The Influence of Domestic Violence on Household Income and Livelihoods:

Abstract

The study: “The influence of domestic violence on household income and livelihoods.” set out to establish the link between domestic violence, household income and livelihoods of the people of Adyel Division, Lira Municipality. Specifically, it established the manifestations of domestic violence among the people living in Adyel Division, determined the prevalence of domestic violence among households, established household income and livelihood avenues that were affected by domestic violence and identify the linkages between domestic violence and household income. It was a non–experimental, cross-sectional study that employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools. The sample size of 422 respondents was involved. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted and was carried out in two stages. The quantitative data from the questionnaire and the checklist were cleaned; field edited and entered in the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) for Windows version 17.0 software for analysis. Analysis was done using frequency tables and figures. Relevant tests including T-tests and Spearman’s tests were performed as necessary. Primary data was gathered from the research tools and was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Quantitative data was got from the respondents’ questionnaire while the qualitative data was got from Key Informant Interviews. Secondary data was got from review of existing literature.

There were strong linkages between domestic violence, households’ income and livelihoods. Key findings were as follows: the community in Adyel Division was knowledgeable about domestic violence; domestic violence was more prevalent among the married; the major causes of domestic violence in Adyel Division were unfaithfulness/extramarital affairs, and alcoholism or over drinking; there was an inversely proportional relationship between domestic violence and household income (household income reduced with increasing domestic violence) as seen from spouses hindering each other from working. The study made the following recommendations: local authorities together with the welfare department and the Local council offices come up with a comprehensive sensitization program to educate the community the on the value of married partners being faithful, the meaning and implications of domestic violence. Also the local authorities come up with bye-laws regulating the consumption of alcohol and ensure that these laws are enforced and the Uganda Police Force should become vigilant when women or men complain to them and deal with the offenders’ accordingly. Emerging areas for further inquiry or investigation were: the link between public health and livelihood choices at household level; and the influence of repeat domestic violence on spousal health; household leadership and success in small and medium enterprise, Household cohesion and improved livelihoods