal of perspectives, prevalence, and management of family violence among the Yoruba people: a study of representatives of some Yoruba ethnic subgroups from Ile Ife

Abstract

Abstract Objective The analysis of changing definitions and perspectives of violating behaviors within cultural contexts will inform the responses and interventions that will mostly reduce the occurrences of family violence. Methods This study used focus group discussions of purposively selected participants to generate data that were analyzed using content with themes of definition, perspectives, prevalent forms, persons mostly affected, perpetrators, and management strategies among the Yoruba people. Results There were multiple words and descriptions in the local Yoruba language for abuse and violence, but no single word for either of the two concepts. Common forms of family violence identified were verbal assaults from parents to children, among couples, siblings, physical assault of children by parents, physical assault of parents by children, neglect of children, parents, spouses mostly wives, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Neglect of wives and children was perceived to be increasing, occurring in one in four houses. Sexual harassment and sexual violence were perceived to be rare, but the latter not an issue in marriage. A variant of sexual “touching” said to be tolerated with unmarried young people was identified as common among this ethnic group. Age and gender were dominant factors in the use of common forms of violence. Informal approaches were methods of management of family violence but perceived inadequate. Conclusions This study concluded that family violence is a common phenomenon occurring among family members. Hence, formal acceptable interventions that will be appropriate for this ethnic subgroup are required.