Domestic Violence and Abuse in Pregnancy: Assessing Disclosure, Non-disclosure and Conflict Resolution Strategies in South-South, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/toxicologydigest.vol5no1.49Keywords:
Domestic violence, Abuse, Pregnancy, Disclosure, Non-disclosure, South-South, NigeriaAbstract
Background:
Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) during pregnancy is a globally recognized and significant public health concern affecting about 25% of women worldwide. Despite the World Health Organization and other agencies efforts to prevent violence against women in several conventions and conferences, DVA remains prevalent especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to determine Domestic Violence and Abuse in pregnancy: Exploring disclosure, nondisclosure and conflict resolution strategies in South-South, Nigeria.
Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive survey was adopted on 1,720 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at selected Primary Health Care Centres across Bayelsa and Rivers States (November, 2024 to April, 2025) using convenience sampling method. Data were collected with adapted Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) and analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation.
Results:
52.9% and 69.2% of participants claimed to have been physically and psychologically abused respectively. It happens frequently (44.2%). Concern for children’s wellbeing (50.6%) is the highest reasons for not disclosing the abuse to anyone followed by shame, embarrassment (13.4%). This result infers that most pregnant women experiencing DVA in Nigeria prefer to use the help of their parents as strategy to cope.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that DVA is a significant problem that requires attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders. The patterns of DVA varies across different communities and contexts, and it is influenced by a range of factors, including substance abuse, low education, and anger/hostility.
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