Risk Factors for Occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence Amongst Women in Slum Areas:

Abstract

The study sought to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of sexual and gender based violence amongst women in slum areas with a case study of Wankulukuku slum in Rubaga division Kampala district. Major objective The study established the risk factors for the occurrence of SGBV amongst women in Wankulukuku. Methodology A cross sectional study on 382 women in the age bracket of 15 to 45 and above was conducted in Wankulukuku slum using a questionnaire and secondary data from Kitebi police station was also used. Results Majority of women were aged 15 to 20, 132(34.6%) and the least were above 45. Most respondents were Muslims, 140(36.6%) and the least SDA, 30 (7.9%). The Baganda were the majority tribe, 113(29.6%) and the least being lugbara, 21(5.5%). Most respondents had attained a secondary education 162 (42.4%) while the least number had pre primary education 21 (5.5%). The biggest number were married, 185(48.4%) while the least, 35 (9.2%) were widowed. Most respondents were employed 207 (54.2%) and majority of these worked as market vendors 75 (36.2%) and the least were Askaris, 11 (5.3%). The prevalence of SGBV was at 65.4%. It was highest in the 31 to 40 years age group,61 (35.9%) and was least in those above 45 years, 6 (3.5%). Muslims were more abused 63 (37.1%). Baganda women were more abused 49 (28.8%) although Acholi women were three times more likely to be abused than Baganda women. Women with a secondary education were more abused than the rest 75 (44.1%) whereas those women who were married reported more cases of abuse 119 (70%). Employed women were more abused 98 (57.6%) and shop attendants were more abused 36 (36.7%). Women whose husbands had a history of abuse were more abused 120 (70.6%). Physical abuse was the highest reported abuse 99 (82.5%). Women with husbands who were substance abusers reported more abuse cases 140 (82.4%) and majority confessed that the abuse happened after using the substances. Women whose husbands had attended parenting programs reported less cases of abuse 77 (45.3%) and those who had sensitization on drug abuse also reported less abuse 30 (21.4%). Very few women 33(19.4%) had knowledge on laws against SGBV and amongst those, only 9 (27.3%) believed the laws were helpful in curbing the violence. Conclusion The level of SGBV was 65.4% lower than expected and not all the risk factors were significant in the cause of SGBV. Recommendations Put in place stronger laws and policies to curb SGBV. Increase sensitization on SGBV. Sensitization on drug misuse and abuse should be. Fight against child abuse should be strengthened since it directly affects their behaviour when they grow up. Laws regarding SGBV should be enforced to be examples to would be abusers. Police should be trained in handling SGBV cases as effective and efficient as possible. A special desk on SGBV should be introduced at the police station to specifically handle SGBV.