Controlling behavior, power relations within intimate relationships and intimate partner physical and sexual violence against women in Nigeria
2011

Controlling Behavior and Violence Against Women in Nigeria

Sample size: 2877 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Antai Diddy

Primary Institution: Center for Global & Population Health, The Angels Trust Nigeria

Hypothesis

Women who reported less power within their relationship would most likely be victims of controlling behavior and be at an increased risk of physical and sexual IPV.

Conclusion

Controlling behavior by husband/partner significantly increases the likelihood of physical and sexual IPV, thus acting as a precursor to violence.

Supporting Evidence

  • 63% of women reported exposure to at least one form of controlling behavior by their husband/partner.
  • 15% of women reported experiencing physical violence.
  • 3% of women reported experiencing sexual violence.
  • Women who justified wife beating had a higher likelihood of experiencing physical and sexual violence.

Takeaway

If a husband or partner tries to control a woman's actions, it can lead to physical and sexual violence against her.

Methodology

The study used secondary data from a cross-sectional nationally-representative survey collected by face-to-face interviews from women aged 15 - 49 years in the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.

Potential Biases

Women's reports of their husband/partner's use of control tactics may be subject to exaggeration.

Limitations

The cross-sectional nature of the data makes it difficult to determine causal inference.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 15 - 49 years, currently or formerly married or cohabiting with a male partner.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.000

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 2.50 - 3.69

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-511

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