The nature of domestic violence against women in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, 2000- 2021

Abstract

Despite numerous studies on the political, social, economic, religious, and cultural dimensions of Abeokuta society, domestic violence—particularly against women—has received limited scholarly attention. This study bridges that gap by examining the nature, causes, and far-reaching impacts of domestic violence against women in Abeokuta, Ogun State, between 2000 and 2021. Using a historical approach alongside perspectives from related disciplines such as sociology and psychology, the study draws from primary and secondary sources, including extensive oral interviews. Findings reveal that domestic violence against women in Abeokuta is not only widespread but also normalised within family settings, where it is often treated as a private issue and rarely addressed through legal or institutional mechanisms. This normalisation has had damaging consequences: it weakens family bonds, instils fear and silence among victims, undermines women's rights, and fosters a broader societal decline in empathy, moral accountability, and social justice. The study concludes that certain cultural norms and the influential role of family elders have sustained a culture of silence, limiting external interventions. To combat this menace, a paradigm shift is essential—one that redefines domestic violence as a public concern and empowers legal, social, and community structures to intervene effectively.